
Edward Donald Thirkell, Elder Law Attorney in San Mateo, California
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatThirkell Law Group
San Mateo, CA
Practicing elder law in San Mateo since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Edward Donald Thirkell?
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.
Quick answer
Edward Donald Thirkell is a member based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning. Edward has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thirkell Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Mateo, CA
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Estate Litigation · Estate Planning
- Handles Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning matters from San Mateo, CA.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Edward Donald Thirkell: Edward Donald Thirkell is a member based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning. Edward has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thirkell Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Edward takes on
Edward concentrates on elder law, estate litigation, estate planning, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Edward handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
View other Elder Law attorneys
Estate Litigation
View other Estate Litigation attorneys
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
Probate
View other Probate attorneys
Trusts
View other Trusts attorneys
Elder Law cases in San Mateo, California
Edward takes elder law matters in San Mateo, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in San Mateo, California
Edward takes estate litigation matters in San Mateo, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in San Mateo, California
Edward takes estate planning matters in San Mateo, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in San Mateo, California
Edward takes probate matters in San Mateo, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in San Mateo, California
Edward takes trusts matters in San Mateo, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Edward Donald Thirkell — elder law lawyer in San Mateo
Edward Donald Thirkell is a member based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Estate Planning. Edward has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thirkell Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Edward Donald Thirkell is a lawyer practicing trust law, probate, estate planning law and 2 other areas of law. Edward received a B.A. degree from University of California in 1962, and has been licensed for 56 years. Edward practices at Thirkell Law Group in San Mateo, CA.
Edward's approach to elder law cases
Edward Donald Thirkell is a lawyer practicing trust law, probate, estate planning law and 2 other areas of law. Edward received a B.A. degree from University of California in 1962, and has been licensed for 56 years. Edward practices at Thirkell Law Group in San Mateo, CA.
The kind of cases Edward takes
Edward reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate litigation, and estate planning matters in San Mateo and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1966
University of California
B.A. · 1962
Jurisdictions
Edward's state bar admissions
California
1970 · ACTIVE
Edward studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California.
Law school and academic background
Edward completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Edward runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Edward has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Edward's professional memberships and bar associations
San Mateo County Bar Association State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Edward Donald Thirkell's office in San Mateo
Edward's primary office is at 181 Second Avenue, Suite 625, San Mateo, CA, 94401-3824. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Thirkell Law Group
181 Second Avenue, Suite 625
San Mateo, CA 94401-3824
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Edward Donald Thirkell — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Edward. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in San Mateo.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Edward Donald Thirkell claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Edward Donald Thirkell — 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 Edward usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Edward charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Edward'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; Edward will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in San Mateo, 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 Edward
Edward 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. Edward confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Edward'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 Edward Donald Thirkell
How much does it cost to hire Edward for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Edward walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Edward offer a free consultation?
Edward charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Edward's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Edward'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. Edward gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Edward take my case if I'm outside San Mateo?
Edward 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 — Edward 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 Edward?
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. Edward will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Edward accepting new elder law clients right now?
Edward'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 San Mateo, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Edward 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 Edward's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in San Mateo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Mark S. Drobny
Sacramento, California
5.0· 395
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 100

Jeffrey Robert Loew
San Mateo, California
5.0· 47

Michael Brett Abramson
San Diego, California
5.0· 39

Blaine Morgan Brown
San Juan Capistrano, California
5.0· 34