Atty. Lawrence William Thorpe

Atty. Lawrence William Thorpe

Larry is a family law specialist, certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization, with the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell as AV-Preeminent. He has practiced family law exclusively since 1975, and was certified as a specialist at the beginning of the certification program in 1980.

Berkeley Berkeley 59 yrs experience 59 year
Call (415) 426-1022 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Lawrence William Thorpe at a glance

Lawrence William Thorpe is a Partner based in Berkeley, California, practicing at Thorpe Law. They have 59+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1967. Their practice focuses on child custody and family law. Admitted to practice in California (1967). Educated at Hastings College of Law, University of California (LL.B. New, 1967) and Northwestern University (B.A., 1963). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California American Bar Association. Serands clients in Berkeley, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Larry is a family law specialist, certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization, with the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell as AV-Preeminent
  • He has practiced family law exclusively since 1975, and was certified as a specialist at the beginning of the certification program in 1980
  • In addition to family law, Larry has had successful trials in San Francisco and Monterey involving damages to real and personal property
  • He has also litigated securities actions and estate proceedings
  • Larry has experience across the entire range of family law matters, including prenuptial agreements, child custody, and family law matters involving jurisdictional, bankruptcy, immigration, and tax issues
  • Larry was born in Reno, Nevada October 23, 1941, attended Reno High School (winning honors in debating and the state championship in extemporaneous speaking), and then attended Northwestern University where he was on the Inter Fraternity Council and acted as its Student Senate Representative and earned a B.A in Philosophy
  • He attended Hastings College of Law, was on the Moot Court Board, and graduated with a J.D in 1967
  • He then attended New York University, and earned an LL.M in Corporation Law
  • After returning to San Francisco, Larry became a partner in Cushing, Cullinan, Hancock and Rothert, before beginning his own law practice in family law
  • Larry's experience in family law grew with its evolution into one of the most complex, demanding areas of law practice
  • As part of this expanded range of experience, Larry became interested in the relationship between the management of complex family law issues of a more personal nature, particularly those involving child custody, and began to include a practice of regular consultation with therapists as a way to obtain better understanding of issue management in especially difficult situations
  • With his wife, Jan C. Thorpe, PhD, and Ron Grassi, now retired, Larry conducted a successful series of continuing education programs in San Francisco designed to expand the family law practitioner's use of consulting therapists to bring greater insight into family law issues, particularly in child custody cases
  • Larry continues to be fascinated with the variety and complexity of family law cases and derives great satisfaction in solving problems and bringing cases to a settled conclusion without litigation, if possible
  • It has been particularly rewarding for Larry to be able to practice family law with his sons, his daughter in law and his wife, who acts as a consultant, to whom Larry gives primary credit for engineering such a successful marriage of work and family life
  • Larry has been active in local community affairs, and is the past President of the Kensington Improvement Council
  • He is currently on the board of Directors of the Pacific Chamber Symphony (www.pacificchambersymphony.org)

Practice Areas Explained

Lawrence William Thorpe's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Lawrence William Thorpe handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Child Custody & Visitation

Lawrence William Thorpe is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in California →

Family Law

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

Lawrence William Thorpe is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Lawrence William Thorpe

Where is Lawrence William Thorpe's law office located?
Lawrence William Thorpe's law practice is located in Berkeley, California. The firm is Thorpe Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Lawrence William Thorpe handle?
Lawrence William Thorpe focuses on child custody, family law. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Lawrence William Thorpe practiced law?
Lawrence William Thorpe has 59+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1967.
Where did Lawrence William Thorpe go to law school?
Lawrence William Thorpe earned their education at (LL.B. New, 1967); (B.A., 1963).
How can I contact Lawrence William Thorpe for a consultation?
You can contact Lawrence William Thorpe 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 Lawrence William Thorpe received?
Lawrence William Thorpe's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

LL.B. New
Hastings College of Law, University of California
- 1967
B.A.
Northwestern University
- 1963

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1967

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