Julia Keyes Cowles, Adoption Attorney in Redwood City, California
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Business, and General
PartneratDavis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Redwood City, CA
Practicing adoption in Redwood City since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Julia Keyes Cowles?
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Quick answer
Julia Keyes Cowles is a partner based in Redwood City, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Business, and General. Julia has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP.
- Based in
- Redwood City, CA
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Adoption · Business · General
- Handles Adoption, Business, and General matters from Redwood City, CA.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Julia Keyes Cowles: Julia Keyes Cowles is a partner based in Redwood City, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Business, and General. Julia has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP.
Areas of practice
Julia's practice areas in Redwood City
Julia concentrates on adoption, business, general, m&a, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Julia handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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Business
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General
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M&A
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Securities
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Tax
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Consumer
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Adoption cases in Redwood City, California
Julia takes adoption matters in Redwood City, 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 Julia agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Redwood City, California
Julia takes business matters in Redwood City, 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 Julia agrees to represent you.
General cases in Redwood City, California
Julia takes general matters in Redwood City, 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 Julia agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Redwood City, California
Julia takes m&a matters in Redwood City, 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 Julia agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Redwood City, California
Julia takes securities matters in Redwood City, 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 Julia agrees to represent you.
Biography
Julia Keyes Cowles, adoption attorney serving Redwood City
Julia Keyes Cowles is a partner based in Redwood City, CA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Business, and General. Julia has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Julia works from Redwood City, California and takes on adoption matters across the region.
Julia Keyes Cowles is a lawyer practicing corporate banking law, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and 6 other areas of law. Julia received a A.B. degree from Hamilton College in 1984, and has been licensed for 36 years. Julia practices at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in Redwood City, CA.
Julia's approach to adoption cases
Julia Keyes Cowles is a lawyer practicing corporate banking law, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and 6 other areas of law. Julia received a A.B. degree from Hamilton College in 1984, and has been licensed for 36 years. Julia practices at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in Redwood City, CA.
The kind of cases Julia takes
Julia reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, business, and general matters in Redwood City and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Julia studied and practices
Fordham University School of Law
J.D. · 1989
Hamilton College
A.B. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Julia's state bar admissions
California
2006 · ACTIVE
New York
1990 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1990 · ACTIVE
Julia studied at J.D. in Fordham University School of Law and A.B. in Hamilton College.
Law school and academic background
Julia completed J.D. in Fordham University School of Law and A.B. in Hamilton College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Julia runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Julia Keyes Cowles's office in Redwood City
Julia's primary office is at 900 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA, 94063. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Julia Keyes Cowles
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Julia Keyes Cowles — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Julia usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Julia charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Julia'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; Julia will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Redwood City, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Julia
Julia discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adoption 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. Julia confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Julia's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Julia Keyes Cowles
How much does it cost to hire Julia for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Julia walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Julia offer a free consultation?
Julia charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Julia's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Julia's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in California typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Julia gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Julia take my case if I'm outside Redwood City?
Julia 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 — Julia 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 Julia?
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. Julia will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Julia accepting new adoption clients right now?
Julia's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Adoption attorneys serving Redwood City, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Julia handles adoption matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
- Redwood City1,540 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in California
If Julia's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Redwood City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Michael Shemtoub
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Farid Yaghoubtil
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Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
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David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
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Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
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Jonathan P. Brian
Garden Grove, California
5.0· 74