Atty. Michael Patrick Colter

Atty. Michael Patrick Colter

Michael Patrick Colter is a lawyer practicing litigation, corporate & incorporation, arbitration and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of California at San Diego in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years.

La Jolla La Jolla 44 yrs experience 44 year
Call (858) 525-4407 Book Appointment

Arbitration & More Attorney · Serving La Jolla, CA · 44+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Michael Patrick Colter at a Glance

Michael Patrick Colter is a wills, formation, trusts, probate, and estate planning attorney based in La Jolla, California. They have 44+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1982. Admitted to practice in California (1982) and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and U.S. District Court, Northern, Central, Eastern and Souther (1983). Educated at University of San Diego (J.D., 1982) and University of California at San Diego (B.A., 1979). Serves clients in La Jolla, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Michael Patrick Colter

  • Michael Patrick Colter is a lawyer practicing litigation, corporate & incorporation, arbitration and 4 other areas of law
  • Michael received a B.A. degree from University of California at San Diego in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years
  • Michael practices in La Jolla, CA

Practice Areas Explained

Michael Patrick Colter's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Patrick Colter handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in La Jolla.

Wills in La Jolla

Michael Patrick Colter is one of 34,363 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in California →

Business Formation in La Jolla

Michael Patrick Colter is one of 35,326 formation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse formation attorneys in California →

Trusts in La Jolla

Michael Patrick Colter is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →

Probate in La Jolla

Michael Patrick Colter is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in California →

Estate Planning & Probate in La Jolla

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

Michael Patrick Colter is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in La Jolla

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 La Jolla 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.

La Jolla Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a La Jolla-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 La Jolla or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Michael Patrick Colter

Where is Michael Patrick Colter's law office located?
Michael Patrick Colter's law practice is located in La Jolla, California. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael Patrick Colter handle?
Michael Patrick Colter focuses on wills, formation, trusts, probate, estate planning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Michael Patrick Colter practiced law?
Michael Patrick Colter has 44+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1982.
Where did Michael Patrick Colter go to law school?
Michael Patrick Colter earned their education at (J.D., 1982); (B.A., 1979).
How can I contact Michael Patrick Colter for a consultation?
You can contact Michael Patrick Colter 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.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in La Jolla Choose Michael Patrick Colter

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 Michael Patrick Colter's practice in the field of wills, formation, trusts, probate, and estate planning.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Michael Patrick Colter brings 44+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in California and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and U.S. District Court, Northern, Central, Eastern and Souther, Michael Patrick Colter can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering wills, formation, and trusts, Michael Patrick Colter can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in La Jolla

A La Jolla-based practice means Michael Patrick Colter 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 Michael Patrick Colter Handles in La Jolla

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Patrick Colter 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.

Last wills and testaments
Estate Planning
Revocable living trusts
Estate Planning
Powers of attorney
Estate Planning
Probate proceedings
Estate Planning

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Patrick Colter directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Michael Patrick Colter Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in La Jolla 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 Michael Patrick Colter.

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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 Michael Patrick Colter directly.

Michael Patrick Colter's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of San Diego
- 1982
B.A.
University of California at San Diego
- 1979

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1982
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and U.S. District Court, Northern, Central, Eastern and Souther
Admitted: 1983

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