Robert Lyle Chortek, Civil Rights Attorney in San Jose, California
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Construction, and Contracts · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatBerliner Cohen
San Jose, CA
Practicing civil rights in San Jose since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Robert Lyle Chortek?
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Quick answer
Robert Lyle Chortek is an attorney based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Construction, and Contracts. Robert has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berliner Cohen. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Jose, CA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Construction · Contracts
- Handles Civil Rights, Construction, and Contracts matters from San Jose, CA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Robert Lyle Chortek: Robert Lyle Chortek is an attorney based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Construction, and Contracts. Robert has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berliner Cohen. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Robert takes on
Robert concentrates on civil rights, construction, contracts, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Construction
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Contracts
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Litigation
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Civil Rights cases in San Jose, California
Robert takes civil rights 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.
Construction cases in San Jose, California
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in San Jose, California
Robert takes contracts 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.
Litigation cases in San Jose, California
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Robert Lyle Chortek — civil rights lawyer in San Jose
Robert Lyle Chortek is an attorney based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Construction, and Contracts. Robert has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berliner Cohen. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Robert Lyle Chortek is a lawyer practicing litigation, construction law, constitutional and 1 other area of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from University of California, Los Angeles in 1980, and has been licensed for 42 years. Robert practices at Berliner Cohen in San Jose, CA.
How Robert handles civil rights matters
Robert Lyle Chortek is a lawyer practicing litigation, construction law, constitutional and 1 other area of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from University of California, Los Angeles in 1980, and has been licensed for 42 years. Robert practices at Berliner Cohen in San Jose, CA.
Who Robert represents
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, construction, and contracts matters in San Jose and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
J.D. · 1984
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. · 1980
Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
California
1984 · ACTIVE
Robert studied at J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Los Angeles. 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.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Robert Lyle Chortek's office in San Jose
Robert's primary office is at Ten Almaden Boulevard, Eleventh Floor, San Jose, CA, 95113-2226. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Berliner Cohen
Ten Almaden Boulevard, Eleventh Floor
San Jose, CA 95113-2226
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Robert Lyle Chortek — 4.4/5 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 civil rights attorneys in San Jose.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert Lyle Chortek claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Robert Lyle Chortek — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in San Jose, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Robert Lyle Chortek
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 civil rights 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
Civil Rights attorneys serving San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Robert handles civil rights matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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If Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in San Jose handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





