Peter Vallely Dessau

Peter Vallely Dessau, Construction Attorney in San Jose, California

Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Construction and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Practicing construction in San Jose since 1988.

38+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Peter Vallely Dessau is a partner based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Construction and Litigation. Peter has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Miller, Morton, Caillat & Nevis, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
San Jose, CA
Experience
over 38 years
Known for
Construction · Litigation
  • Handles Construction and Litigation matters from San Jose, CA.
  • Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Peter Vallely Dessau: Peter Vallely Dessau is a partner based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Construction and Litigation. Peter has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Miller, Morton, Caillat & Nevis, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Peter Vallely Dessau

Peter concentrates on construction and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Construction cases in San Jose, California

Peter takes construction matters in San Jose, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in San Jose, California

Peter takes litigation matters in San Jose, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Peter Vallely Dessau — Over 38 years of California construction experience

Peter Vallely Dessau is a partner based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Construction and Litigation. Peter has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Miller, Morton, Caillat & Nevis, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Peter Vallely Dessau is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, complex litigation, construction law and 1 other area of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from Santa Clara University in 1984, and has been licensed for 38 years. Peter practices at Miller, Morton, Caillat & Nevis, LLP in San Jose, CA and 1 other location.

Peter's approach to construction cases

Peter Vallely Dessau is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, complex litigation, construction law and 1 other area of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from Santa Clara University in 1984, and has been licensed for 38 years. Peter practices at Miller, Morton, Caillat & Nevis, LLP in San Jose, CA and 1 other location.

The kind of cases Peter takes

Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction and litigation matters in San Jose and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Peter Vallely Dessau's legal education and bar admissions

  • Santa Clara University School of Law

    J.D. · 1987

  • Santa Clara University

    B.A. Philosophy · 1984

Jurisdictions

Peter's state bar admissions

  • Eastern, Northern an

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1988 · ACTIVE

Peter studied at J.D. in Santa Clara University School of Law and B.A. Philosophy in Santa Clara University.

Law school and academic background

Peter completed J.D. in Santa Clara University School of Law and B.A. Philosophy in Santa Clara University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Peter Vallely Dessau

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Peter's professional memberships and bar associations

  • California State Bar Association Building Owners and Managers Association California Apartment Association Panel of Construction Arbitrators, American Arbitration Association Board of Directors, Housing Industry Foundation

    membership

Locations

Peter Vallely Dessau's office in San Jose

Peter's primary office is at 2077 Gateway Pl., Ste. 220, San Jose, CA, 95110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Miller, Morton, Caillat & Nevis, LLP

2077 Gateway Pl., Ste. 220

San Jose, CA 95110

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Peter Vallely Dessau — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Peter. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in San Jose.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Peter Vallely Dessau claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Peter Vallely Dessau — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Peter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter'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; Peter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a construction attorney in San Jose, 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 Peter

Peter 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. Peter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Peter'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 Peter Vallely Dessau

  • How much does it cost to hire Peter for a construction case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Peter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Peter offer a free consultation?

    Peter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Peter'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. Peter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Peter take my case if I'm outside San Jose?

    Peter 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 — Peter 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 Peter?

    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. Peter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Peter accepting new construction clients right now?

    Peter'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 San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Peter handles construction matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Peter's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in San Jose handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.