925.516.1617
Founding Partner
amy@aqalegal.com
Services Areas: Estates, Trusts & Probate, Family Law, Divorce Mediation
Amy's approach to estate planning is to focus on each client's unique needs and objectives. She helps identify her client’s unique needs and designs comprehensive estate plans for her clients that provide the maximum protection without compromise. For her family law clients, Amy strives to help them achieve an equitable resolution with dignity, expediency, and compassion. She tends toward a settlement focused approach. Her broad experience enables her to provide keen insight for her clients. Amy is a trained mediator and a member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals. She is deeply committed to her clients and the ethical standards of her profession.
Memberships and Affiliations:
B.A. California State University, Chico
J.D. Cal Northern School of Law, Chico
Member of the Trusts and Estate Section of the California State Bar Association
Member of the Family Law Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association
Member of International Association of Collaborative Professionals
Volunteer for the Family Law Clinic at the Contra Costa County Library in Pittsburg
Current President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Brentwood Downtown Business Coalition
Hobbies and Interests:
Amy has lived in Brentwood since 2001 with her husband and two teenage daughters. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, reading, spending time in Palm Desert with family and friends, going to the theater and concerts with her girls, as well a day of shopping followed by a good red wine.
Testimonials:
“We have known Amy for over 7 years. Her professionalism, dedication and knowledge are great. Amy will go the extra mile in making sure your estate planning is done right the first time. I strongly recommend Amy and her office.” Dirk Z.
“I've worked with Amy Alvis on some changes to a trust and also had some issues for a small business matter. They were great. Efficient and timely, they go the extra mile to make sure clients understand the implications of the work they are doing” Gwen O.
“Needed some help with some documents by a certain deadline, and Amy came through. She did not hesitate to take the situation on, and helped quickly and efficiently. What seemed like a crisis one day...became a breeze of the past the next.” Pushka G.
Partner
marie@aqalegal.com
Service Areas: Real Estate, Litigation, Trademark, Intellectual Property
After over 25 years in private practice, Marie Quashnock has developed extensive experience representing startups, businesses, and public entities across a multitude of industries. In her transactional experience, Marie has advised real estate clients on a wide range of transactions, including lease arrangements, sales and acquisitions, and debt and equity financing. Marie also developed a specialty in intellectual property law, having prosecuted hundreds of trademark registrations with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on behalf of her clients. Marie also possesses a broad civil litigation experience in a variety of areas.
Marie was named a Super Lawyer by Northern California Super Lawyer Magazine for two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010.
Memberships and Affiliations:
Member of the Robert G. McGrath American Inn of Court (Master Level)
Member of Real Estate Section of the California State Bar Association
Current Program Chair for the Real Estate Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association
Admitted to the Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of the California District Court
Admitted to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Member of the Brentwood Downtown Business Coalition
Hobbies and Interests:
Marie and her husband have lived in Brentwood with their two teenage boys since 2012. Marie speaks and writes fluent French, and she enjoys running and swimming, singing and music, home decorating and a good Chardonnay.
Testimonials:
“Simply put; she is the best. I have to say I viewed attorneys in a very negative light. But when I needed for an attorney, I found Alvis, Quashnock and Associates. What I got was an attorney that is from the highest standards, she is truly one in a million and I'm proud to say "she is my attorney" for everything. I highly recommend her. As for the firm she is with, I feel for those that don't retain them and pity those that have to sit across the table from them.” T.R.
"Marie is an outstanding attorney and consummate professional. She is sharp, intelligent and an expert in her field. She brought a wealth of knowledge and creativity to protect my intellectual property and strategize with the organization of my business." D.M.
"My husband and I met with Marie when our purchase of a house was close to falling through. Our sellers were getting cold feet during the long process of our particular purchase and our real estate agent was in over her head in some details of our selling and buying of properties. After one face-to-face with Marie many of our discouraged feelings were squashed and as we continued communication with her all of our issues were resolved. The manner in which Marie conducted herself was very professional and we appreciated the availability and communication we had with her. If we ever need a real estate attorney again, we will surely call Marie." M.S & A.S.
"Thank you for your patience. I really want to thank you for all you've done for me. I'm delighted to be getting my debts paid with your help in negotiating a settlement and I feel much gratitude for your help." B.C.
Of Counsel
barbara@aqalegal.com
Service Areas: Business & Corporate, Entrepreneur Consulting, Commercial Real Estate
Barbara, having worked with small and medium sized businesses for over 37 years, works with business owners to optimize their success with strategic planning, operations, corporate governance, contract review, , employee issues, commercial lease matters, purchase and sale of businesses and subsidiaries. Barbara's best talent is partnering with her clients in a way that helps them achieve their long-term business goals. For her efforts, Barbara was awarded Small Business Advocate of the Year by the SBA for the Western United States and Guam. Ask about Barbara’s e-book on "LLC Operating Agreements in Layman’s Words."
Barbara graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Chemistry. She spent four years as regulatory counsel for Beckman Instruments, Inc., four years as a prosecutor for the South Coast Air Quality Management District and three years as General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Lyons Construction Company in Los Angeles. She sat as a Judge Pro Tem in Los Angeles County and Contra Costa County, and has been an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association in both construction defects and computer licensing matters. Her published articles include "Better Not Splash" in Hot Boat Magazine and the legal chapters for the Small Business Encyclopedia published by Entrepreneur Magazine.
Memberships and Affiliations:
UC San Diego Alumni
Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity
Secretary of Harvest Time in Brentwood
Treasurer of the Discovery Bay Chamber of Commerce
Norcal Slow Money
Information Security and Privacy Section of the American Bar Association
Hobbies and Interests:
Barbara has been working on a 10 acre project that includes Tess’ Community Farm Kitchen and Tess’ Farm Market. In the mornings Barbara can be seen out in the orchard weeding, picking fruit, and involving the community in creating a place where people can reconnect with the more peaceful side of their lives.
Testimonials:
“Results and client appreciation are more important than money. Not only is she a good attorney but also now a longtime friend.” Don S.
“Barbara cuts thru the noise and identifies and brings resolution to the heart of the issue succinctly and professionally.........it is a refreshing experience.” David A.
“Barbara has been our corporate attorney for many years, over these years she has provided us with crucial professional legal contracts and insightful advice, and when our company needed security policies and procedures to comply with Government Healthcare regulations, she was an invaluable resource.” Allen B.
“I have worked with Barbara for more than 20 years and she uncomplicates, complicated legal matters. She has given my company great advice both from a professional and family planning perspective and is one of my most trusted advisors. And she is extremely responsive and quite logical.” Karen C.
Associate
ed@aqalegal.com
Service Areas: Landlord/Tenant, Business & Corporate, Entrepreneur Consulting, Estates & Trusts, Litigation
Ed is proud to be a member of Alvis Quashnock and Associates serving local individuals and business owners in East Contra Costa County. His goal is to provide insightful legal counsel to help businesses thrive and avoid legal pitfalls. Ed’s primary practice areas include Business law and representing Landlords. Working in multiple family businesses as a youth fostered a love of entrepreneurship and business that continues to this day. Prior to practice of law, Ed worked in a start-up technology company where he witnessed the legal challenges presented to a modern California business. The intersection of law and business motivated him to attend law school and become a lawyer, which he did in 2011.
Memberships and Affiliations:
Education
Concord Law School – Juris Doctor with Highest Honors
Chico State University – Bachelor Arts Music: Recording Arts
Admissions
State Bar of California
United Sates District Court, Northern District of California
Ambassador for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Vice President, BNI® - Delta Chapter
Hobbies and Interests:
Ed is married with two children and has lived in Brentwood and Discovery Bay since 2001. Over the past 15 years he has coached youth soccer, baseball, basketball, and football. He also served as Treasurer and Cubmaster of Pack 90 Cub Scouts in Brentwood. In his “free” time, he enjoys being active outdoors with his family hiking, snowboarding, golfing, and bicycling.
Testimonials:
“Mr. Younger helped me with getting a tenant out of my rental. He was professional and knowledgeable and went above and beyond answering all of my questions and leading me in the right direction in filing a small claims case. I would definitely hire him again!” Posted by a Landlord & Tenant client
“Edward was great to work with and very professional. Will use his services in the future!” Posted by an estate planning client
“Edward has provided our company outstanding legal guidance for 2 years now. Edward has assisted our company with a number of business issues. He has reviewed and written our lease contracts and real estate contracts. Through these contract negotiations, Edward has provided legal advice that has positioned our company to become more successful. In addition to leasing contracts, Edward has also assisted our company with employee and labor issues. He has written a number of employee contracts for our company. In today's every changing business climate, he quickly avails himself for consultation. When difficult situations arise you need advice, answers and strategies promptly, which is exactly what Edward does. He is always prompt, reliable and dedicated to excellent service. It is very comforting to know that Edward is committed to helping us through any legal matter. He constantly exceeds our expectations. Our company has and will continue to benefit greatly by virtue of Edward's legal support. We highly recommend Edward Younger.” Posted by a Business Law client
“Ed Younger did an outstanding job for me on a recent eviction. It took only a few days to get the tenant out. He knew the process thoroughly. He expedited my case, he kept me up-to-date and informed the whole time. The office staff knew who I was when I called in and were mostly in the loop on some level regarding my case. One of the things that stands out about Ed is he said things that told me he was empathetic with how I may be feeling about the circumstances, the eviction, the tenant and the process. He explained everything fully and minimized "legalese" by using plain English. I was impressed, frankly, and will not hesitate to use Ed again. He has other areas of expertise as well and if I have a need for an attorney otherwise, I will call Ed Younger without hesitation.” Posted by a Landlord Tenant client
“Ed Younger did an outstanding job for me on a recent eviction. It took only a few days to get the tenant out. He knew the process thoroughly. He expedited my case, he kept me up-to-date and informed the whole time. The office staff knew who I was when I called in and were mostly in the loop on some level regarding my case. One of the things that stands out about Ed is he said things that told me he was empathetic with how I may be feeling about the circumstances, the eviction, the tenant and the process. He explained everything fully and minimized "legalese" by using plain English. I was impressed, frankly, and will not hesitate to use Ed again. He has other areas of expertise as well and if I have a need for an attorney otherwise, I will call Ed Younger without hesitation.” Posted by a Landlord Tenant client
Senior Associate
reve@aqalegal.com
Legal Services: Criminal Defense, including: Criminal Felony and Misdemeanor Defense, Traffic Court Defense, DUI/Drunk Driving Defense, DMV Hearings/License Suspension, Theft Crimes, White Collar Crimes, Probation Violations, Expungement and Sealing of Records
Reve is a former prosecutor with over 20 years’ experience and well over 100 jury trials, court trials, preliminary hearings, grand jury hearings and evidentiary hearings. Reve also worked for the City Attorney’s Office in Oakland teaching and advising members of the Oakland Police Department. This background benefits clients in many ways. If a case is in the pre-file stage (no charges have been filed yet), Reve can anticipate how the police will conduct their investigation and can advise you appropriately. If we’re preparing for trial, Reve’s years as a prosecutor gives her the insight to prepare your defense. Having an attorney that knows how the other side works is a huge advantage for clients. Reve knows exactly what to do to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients. Whether through negotiation or trial, Reve’s goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients.
Memberships and Affiliations:
California DUI Lawyers Association
Filipino American Bar Association
Asian American Bar Association
Contra Costa County Bar Association
Hobbies and Interests:
Travelling to historical sites; reading historical documentaries and docudrama; collecting antique furniture
Testimonials:
“Reve is a compassionate attorney who always kept me and my family updated and informed of the process as well as the options available. My mother was very concerned about my case because of my immigration issues, but Ms. Bautista made sure that I was protected. She has the experience as a former prosecutor so she knows and understands what needs to be done to protect me. I would highly recommend Ms. Bautista.” Posted by a DUI client
She showed I could trust her to be in court. She did a proper review of all the facts of my case with me. We discussed our strategy. Meaning I was included in the decision making or how we would proceed. I asked her to challenge the officer’s probable cause, and we did. I had a good argument. The PC was poor in my case. Even though the court ruled against us saying it was a proper vehicle stop with PC. I felt good knowing we had our shot. I was able to make a statement that I challenged the officer. She made her cross examination of the officer and it was excellent. She missed nothing. In the end, I got a reasonable court order and in Marin County that works for the court and me.” Posted by a DUI client
“I endorse this lawyer. Long ago, I tried my first case in San Francisco and obtained an incredible "not guilty" jury verdict. Afterward, I didn't think I would ever lose. Then I tried a case against San Francisco District Attorney, Reve Bautista. Ms. Bautista soundly defeated me and gave me my first jury trial loss. Beyond that, Reve is a consummate professional who garners tremendous respect from District Attorneys throughout the Bay Area. Never forgetting the trial loss, Ms. Bautista and I are now working together to get the best possible results for all of our DUI clients. I strongly endorse Ms. Bautista and am grateful to work with this highly talented attorney.” Nors D., fellow lawyer in community
Support Staff
Rachel Rodrigues, Legal Assistant
rachel@aqalegal.com
Laura Matejcek, Administrative Assistant
laura@aqalegal.com
Terrie Thors, Legal Assistant
terrie@aqalegal.com
Denise O’Connell, Paralegal
denise@aqalegal.com
Sue Wright-Broughton, Billing Clerk
billing@aqalegal.com