How much does it cost to hire David for a legal 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 legal attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do legal cases in California typically take?

Simple legal 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 Portola Valley?

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 legal clients right now?

David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

David W. Wessel — Attorney in Portola Valley, California

Over 42 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

AssociateatLaw Offices of Boris E. Efron

Portola Valley, CA

Practicing law in Portola Valley since 1984.

42+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Are you David W. Wessel?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

David W. Wessel is an associate based in Portola Valley, CA. David has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Boris E. Efron. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Portola Valley, CA
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: legal services

Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Biography

About David W. Wessel — Over 42 years of California legal experience

David W. Wessel was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated in 1973 from Concordia Lutheran Junior College in Milwaukee with honors. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, graduating with honors in 1975. He attended the Master’s program in English literature at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota.

In 1978, David Wessel enlisted in the United States Peace Corps, and through the Peace Corps he became a high school teacher in Liberia, West Africa. Liberia was, and still is, one of the poorest countries in the world. David Wessel lived in River Cess, Liberia, one of the more remote areas in Liberia. He was a teacher in Liberia for two years before returning to the United States in December 1980. He was admitted to the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1981, graduating from UW Law in December 1983. He was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar Association and practiced law in Wisconsin until June 1984. He was admitted to the California Bar Association in December 1984 and has practiced law in California since then.

David Wessel initially practiced bankruptcy law in San Francisco. Later he moved to Coddington, Hicks & Danforth in Palo Alto, California, an insurance defense firm that practiced aviation disaster law, personal injury, insurance coverage, property damage, business disputes, and other civil litigation throughout the United States. He tried many cases there and became a partner.

In 2011, David Wessel decided he wanted to represent real people instead of large institutions. He joined the Law Offices of Boris E. Efron that year. Since then he has represented injured and disadvantaged people, trying cases on their behalf and getting great settlements for them. His litigation specialties include insurance coverage, insurance bad faith, government entity liability, and construction defects. He has represented plaintiffs in all kinds of personal injury lawsuits. He has also served as a judicial arbitrator appointed by the San Mateo County and Santa Clara County Superior Courts.

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Portola Valley and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

David W. Wessel's legal education and bar admissions

University of Wisconsin
J.D. · 1984
Concordia College
A.A. University · 1973

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
California
1984 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1984 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin and A.A. University in Concordia College.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin and A.A. University in Concordia College. 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 W. Wessel

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

David's professional memberships and bar associations

San Mateo County Bar Association State Bar of Wisconsin State Bar of California Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California
membership

Locations

David W. Wessel's office in Portola Valley

David's primary office is at 130 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA, 94028-7825. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Boris E. Efron

130 Portola Road

Portola Valley, CA 94028-7825

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David W. Wessel — 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 legal attorneys in Portola Valley.

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 W. Wessel claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David W. Wessel — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new legal 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 legal attorney in Portola Valley, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal 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 legal practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal 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 legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David W. Wessel

How much does it cost to hire David for a legal 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 legal attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in California typically take?
Simple legal 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 Portola Valley?
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 legal 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

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