Paul Ernest Echols, Business Attorney in Modesto, California
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 4.3/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
MemberatLaw Office of Paul E. Echols
Modesto, CA
Practicing business in Modesto since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 6 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Paul Ernest Echols?
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
Paul Ernest Echols is a member based in Modesto, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Paul has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Paul E. Echols. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
- Based in
- Modesto, CA
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Modesto, CA.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Paul Ernest Echols: Paul Ernest Echols is a member based in Modesto, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Paul has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Paul E. Echols. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Paul's practice areas in Modesto
Paul concentrates on business, elder law, estate planning, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Elder Law
View other Elder Law attorneys
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
Insurance
View other Insurance attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Probate
View other Probate attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
Trusts
View other Trusts attorneys
Business cases in Modesto, California
Paul takes business matters in Modesto, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Modesto, California
Paul takes elder law matters in Modesto, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Modesto, California
Paul takes estate planning matters in Modesto, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Modesto, California
Paul takes insurance matters in Modesto, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Modesto, California
Paul takes litigation matters in Modesto, 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Biography
Paul Ernest Echols, business attorney serving Modesto
Paul Ernest Echols is a member based in Modesto, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Paul has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of Paul E. Echols. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 6 client reviews. Paul works from Modesto, California and takes on business matters across the region.
Paul Ernest Echols is a lawyer practicing corporate, business litigation, real estate and 7 other areas of law. Paul received a B.A. degree from California State University at Hayward in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Paul practices at Law Office of Paul E. Echols in Modesto, CA.
Paul's approach to business cases
Paul Ernest Echols is a lawyer practicing corporate, business litigation, real estate and 7 other areas of law. Paul received a B.A. degree from California State University at Hayward in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Paul practices at Law Office of Paul E. Echols in Modesto, CA.
The kind of cases Paul takes
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and estate planning matters in Modesto and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Paul studied and practices
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
J.D. · 1989
California State University at Hayward
B.A. Pol. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Paul's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
California
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1989 · ACTIVE
Paul studied at J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.A. Pol. in California State University at Hayward.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.A. Pol. in California State University at Hayward. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Paul's legal honors and published work
Paul has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Paul's professional memberships and bar associations
Stanislaus County and American Bar Associations Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California
membership
Locations
Paul Ernest Echols's office in Modesto
Paul's primary office is at 619 13th St., Ste. I, Modesto, CA, 95354-2455. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Office of Paul E. Echols
619 13th St., Ste. I
Modesto, CA 95354-2455
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Paul Ernest Echols — 4.3/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Paul. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Modesto.
4.3
6 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Paul Ernest Echols claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Paul Ernest Echols — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Modesto, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Paul
Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Paul Ernest Echols
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Modesto?
Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new business clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Modesto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Paul handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in California
If Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Modesto 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

Bobby B. Saadian, Esq.
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 52

Jeffrey Robert Loew
San Mateo, California
5.0· 47

Michael Brett Abramson
San Diego, California
5.0· 39