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Robert Dwain Wenzel, Estate Planning Attorney in San Jose, California

Over 66 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of CounselatHopkins & Carley A Law Corporation

San Jose, CA

Practicing estate planning in San Jose since 1960.

66+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Robert Dwain Wenzel is an of counsel based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Robert has over 66 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hopkins & Carley A Law Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
San Jose, CA
Experience
over 66 years
Known for
Estate Planning · Probate · Tax
  • Handles Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax matters from San Jose, CA.
  • Over 66 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Robert Dwain Wenzel: Robert Dwain Wenzel is an of counsel based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Robert has over 66 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hopkins & Carley A Law Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Robert Dwain Wenzel

Robert concentrates on estate planning, probate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in San Jose, California

Robert takes estate planning 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in San Jose, California

Robert takes probate 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in San Jose, California

Robert takes tax 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in San Jose, California

Robert takes trusts 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Robert Dwain Wenzel — Over 66 years of California estate planning experience

Robert Dwain Wenzel is an of counsel based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Robert has over 66 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hopkins & Carley A Law Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Robert Dwain Wenzel is a lawyer practicing taxation law, estate planning law, trusts and 1 other area of law. Robert received a Ph.B. degree from University of North Dakota in 1952, and has been licensed for 66 years. Robert practices at Hopkins & Carley A Law Corporation in San Jose, CA.

Robert's approach to estate planning cases

Mr. Robert Dwain Wenzel is a lawyer practicing taxation law, estate planning law, trusts and 1 other area of law. Robert received a Ph.B. degree from University of North Dakota in 1952, and has been licensed for 66 years. Robert practices at Hopkins & Carley A Law Corporation in San Jose, CA.

The kind of cases Robert takes

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, probate, and tax matters in San Jose and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Robert Dwain Wenzel's legal education and bar admissions

  • Stanford University

    LL.B. · 1959

  • University of North Dakota

    Ph.B. · 1952

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

  • California

    1960 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Tax Court

    1960 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at LL.B. in Stanford University and Ph.B. in University of North Dakota.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed LL.B. in Stanford University and Ph.B. in University of North Dakota. 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

Awards, publications, and recognition of Robert Dwain Wenzel

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 Dwain Wenzel's office in San Jose

Robert's primary office is at The Letitia Bldg., 70 S. First St., San Jose, CA, 95113-2406. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hopkins & Carley A Law Corporation

The Letitia Bldg., 70 S. First St.

San Jose, CA 95113-2406

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert Dwain Wenzel — 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 estate planning 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 Robert Dwain Wenzel claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Robert Dwain Wenzel — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new estate planning 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 estate planning attorney in San Jose, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 estate planning practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate planning 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 estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Robert Dwain Wenzel

  • How much does it cost to hire Robert for a estate planning 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 estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.

  • How long do estate planning cases in California typically take?

    Simple estate planning 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 Jose?

    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 estate planning clients right now?

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

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

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