Atty. William Lee Cates
William Lee Cates is a lawyer practicing business transactions, probate, estate planning law and 4 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from California State University, Fullerton in 1981, and has been licensed for 41 years.
Business Transactions & More Attorney · Serving Newport Beach, CA · 41+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About William Lee Cates at a Glance
William Lee Cates is a Partner based in Newport Beach, California, practicing at Cates Peterson Llp. They have 41+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1985. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, business, and tax. Admitted to practice in California (1985) and U.S Tax Court (1987). Educated at University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D., 1984) and California State University, Fullerton (B.A., 1981). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Orange County Bar Association State Bar of California Orange Coast Estate Planning Council. Serves clients in Newport Beach, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About William Lee Cates
- William Lee Cates is a lawyer practicing business transactions, probate, estate planning law and 4 other areas of law
- William received a B.A. degree from California State University, Fullerton in 1981, and has been licensed for 41 years
- William practices at Cates Peterson LLP in Newport Beach, CA
Practice Areas Explained
William Lee Cates's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William Lee Cates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Newport Beach.
Trusts in Newport Beach
William Lee Cates is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →
Probate in Newport Beach
William Lee Cates is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in California →
Estate Planning & Probate in Newport Beach
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
William Lee Cates is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in California →
Business & Corporate Law in Newport Beach
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
William Lee Cates is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →
Tax Law in Newport Beach
Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.
William Lee Cates is one of 84,606 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Newport Beach
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 Newport Beach 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.
Newport Beach Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Newport Beach-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 Newport Beach or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Newport Beach Choose William Lee Cates
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 William Lee Cates's practice in the field of trusts, probate, estate planning, business, and tax.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
William Lee Cates brings 41+ 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 Tax Court, William Lee Cates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering trusts, probate, and estate planning, William Lee Cates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Newport Beach
A Newport Beach-based practice means William Lee Cates 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 William Lee Cates Handles in Newport Beach
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters William Lee Cates 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 William Lee Cates directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find William Lee Cates Online
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William Lee Cates's Practice Areas & Specializations
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