Atty. Robert D. Vale
Robert D. Vale is a lawyer practicing individuals, families, family and closely held businesses and 8 other areas of law.
Families & More Attorney · Serving San Mateo, CA · 44+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Robert D. Vale at a Glance
Robert D. Vale is a Partner based in San Mateo, California, practicing at Mcdowall Cotter. They have 44+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1982. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, family law, estate planning, and business. Admitted to practice in California U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1982). Educated at Golden Gate University (LL.M. Taxation, 2002) and University of California at Davis (B.A. University, 1976). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in San Mateo, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Robert D. Vale
- Robert D. Vale is a lawyer practicing individuals, families, family and closely held businesses and 8 other areas of law
- Robert received a B.A. degree from University of California at Davis in 1976, and has been licensed for 44 years
- Robert practices at McDowall Cotter in San Mateo, CA
Practice Areas Explained
Robert D. Vale's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Robert D. Vale handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in San Mateo.
Trusts in San Mateo
Robert D. Vale is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →
Probate in San Mateo
Robert D. Vale is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in California →
Family Law in San Mateo
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Robert D. Vale is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →
Estate Planning & Probate in San Mateo
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
Robert D. Vale is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in California →
Business & Corporate Law in San Mateo
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Robert D. Vale is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in San Mateo
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 San Mateo 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.
San Mateo Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a San Mateo-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 San Mateo or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in San Mateo Choose Robert D. Vale
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 Robert D. Vale's practice in the field of trusts, probate, family law, estate planning, and business.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Robert D. Vale 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.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering trusts, probate, and family law, Robert D. Vale can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in San Mateo
A San Mateo-based practice means Robert D. Vale 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 Robert D. Vale Handles in San Mateo
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Robert D. Vale 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 Robert D. Vale directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Robert D. Vale Online
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Robert D. Vale's Practice Areas & Specializations
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