Atty. David W. Wessel

Atty. David W. Wessel

David W. Wessel was born in St.

Portola Valley Portola Valley 42 yrs experience 42 year
Call (888) 604-5241 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About David W. Wessel at a glance

David W. Wessel is an Associate based in Portola Valley, California, practicing at Law Offices of Boris E. Efron. They have 42+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1984. Admitted to practice in Wisconsin (1984), California (1984), and U.S. District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of California (1984). Educated at University of Wisconsin (J.D., 1984) and Concordia College (A.A. University, 1973). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of San Mateo County Bar Association State Bar of Wisconsin State Bar of California Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California. Serands clients in Portola Valley, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • David W. Wessel was born in St. Louis, Missouri
  • He graduated in 1973 from Concordia Lutheran Junior College in Milwaukee with honors
  • He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, graduating with honors in 1975
  • He attended the Master’s program in English literature at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota
  • In 1978, David Wessel enlisted in the United States Peace Corps, and through the Peace Corps he became a high school teacher in Liberia, West Africa
  • Liberia was, and still is, one of the poorest countries in the world
  • David Wessel lived in River Cess, Liberia, one of the more remote areas in Liberia
  • He was a teacher in Liberia for two years before returning to the United States in December 1980
  • He was admitted to the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1981, graduating from UW Law in December 1983
  • He was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar Association and practiced law in Wisconsin until June 1984
  • He was admitted to the California Bar Association in December 1984 and has practiced law in California since then
  • David Wessel initially practiced bankruptcy law in San Francisco
  • Later he moved to Coddington, Hicks & Danforth in Palo Alto, California, an insurance defense firm that practiced aviation disaster law, personal injury, insurance coverage, property damage, business disputes, and other civil litigation throughout the United States
  • He tried many cases there and became a partner
  • In 2011, David Wessel decided he wanted to represent real people instead of large institutions
  • He joined the Law Offices of Boris E. Efron that year
  • Since then he has represented injured and disadvantaged people, trying cases on their behalf and getting great settlements for them
  • His litigation specialties include insurance coverage, insurance bad faith, government entity liability, and construction defects
  • He has represented plaintiffs in all kinds of personal injury lawsuits
  • He has also served as a judicial arbitrator appointed by the San Mateo County and Santa Clara County Superior Courts

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Portola Valley are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Portola Valley or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David W. Wessel

Where is David W. Wessel's law office located?
David W. Wessel's law practice is located in Portola Valley, California. The firm is Law Offices of Boris E. Efron. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
How long has David W. Wessel practiced law?
David W. Wessel has 42+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1984.
Where did David W. Wessel go to law school?
David W. Wessel earned their education at (J.D., 1984); (A.A. University, 1973).
How can I contact David W. Wessel for a consultation?
You can contact David W. Wessel directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David W. Wessel received?
David W. Wessel's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Wisconsin
- 1984
A.A. University
Concordia College
- 1973

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin
Admitted: 1984
California
Admitted: 1984
U.S. District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of California
Admitted: 1984

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