Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
David A. Patton
About David
Biography
David Patton is a certified family law specialist, limiting his practice to family law exclusively. He heads the firm’s family law practice.
Mr. Patton has over 30 years experience as a trial lawyer, spending his early years as a trial lawyer focusing on insurance defense and plaintiff’s personal injury cases. After co-founding Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri in 1994, Mr. Patton developed the firm's family law practice. Since then, he has become one of Silicon Valley’s top family law attorneys.
Mr. Patton is a certified family law specialist. Only attorneys certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization may represent themselves as such.
To be certified by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California, an attorney must:
- Be an active member in good standing of the State Bar of California
- Pass a written examination covering California Family Law
- Have substantial experience in the field of Family Law
- Complete specified and State Bar approved legal education requirements applicable to the family law field
- Be favorably evaluated by judges and other attorneys concerning his or her knowledge, ability and experience in the practice of Family Law
A certified Family Law Specialist maintains and improves his or her knowledge and competence in the family law field regularly.
Mr. Patton delivers valuable trial experience and cost management to the firm's family law clients. He seeks settlement whenever possible. However, when a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, he draws upon his strong litigation and trial skills to obtain excellent results for his clients in court.
Mr. Patton was born in Oakland, California in 1960. He is a fifth generation resident of the State of California. Mr. Patton attended Skyline High School, where he was captain of the Skyline ski racing team. After graduating from high school, Mr. Patton attended the University of California at Berkeley. While at Berkeley, he spent a year in France where he attended the Political Science Institute branch of the Sorbonne in Paris. He was also president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Mr. Patton graduated from Berkeley with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1983, and then attended Santa Clara University School of Law. While at Santa Clara University, he served as an editor of the Santa Clara Law Review. He also spent a summer working for a law firm in Singapore, and attending the University of Singapore Law School. Mr. Patton graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1987.
When not at work, Mr. Patton enjoys participating in sporting activities, including ski racing, scuba diving, golf and volleyball, as well as attending Cal Bears football games. He also enjoys travel, and has traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad.
Mr. Patton is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, where he is a member of the family law section, and the State Bar of California. He is admitted to practice in all California Courts, including the Federal District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals. Mr. Patton has been appointed by the Santa Clara Superior Court to act as a judge pro-tem (volunteer judge) and arbitrator. He has acted as a private judge and mediator as well.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 600-600 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 37 years
State: California
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Location
Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri
1871 The Alameda, Suite 400, San Jose, CA, 95126
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
David A. Patton's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
16 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (16)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews | Divorce & Separation
Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
Outstanding & Personable
I highly recommend David Patton. He is an outstanding, personable, experienced, and very knowledgeable lawyer. He provides an honest, upfront description of the risks and benefits of various strategies. In addition, he provides potential outcomes, both good and bad. I worked with David and his ...
Posted by Craig | October 17, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
Professional
David is an excellent lawyer. He was very thorough in his research of the law. I had the unfortunate circumstance of my ex wife taking me back to court on very shaky facts. Ultimately, I prevailed (with David's help). He and his staff handled the matter in a very thorough way. If i have to go ba...
Posted by Rod | September 24, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
The best! MUST READ
I used David Patton three years ago. I had a potentially very nasty divorce involving high net worth, assets and custody of 2 daughters. Mr. Patton worked with me to be able to to raise my two daughters and hold the assets. His integrity and wisdom kept us out of court and put me in the vey best pos...
Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2009 | Divorce & Separation
In court, no one does it like him
I can't say enough good things about Mr. Patton. I was referred to him by a friend whose messy divorce spanned several law offices and $$$$ before reaching his desk for closure in her favor. At the time when my ex-husband tried to end my alimony, prior to calling Mr. Patton, I contacted many dif...
Posted by anonymous | July 09, 2009 | Divorce & Separation
Excellent Attorney!
Dave was responsible for handling a very complex divorce involving several complicated issues. As an experienced attorney myself, I relied upon the referrals and recommendations of my peers in selecting Dave as my attorney. I was not disappointed! He was very knowledgeable and hands-on throughout t...
David A. Patton's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend David Patton. He is an outstanding attorney with A+ ethics. He understands complex issues and is thoughtful in helping the court find creative solutions to find as much of a win win result as possible. In my opinion, his firm is one of the best in Santa Clara."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Kaitlyn Fontaine
Family lawyer
Luna Stevenson
Divorce and separation lawyer
Alistair Shaw
Divorce and separation lawyer
Bethany Brass
Family lawyer
Jessica Siegel
Family lawyer
Alexis Revelo
Family lawyer
Bobby Khalajestani
Family lawyer
Riley Pennington
Family lawyer
Ernest Baello
Family lawyer
Susan Urrutia
Family lawyer
Virginia Lively
Family lawyer
Jillian Green
Family lawyer
Tiffany Gonzalez
Family lawyer
Susan Dent
Family lawyer
Rachel Leff-Kich
Family lawyer
Gretchen Boger
Family lawyer
Rebecca Sternbach
Family lawyer
Rolf Krueger
Unknown lawyer
Mitchell Ehrlich
Divorce and separation lawyer
Gina Policastri
Child custody lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Superlawyer, Superlawyers/San Francisco Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Superlawyer, Superlawyers/San Francisco Magazine
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Superlawyer, Superlawyers/San Francisco Magazine
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Biltmore's Who's Who, Blitmore
2011
Superlawyer, Superlawyers/San Francisco Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Superlawyer, Superlawyers/San Francisco Magazine
2009
Superlawyers-Star Search, Superlawyers magazine
2008
Board Certified Specialist, Family Law, California Board of Legal Specialization
2006
Silicon Valley's Top Attorneys, San Jose Magizine
2003
Who's Who in American Law, Marquis Who's Who
1987
Law Review, Santa Clara University
Work Experience
1994 - Present
Partner, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri
1900 - Present
Partner, Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri PC
1988 - 1994
Attorney, Collins and Zapala
Associations
2014 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaCommissioner, State Bar Family Law Advisory Commission
2008 - Present
Association of Certified Family Law SpecialistsMember
2008 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationFamily Law Executive Committee
2002 - Present
Better Business BureauMember
1993 - Present
Santa Clara County Superior CourtArbitrator/Volunteer Settlement Judge
1993 - Present
US Court of AppealsQualified/Admitted
1988 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationMember
1988 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1983 - Present
US Federal CourtsQualified/Admitted
2006 - 2009
Creekside Village Homeowners AssociationPresident
1978 - 1983
Sigma Alpha Epsilon FraternityPresident/member
Sample of Legal Cases
Mother vs. Father
Primary Custody & Move Away Order
Education
1987
Santa Clara University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1983
University of California at Berkeley
BA - Bachelor of Arts (X2)
Speaking Engagements
2009
Speaker
Legal Career Placement in Family Law
1995
Speaker
Legal Career Placement, Civil Litigation
Publications
2011
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog
Grandparent Visitation Rights
2011
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blogs
Huffington Post Article Argues For Increased Accountability For Parents Misusing Child Support Funds
2011
Lonich & Patton, LLP Blog
Marital Debts: What You Need TO Know
1985
Mini Storage Magazine
Legal Validity of Exculpatory Clauses in Storage Contracts
Languages
English
French
Activity
Legal Guides