David Burchard Gaw, Elder Law Attorney in Napa, California
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
ShareholderatGaw Van Male Smith Myers And Miroglio Plc
Napa, CA
Practicing elder law in Napa since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you David Burchard Gaw?
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Quick answer
David Burchard Gaw is a shareholder based in Napa, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. David has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gaw Van Male Smith Myers And Miroglio Plc. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Napa, CA
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Estate Planning · General
- Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General matters from Napa, CA.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About David Burchard Gaw: David Burchard Gaw is a shareholder based in Napa, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. David has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gaw Van Male Smith Myers And Miroglio Plc. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David Burchard Gaw
David concentrates on elder law, estate planning, general, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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General
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Probate
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Trusts
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Elder Law cases in Napa, California
David takes elder law matters in Napa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Napa, California
David takes estate planning matters in Napa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
General cases in Napa, California
David takes general matters in Napa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Napa, California
David takes probate matters in Napa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Napa, California
David takes trusts matters in Napa, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David Burchard Gaw — Over 55 years of California elder law experience
David Burchard Gaw is a shareholder based in Napa, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. David has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gaw Van Male Smith Myers And Miroglio Plc. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
David Burchard Gaw is a lawyer practicing estate planning law, wealth preservation, probate and trust law and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from University of Colorado in 1967, and has been licensed for 55 years. David practices at Gaw, Van Male, Smith, Myers & Miroglio, PLC in Napa, CA.
How David handles elder law matters
David Burchard Gaw is a lawyer practicing estate planning law, wealth preservation, probate and trust law and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from University of Colorado in 1967, and has been licensed for 55 years. David practices at Gaw, Van Male, Smith, Myers & Miroglio, PLC in Napa, CA.
Who David represents
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and general matters in Napa and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
David Burchard Gaw's legal education and bar admissions
Hastings College of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1971
University of Colorado
B.A. · 1967
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
California
1972 · ACTIVE
Colorado (Inactive)
1971 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of Colorado.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of Colorado. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of David Burchard Gaw
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
David Burchard Gaw's office in Napa
David's primary office is at 1000 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Napa, CA, 94559. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Gaw Van Male Smith Myers And Miroglio Plc
1000 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Napa, CA 94559
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of David Burchard Gaw — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Napa.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Burchard Gaw claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David Burchard Gaw — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Napa, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Burchard Gaw
How much does it cost to hire David for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in California typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Napa?
David is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new elder law clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Napa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
David handles elder law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in California
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Napa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Mark S. Drobny
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Michael Shemtoub
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Farid Yaghoubtil
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Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
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David Payab, Esq.
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Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
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