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Rory S. Coetzee
About Rory
Biography
Rory S. Coetzee graduated from Trinity Law School in 2008 and was licensed to practice law in California in December of that same year. While at Trinity Law School, he participated in the school’s Moot Court program, was the recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship, and was awarded the prestigious Amjur Award for academic excellence in the area of Criminal Procedure. He was also elected to serve as a representative on the student body counsel. Currently, he is the lead attorney at R.S.C. Law Group, and also serves as a Judge Pro Tem in the Santa Clara County Family Law Courts.
A native of South Africa, Mr. Coetzee immigrated to the United States in 1998 and attended Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas where he graduated with Cum Laude honors and received a Bachelors of Science Degree with an emphasis in both Political Science and Paralegal Studies.
Prior to founding R.S.C. Law Group, Mr. Coetzee worked for five years as a senior associate attorney at The Law Firm of J. Hector Moreno, Jr. & Associates, one of the most prestigious and preeminent family law firms in San Jose, California. During Mr. Coetzee’s time at The Law Firm of J. Hector Moreno, Jr. & Associates, he focused his practice on high-conflict family law litigation, which allowed him to become familiar and accustom to dealing with the most complex issues in the family law arena. Prior to that, and while still in law school, Mr. Coetzee spent two years serving as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert Monarch of the Orange County Superior Court. He also held an externship position with the Orange County District Attorney’s office. After graduating from law school, he obtained an associate position with the Holt Law Firm in Tustin, California, where his practice focused on all issues concerning civil litigation.
While Mr. Coetzee’s practice is now focused primarily on family law matters, he has also successfully represented clients in the areas of business litigation, real estate litigation, and personal injury litigation. Mr. Coetzee has represented clients in all manner of legal disputes, and has always dedicated his efforts to ensure that he represents all of his clients with excellence, compassion and knowledge of the law.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Alimony
20%
18 years | 250 cases
Child Custody
20%
18 years | 225 cases
Child Support
20%
18 years | 225 cases
Divorce and Separation
20%
18 years | 275 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 275-375 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 17 years
State: California
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
R.S.C Law Group
659 Abrego St, Suite 6, Monterey, CA, 93940
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Rory S. Coetzee's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
22 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (22)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Angelina | August 20, 2014 | Child Support
Outstanding Attorney
When I was introduced to Rory Coetzee by my previous attorney, I had completely lost all faith in attorneys & the court system. Being duped, taken advantage of and mislead by my previous attorney I was a little apprehensive on whether I wanted to "fix" the mess I was in. It was only after speaking w...
Posted by anonymous | January 06, 2014 | Child Custody
Great representation
Mr. Coetzee is everything a lawyer should be. When I met with him and on my case he was attentive, listened to my questions, issues, complaints etc. and was responsive. He was very honest and straightforward letting me know what he could do and what he couldn't in reference to my custody case. His ...
Posted by Heather Masamitsu | June 21, 2011 | Child Custody
Wouldn't go anywhere else
Rory represented me for the mediation portions of my custody negotiations. On one occasion, I was due to be out of the country and the other party's attorney would not agree to reschedule the court date for when I was going to be back. Rory, assured me that he would be able to handle it, appeared for...
Posted by June | June 15, 2011 | Divorce & Separation
Efficient, no-nonsense, thorough, sharp!
My divorce would have gone much faster if I'd hired Rory from the start. He wasted no time and minced no words, gave me answers as soon as I asked the questions, and remembered me between calls (sharp memory!). I wanted to do as much as I could to save money, and he was willing to work "pro per" e...
Rory S. Coetzee's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An intelligent and an amazing attorney."
"Well respected in the community and known for effective advocacy for clients!"
"Having worked with this attorney in the past I know that he not only is extremely knowledgeable in this area of law, but he also exhibits the highest level of ethical decision making and honesty."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Rory. A highly respected attorney in the legal community with a reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Coetzee provides thoughtful, educated and experienced answers to the questions provided herein. Attorney Coetzee provides a needed service by providing voluntary and free legal assistance to the individuals herein who are in need of immediate legal answers."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Coetzee has solid advice and keen insight for those posing questions on AVVO. He's obviously dedicated to helping out those in need of help."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Rory at a family law firm for several years and saw first-hand his dedication to his clients. Rory is an excellent attorney. He represents his clients with integrity, passion, and compassion. He is the type of attorney this field of law really needs."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rory and I have represented opposing parties on cases before and I have always found him to be a knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rory is always professional and a highly competent lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have met Rory and seen him to be an excellent and capable attorney, one who both understands the law and his clients, and one who is always looking to learn new ways to help resolve issues. He is a truly good attorney."
"Rory has proven in Court to be a compassionate and aggressive advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rory is knowledgeable and nice to work with."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Coetzee for several years. Clients are better served when they have a knowledgeable and reasonable attorney on their side who also is a vigorous litigant. Mr. Coetzee meets that criteria and is an excellent attorney. I highly endorse him."
"Rory has a great knowledge of the law. Most importantly, he knows how to get the results his clients are looking for. He is the lawyer you want on your side."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
Judge Pro Tem Volunteer Appreciation Award, Santa Clara County Family Law Court
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Judge Pro Tem, Santa Clara County
2014 - Present
Principal Attorney, RSC Law Group
2013 - Present
Of Counsel - Attorney, Church Law Group
2009 - 2014
Senior Associate Attorney, Law Firm of J. Hector Moreno Jr. & Associates
2008 - 2009
Litigation Associate, The Holt Law Firm
2007 - 2007
Judicial Law Clerk, Orange County Superior Court
2007 - 2008
Law Clerk, District Attorney's Office Orange County
Associations
2019 - Present
Hospice Giving FoundationDirector
2018 - Present
Pacheco ClubDirector
2015 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationJudge Pro Tem
2014 - Present
Monterey County Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
Monterey County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2009 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2009 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
American Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2009 - Present
American Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2008 - 2009
Trintity School of LawStudent Body Representitive
Sample of Legal Cases
Husband v. Wife
$7,000 in attorney fees granted in favor of client.
Child Support Granted
Guideline child support awarded to client using entirety of Father's income.
Request for additional visitation Granted!
Equal timeshare visitation order granted in favor of client.
Mother v. Father
Full custody of child awarded to client.
Education
2008
Trinity School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Texas Wesleyan University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2013
Monthly Legal Clinic
Family Law and Related Issues
2012
Monthly Law Clinic
Family Law and Related Issues
2011
Monthly Law Clinic
Family Law and Related Issues
2010
Monthly Law Clinic
Family Law and Related Issues
Publications
2014
Private Circulation
Child Support Treatise
2014
Private Publication
Your Rights to Spousal Support
2014
Private Publication
Your Rights - Attorney Fees.
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
California Family Law: How to File A Motion to Disqualify Attorney due to conflict of interest?
23 Jun 2014
Q&A
Is there a difference between serving and giving notice to someone?
15 Mar 2014
Q&A
Do judges typically adopt the recommendations of a 730 evaluation?
19 Feb 2014