Robert D. Vale Robert D. Vale is a Partner at McDowall Cotter, APC, with a primary practice in wealth preservation, asset protection and trust & estate administration. This includes working with family businesses on entity formation, succession planning, lease negotiations & other matters particular to family businesses. Robert received his undergraduate degree at the University at California at Davis in 1976, & earned his M.B.A. from the University of Santa Clara in 1979. Robert earned his law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, at which he was active in law review and served as president of Phi Delta Phi. He obtained a Masters of Law in Taxation in 2001. Robert's publications include: Of Hearts and Minds (Guardians and Trustees); Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs; Planning Strategies for Grandparents; A Will or a Trust, that is the Question. Brett S. Lytle Brett S. Lytle is a Partner at McDowall Cotter, APC, where he counsels individuals, families, nonprofits and businesses in legal matters pertaining to estate planning, wealth preservation, and asset protection. Brett received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1980. He received a Master's of Science in Taxation and a Jurist Doctorate from the University of Gonzaga in 1984. He then received a Master of Law in Business and Taxation-Transnational Practice from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1985. Stefani C. Coggins Stefani C. Coggins is an Associate Attorney at McDowall Cotter, APC, with a primary practice in wealth preservation, asset protection and trust and estate administration. Stefani received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama from the University of California at Irvine in 2008, and later earned her Juris Doctorate degree and Certificates in Dispute Resolution and International and Comparative Law from Pepperdine University School of Law in 2012. During her time at Pepperdine, Stefani received a CALI Excellence for the Future Award for Interviewing, Counseling, and Planning, and graduated as a member of the Order of the Barristers National Honor Society. Stefani was also active on Pepperdine's Honor's Trial Advocacy Team, and was the 2011 Managing Editor of the Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship and the Law. Stefani has published numerous White Papers with McDowall Cotter, APC, with topics ranging from California's Death With Dignity Act to Revocable Transfer on Death Deeds.