How much does it cost to hire Robert for a consumer case?

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

Does Robert offer a free consultation?

Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some consumer attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.

How long do consumer cases in California typically take?

Simple consumer 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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Robert take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?

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

Is Robert accepting new consumer clients right now?

Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage, Consumer Attorney in San Diego, California

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Consumer, Health Care, and Product Liability · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatVaage Law

San Diego, CA

Practicing consumer in San Diego since 1982.

44+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Consumer Health Care Product Liability TBI/SCI

Are you Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage?

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.

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Quick answer

Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage is a member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Consumer, Health Care, and Product Liability. Robert has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Vaage Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Diego, CA
Experience: over 44 years
Known for: Consumer · Health Care · Product Liability

Handles Consumer, Health Care, and Product Liability matters from San Diego, CA.
Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Robert takes on

Robert concentrates on consumer, health care, product liability, and tbi/sci. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Consumer cases in San Diego, California

Robert takes consumer matters in San Diego, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in San Diego, California

Robert takes health care matters in San Diego, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in San Diego, California

Robert takes product liability matters in San Diego, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

TBI/SCI cases in San Diego, California

Robert takes tbi/sci matters in San Diego, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage — consumer lawyer in San Diego

Bob Vaage has been an attorney since 1982. His career in San Diego began with the defense firm of Rhoades, Hollywood & Neil, before he was asked to join the law firm of Daniel T. Broderick, where he began his career representing plaintiffs in 1986. After the tragic death of Mr. Broderick, Mr. Vaage was associated with Thorsnes, Bartolotta, McGuire & Padilla for approximately two years before opening his own practice in 1992.

As the owner of a small downtown firm, which enjoys an excellent reputation in the community and state-wide, Mr. Vaage has spent the last 38 years developing his expertise trying cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, medical fraud, traumatic brain injuries, medical malpractice, defective products, and major truck and car crashes. He is one of the few attorneys in the nation who has successfully prosecuted cases involving fraudulent conspiracies between physicians/surgeons and medical device companies.

Bob Vaage has tried more civil cases to verdict than 95% of attorneys in San Diego and has represented claimants in excess of 30 Kaiser arbitrations. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as the Personal Injury Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in San Diego. Only a single lawyer in each practice area in each community is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.” Bob has also been named Trial Lawyer of the Year, Outstanding Trial Lawyer, and Outstanding Advocate, by the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. As a longtime member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Bob’s ranking recently advanced to Advocate. He has been designated as a Super Lawyer both in San Diego and Southern California. He has received an AV rating, the highest possible rating, by Martindale-Hubbell.

Awards & Honors

• 2017 The Best Lawyers Personal Injury Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in San Diego

• 2017 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (CASD)

• 2020 Outstanding Trial Lawyer by CASD

• 2020 Outstanding Trial Advocate by CASD

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating (highest peer rating standard for professional excellence)

• Super Lawyer rating in San Diego (selected for his high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement)

• Super Lawyer rating in Southern California

• Top 50 Best Lawyers in America

• Top 50 Best Law Firms in America

Affiliations

• State Bar of California, admitted to practice in 1982, Bar No. 106437

• U.S. Court of Appeal, Fourth District

• U.S. District Court, Districts of California (Northern, Central, Southern)

• Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC)

• Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (CASD)

• Advocate at the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

• American Association of Justice (AAJ, formerly ATLA)

• San Diego Trial Lawyers Association (SDTLA)

• National Trial Lawyers Association

How Robert handles consumer matters

The kind of cases Robert takes

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for consumer, health care, and product liability matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
J.D. · 1982
University of California at San Diego
B.A. Political · 1979

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
California
1982 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.A. Political in University of California at San Diego.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.A. Political in University of California at San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage's office in San Diego

Robert's primary office is at Emerald Plaza, 402 W Broadway, Suite 1500, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Vaage Law

Emerald Plaza, 402 W Broadway, Suite 1500

San Diego, CA 92101

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a consumer attorney in San Diego, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many consumer 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 Robert

Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in consumer practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every consumer 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many consumer practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage

How much does it cost to hire Robert for a consumer case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some consumer attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do consumer cases in California typically take?
Simple consumer 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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new consumer clients right now?
Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by consumer attorneys like Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What can I do if a company won't honor its warranty in California?
I bought a new refrigerator from a store in Los Angeles, California, which came with a two-year warranty. When it broke down after just six months, the company refused to fix it, c
1 verified answer · Consumer · California
What to do if my credit report contains incorrect information in Illinois?
I recently checked my credit report and found a $2,500 debt listed that I don’t recognize. I live in Chicago, Illinois, and this is negatively impacting my credit score. I’ve tried
1 verified answer · Consumer · Illinois
What should I do if my bank won't remove a fraudulent charge in Oregon?
I live in Portland, Oregon, and just noticed a $200 charge on my bank statement that I didn’t make. I reported it, but the bank refuses to remove the charge, claiming it appears le
1 verified answer · Consumer · Oregon
Can a travel agency refuse to give me a refund in Washington?
I booked a vacation package through a travel agency in Seattle, Washington, but had to cancel due to a family emergency. They are refusing to provide me a refund, citing their poli
1 verified answer · Consumer · Washington
Can I be charged extra fees for paying my medical bill early in Florida?
I received a medical bill for $5,000 from a clinic in Miami, Florida, and I wanted to pay it off early. However, they informed me that there would be a 5% processing fee if I paid
1 verified answer · Consumer · Florida
What recourse do I have for receiving defective merchandise in Virginia?
I ordered a laptop online from a retailer in Richmond, Virginia, and when it arrived, it was defective and didn’t turn on. I attempted to return it, but they are refusing to accept
1 verified answer · Consumer · Virginia

Areas served

Consumer attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

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

Robert ‘Bob’ Vaage, Consumer Attorney in San Diego, California

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