Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in San Mateo, CA
McDowall Cotter has served clients in the greater San Francisco Bay Area for over half a century, establishing a reputation for ingenuity, integrity, and a common-sense approach to legal practice. Our expertise spans civil litigation, business counseling, wealth preservation, and dispute resolution, rooted in a thorough understanding of the law and decades of trial and appellate experience. We represent corporations, governments, businesses, families, and individuals, combining cost-conscious processes with concierge-level service from seasoned attorneys, paralegals, and client service specialists.Our client-centric approach guarantees high-impact legal representation tailored to specific needs, utilizing advanced technologies while maintaining civility and long-term relationships. We prioritize protecting clients' interests and peace of mind, blending old-fashioned values with forward-thinking strategies to remain ahead of our time.
Services
Civil Litigation
Business Services
Wealth Preservation
Estate Planning
Insurance Defense
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined legal experience in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Our client-centric approach guarantees tailored legal representation for individuals and businesses.
- We provide cost-conscious, process-driven legal solutions with advanced technology.
- Our team includes seasoned attorneys and paralegals with expertise in multiple practice areas.
- We maintain long-term relationships through civility, integrity, and community involvement.
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- WealthCounsel
Services
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation practice handles insurance defense, employment disputes, contract conflicts, and personal injury cases. We represent clients in trials, mediations, and arbitrations across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our approach balances strategic advocacy with cost-effective resolutions to protect client interests.
Wealth Preservation
We create comprehensive estate plans to safeguard assets and ensure efficient transfer upon incapacity or death. Services include trust administration, probate planning, and business succession strategies tailored to individual and family needs in blended or single-family scenarios.
Business Services
We advise businesses on entity formation, employment relations, and succession planning. Our services help companies navigate legal challenges, draft contracts, and implement policies compliant with state and federal regulations to minimize litigation risks.
Insurance Defense
For over 50 years, we've defended insurance companies and policyholders against negligence claims, product liability, and coverage disputes. Our expertise includes resource allocation, case budgeting, and efficient trial strategies to resolve matters effectively.
Employment Disputes
We assist employers with handbook creation, wage disputes, discrimination claims, and compliance with California labor laws. Our proactive approach minimizes workplace conflicts while providing robust representation in litigation or regulatory investigations.
People
Jennifer A. Emmaneel
Shareholder
Experienced attorney specializing in civil litigation and insurance defense with decades of courtroom experience in Northern California.
Roxanne T. Jen
Shareholder
Skilled legal professional focusing on business services and employment law, providing strategic counsel to corporate clients across the Bay Area.
David S. Rosenbaum
Shareholder
Seasoned litigator with expertise in appellate work and complex civil disputes, delivering results-driven legal strategies for over 30 years.
Robert Bob D. Vale
Attorney
Dedicated legal practitioner specializing in wealth preservation and estate planning, helping families secure their financial futures.
Karishma Patel
Attorney
Experienced in business entity formation and contract disputes, providing practical solutions for startups and established corporations.
Questions
What areas of law does McDowall Cotter specialize in?
We specialize in civil litigation, business services, and wealth preservation, including estate planning, trust administration, and probate.
Do you offer consultations for new clients?
Yes, we offer initial consultations to discuss your legal needs and provide tailored solutions.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Alameda Counties.
How can I prepare for my first meeting with your firm?
Please complete our Client Personal Information Questionnaire and return it at least four business days before your appointment.
Are your attorneys experienced in appellate work?
Yes, our attorneys have extensive experience in appellate work, with cases setting legal precedents in California.
