William David McDowall, ADR Attorney in San Mateo, California
Over 71 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Formation, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatMcdowall Cotter
San Mateo, CA
Practicing adr in San Mateo since 1955.
- 71+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you William David McDowall?
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Quick answer
William David McDowall is an of counsel based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Formation, and General. William has over 71 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdowall Cotter. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Mateo, CA
- Experience
- over 71 years
- Known for
- ADR · Formation · General
- Handles ADR, Formation, and General matters from San Mateo, CA.
- Over 71 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William David McDowall: William David McDowall is an of counsel based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Formation, and General. William has over 71 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdowall Cotter. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
William's practice areas in San Mateo
William concentrates on adr, formation, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Formation
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General
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Insurance
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ADR cases in San Mateo, California
William takes adr matters in San Mateo, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Formation cases in San Mateo, California
William takes formation matters in San Mateo, 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 William agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Mateo, California
William takes general matters in San Mateo, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in San Mateo, California
William takes insurance matters in San Mateo, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
William David McDowall, adr attorney serving San Mateo
William David McDowall is an of counsel based in San Mateo, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Formation, and General. William has over 71 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdowall Cotter. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. William works from San Mateo, California and takes on adr matters across the region.
William David McDowall is a lawyer practicing insurance, mediation, corporate / incorporation and 2 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1952, and has been licensed for 71 years. William practices at McDowall Cotter in San Mateo, CA.
How William handles adr matters
William David McDowall is a lawyer practicing insurance, mediation, corporate / incorporation and 2 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1952, and has been licensed for 71 years. William practices at McDowall Cotter in San Mateo, CA.
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, formation, and general matters in San Mateo and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where William studied and practices
Stanford University
J.D. · 1955
Harvard University
A.B. · 1952
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1970 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1955 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1955 · ACTIVE
California
1955 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Stanford University and A.B. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Stanford University and A.B. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
William's legal honors and published work
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
American Board of Trial Advocates
National Board of Directors · membership
Locations
William David McDowall's office in San Mateo
William's primary office is at 2070 Pioneer Court, San Mateo, CA, 94403. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William David McDowall — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in San Mateo.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William David McDowall claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William David McDowall — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in San Mateo, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William David McDowall
How much does it cost to hire William for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside San Mateo?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new adr clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving San Mateo, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
William handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in California
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in San Mateo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





