Discover the Best Attorneys, Lawyers, and Legal Professionals in the San Mateo Area
The Best of San Mateo Awards highlight outstanding local services in over 120 categories—including the most trusted attorneys, lawyers, and legal professionals in the region. Voted by the community, these legal experts stand out for their experience, professionalism, and client success. From estate planning and business law to family matters and criminal defense, these top law firms provide expert legal guidance. Participation is free—join us in celebrating the best legal minds in San Mateo.
In 2025, the Best Attorney Winners were:
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Common Types of Lawyers in the San Mateo Area
In the San Mateo Area, the most common types of lawyers include:
Personal Injury Lawyers: These attorneys specialize in cases involving accidents, injuries, and wrongful death, helping clients seek compensation for damages caused by someone else’s negligence. If you are the victim or a car accident or other injury, these cases are often handled on a contingency basis, meaning that there is no upfront cost to you.
Real Estate Attorneys: Real estate lawyers handle legal matters related to property transactions, such as buying, selling, leasing, or disputes over property rights.
Family Law Attorneys: Family law attorneys deal with legal issues related to families, such as divorce, child custody and adoption..
Estate Planning Attorneys: These lawyers assist clients in creating wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes after death.
Business Attorneys: Business lawyers provide legal advice and representation to businesses on matters such as contracts, corporate governance, intellectual property, and employment law. They also help startup companies with legal tasks such as establishing a legal business entity.
Criminal Defense Attorneys: Criminal defense lawyers represent individuals accused of committing crimes and work to protect their rights and achieve the best possible outcome in their cases. Typical criminal defense matters include domestic violence, restraining orders, DUI, drug-related crimes, theft, appeals and others.
Immigration Attorneys: Immigration lawyers assist clients with issues related to visas, green cards, citizenship, deportation defense, and other immigration matters.
How to Choose an Attorney in San Mateo
Choosing the best lawyer for your needs can be a crucial decision. The lawyers in this list were voted by the San Mateo public as among the best. Other ways to research lawyer include:
- Research: Start by researching law firms that specialize in the relevant area of law. You can use online directories, referrals from friends or family, or bar association websites to find potential lawyers in your area.
- Read Reviews and Testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of the lawyer’s reputation and track record. Websites like Avvo, Yelp, or Google Reviews can be helpful for this purpose.
- Check Credentials: Verify the lawyer’s credentials, including their education, experience, and any certifications or memberships in professional organizations related to their field of practice. You can research whether a San Mateo lawyer has ever been disciplined on the California State Bar website.
- Schedule Consultations: Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. Take advantage of these to meet with potential candidates, discuss your case, and evaluate their expertise, communication style, and approach to handling cases.
Courts in San Mateo County
In San Mateo County, California, here are some of the main courthouse locations. For more assistance, contact the court information line at (650) 261-5100.
- Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo – Southern Branch: Located in Redwood City, this courthouse handles a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family law, probate, and traffic matters.
- Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo – Northern Branch: Situated in South San Francisco, this courthouse primarily deals with criminal cases, including arraignments, trials, and other criminal proceedings.
- Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo – Hall of Justice: This facility, also located in Redwood City, houses the criminal division of the San Mateo County Superior Court.
- Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo – Juvenile Branch: Located in San Mateo, this courthouse handles cases involving minors, including juvenile delinquency, dependency, and related matters.
- Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo – Family Court Services: Situated in Redwood City, this facility provides services related to family law matters, including mediation, counseling, and evaluations.
Legal Aid in San Mateo
San Mateo Legal Aid offers support to low-income residents of San Mateo County in a range of civil legal matters such as health care, housing, public benefits, special education services, domestic violence, immigration, and elder abuse. They do not handle traffic violations or criminal cases, including DUIs. To make an appointment with a Legal Aid lawyer for a civil matter, one should call (650) 558-0915.
For legal assistance in criminal matters, individuals are advised to contact the San Mateo Bar Association Private Defenders Office at (650) 298-4000.