← Attorneys

William L. Gates

Partner

Bill Gates began his approximately fifty year career as a business, real estate, and political attorney by, in his words, “working as a groupie in a political campaign.”

This ultimately led to a position as Chief of Staff and Counsel to California State Senator Alfred E. Alquist, which then became the catalyst to Bill’s unique specialization: strategic counseling for individuals, business organization, employers, and others dealing with all levels of government. He acts as legal counsel to: communication, travel, entertainment, developer/builder, and charitable organizations; corporations listed on the New York Stock Exchange; real estate owners; regional and statewide businesses; and individuals.

“A lot of the advocacy that takes place happens long before we even see a courtroom,” Bill says of his skill and expertise in operating within a community versus a courtroom.

Bill’s office shows like a tour through a museum with pictures of him with U.S. Presidents, Governors, and other top-level government officials lining the walls, providing a look into the history of his political advocacy.

He has served as an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University and a Judge Pro Tem for the Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Added to the list is Bill’s California real estate license and memberships with the National Association of Realtors and the Santa Clara Valley Realtors Association, all of which enable him to contribute to real estate law and landlord tenant cases handled by other GED partners.

There are very few lawyers possessing Bill’s exceptional level of expertise in a unique field of endeavor.

  • California
  • United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of California
  • United States Supreme Court

  • Santa Clara University School of Law, J.D. (1971)
  • Santa Clara University, B.A. (1964)

  • Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem
  • San Jose State University Adjunct Faculty Member

Real Estate
  • Represented numerous buyers and sellers in multi-million dollar real estate transactions.
  • Advocated for clients regarding numerous matters before City Councils, Boards of Supervisors, the CA State Legislature, and boards, commissions, and other entities and subdivisions on all levels of government.
Business Law

  • Advised clients regarding commercial and residential properties including: construction and development projects, entitlements, contracts, leases, sales, and all other matters pertaining to real estate and real estate law.
  • Counseled and advised clients on business transactions, including formation of business entities, operations, contracts, personnel, and all other matters dealing with business and business law.