Paul Richard Cotter, Construction Attorney in Sacramento, California
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, General, and Insurance
Of CounselatDiepenbrock & Cotter, LLP
Sacramento, CA
Practicing construction in Sacramento since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Paul Richard Cotter is an of counsel based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. Paul has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Diepenbrock & Cotter, LLP.
- Based in
- Sacramento, CA
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Construction · General · Insurance
- Handles Construction, General, and Insurance matters from Sacramento, CA.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Paul Richard Cotter: Paul Richard Cotter is an of counsel based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. Paul has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Diepenbrock & Cotter, LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Paul takes on
Paul concentrates on construction, general, insurance, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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General
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Insurance
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Personal Injury
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Construction cases in Sacramento, California
Paul takes construction matters in Sacramento, 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.
General cases in Sacramento, California
Paul takes general matters in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, California
Paul takes insurance matters in Sacramento, 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.
Personal Injury cases in Sacramento, California
Paul takes personal injury matters in Sacramento, 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
Meet Paul Richard Cotter — construction lawyer in Sacramento
Paul Richard Cotter is an of counsel based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. Paul has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Diepenbrock & Cotter, LLP.
Paul Richard Cotter is a lawyer practicing construction defects, insurance defense, railroad and 2 other areas of law. Paul received a B.A. degree from University of California at Irvine in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. Paul practices at Diepenbrock & Cotter, LLP in Sacramento, CA.
Paul's approach to construction cases
Paul Richard Cotter is a lawyer practicing construction defects, insurance defense, railroad and 2 other areas of law. Paul received a B.A. degree from University of California at Irvine in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. Paul practices at Diepenbrock & Cotter, LLP in Sacramento, CA.
Clients Paul works with
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, general, and insurance matters in Sacramento and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
J.D. · 1995
University of California at Irvine
B.A. · 1991
Jurisdictions
Paul's state bar admissions
California
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
Paul studied at J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Irvine.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Irvine. 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.
Affiliations
Paul's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Paul Richard Cotter's office in Sacramento
Paul's primary office is at 1435 River Park Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA, 95815. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Diepenbrock & Cotter, LLP
1435 River Park Drive, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95815
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Paul Richard Cotter — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction 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 construction attorney in Sacramento, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction 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 construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Paul Richard Cotter
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a construction 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 construction attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in California typically take?
Simple construction 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 Sacramento?
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 construction 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
Construction attorneys serving Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Paul handles construction matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 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
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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