Atty. John David Kessler

Atty. John David Kessler

John David Kessler is a lawyer practicing planning and preparation of estate planning documents, wills, trusts and 7 other areas of law. John received a B.S. degree from University of California in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years.

Oakland Oakland 50 yrs experience 50 year
Call (650) 549-9105 Book Appointment

Planning and Preparation of Estate Planning Documents & More Attorney · Serving Oakland, CA · 50+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About John David Kessler at a Glance

John David Kessler is a Member based in Oakland, California, practicing at Burke and Kessler A Partnership of Professional Corporations. They have 50+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1976. Their practice focuses on wills, trusts, family law, estate planning, and business. Admitted to practice in California (1976). Educated at University of California Hastings College of Law (J.D., 1976) and University of California (B.S., 1973). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Oakland, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About John David Kessler

  • John David Kessler is a lawyer practicing planning and preparation of estate planning documents, wills, trusts and 7 other areas of law
  • John received a B.S. degree from University of California in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years
  • John practices at Burke and Kessler A Partnership of Professional Corporations in Oakland, CA and 1 other location

Practice Areas Explained

John David Kessler's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John David Kessler handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Oakland.

Wills in Oakland

John David Kessler is one of 34,363 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in California →

Trusts in Oakland

John David Kessler is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →

Family Law in Oakland

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

John David Kessler is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Estate Planning & Probate in Oakland

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

John David Kessler is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in California →

Business & Corporate Law in Oakland

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

John David Kessler is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Oakland

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 Oakland 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 venue, 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.

Oakland Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Oakland-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Oakland or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About John David Kessler

Where is John David Kessler's law office located?
John David Kessler's law practice is located in Oakland, California. The firm is Burke and Kessler A Partnership of Professional Corporations. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John David Kessler handle?
John David Kessler focuses on wills, trusts, family law, estate planning, business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has John David Kessler practiced law?
John David Kessler has 50+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1976.
Where did John David Kessler go to law school?
John David Kessler earned their education at (J.D., 1976); (B.S., 1973).
How can I contact John David Kessler for a consultation?
You can contact John David Kessler 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 John David Kessler received?
John David Kessler's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Oakland Choose John David Kessler

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John David Kessler's practice in the field of wills, trusts, family law, estate planning, and business.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

John David Kessler brings 50+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering wills, trusts, and family law, John David Kessler can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Oakland

A Oakland-based practice means John David Kessler attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues John David Kessler Handles in Oakland

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John David Kessler has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Divorce and property division
Family Law
Child custody and support
Family Law
Spousal support (alimony)
Family Law
Prenuptial agreements
Family Law
Last wills and testaments
Estate Planning
Revocable living trusts
Estate Planning
Powers of attorney
Estate Planning
Probate proceedings
Estate Planning
Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John David Kessler directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find John David Kessler Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Oakland commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like John David Kessler.

John David Kessler attorney John David Kessler lawyer John David Kessler Oakland John David Kessler California John David Kessler reviews John David Kessler contact Burke and Kessler A Partnership of Professional Corporations law firm wills attorney in Oakland wills lawyer Oakland best wills attorney Oakland top rated wills lawyer near me wills attorney California find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with John David Kessler directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of California Hastings College of Law
- 1976
B.S.
University of California
- 1973

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1976

Client Reviews & Ratings — John David Kessler

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