Atty. Peter John Gates
Peter John Gates is a lawyer practicing wrongful death, family, employment litigation and 5 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from California State University at Fullerton in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years.
Employment Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Irvine, CA · 52+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Peter John Gates at a Glance
Peter John Gates is a Managing Partner based in Irvine, California, practicing at Gates O Doherty Gonter And Guy L L P. They have 52+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1974. Their practice focuses on wrongful death, criminal defense, family law, employment, and slip & fall. Admitted to practice in California (1974) and U.S. District Court, Central District of California (1975). Educated at Loyola University of Los Angeles (J.D., 1974) and California State University at Fullerton (B.A., 1970). Serves clients in Irvine, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Peter John Gates
- Peter John Gates is a lawyer practicing wrongful death, family, employment litigation and 5 other areas of law
- Peter received a B.A. degree from California State University at Fullerton in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years
- Peter practices at Gates, O'Doherty, Gonter & Guy, L.L.P. in Irvine, CA
Practice Areas Explained
Peter John Gates's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Peter John Gates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Irvine.
Wrongful Death in Irvine
Peter John Gates is one of 30,932 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in California →
Criminal Defense in Irvine
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Peter John Gates is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →
Family Law in Irvine
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Peter John Gates is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →
Employment Law in Irvine
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Peter John Gates is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in California →
Slip & Fall / Premises Liability in Irvine
Peter John Gates is one of 29,187 slip & fall attorneys indexed nationally. Browse slip & fall attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Irvine
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 Irvine 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.
Irvine Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Irvine-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 Irvine or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Irvine Choose Peter John Gates
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 Peter John Gates's practice in the field of wrongful death, criminal defense, family law, employment, and slip & fall.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Peter John Gates brings 52+ 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. District Court, Central District of California, Peter John Gates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering wrongful death, criminal defense, and family law, Peter John Gates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Irvine
A Irvine-based practice means Peter John Gates 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 Peter John Gates Handles in Irvine
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Peter John Gates 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.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Peter John Gates directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Peter John Gates Online
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Peter John Gates's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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