Donal Casey Cummins did his under-graduate studies at Gonzaga University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After serving three years in the US Army, he returned to San Francisco and entered the University of San Francisco, School of Law. He graduated in 1970 with a Juris Doctor degree, passed the California State Bar Examination later that year and started practicing law in the Bay Area after forming The Law Offices Of Cummins & Holmes in 1971.

At the beginning of his career he worked in many disciplines of the law. As the years of practice rolled along, his practice has narrowed and focuses primarily on all aspects of Family Law. Because in many divorce cases there are a myriad of business interests involved he still maintains an expertise in both business and civil litigation and transactional matters.

Wills and Trusts are (or should be) an important part of family life for everyone today. Mr. Cummins has written hundreds of these testamentary documents over the years of his practice and continues to offer that service as well.

Mr. Cummins has also been a Judge Pro Tem in the Family Law Department of the Contra Costa County Superior Court. As a result, he is able to bring a unique perspective to the approach a particular case may require. He understands the issues from both the advocacy and judging points of view.

With over forty years in practice, Mr. Cummins has dealt with almost every situation involved in a case. His thorough knowledge of the issues and his empathy with clients helps relieve the pain and frustration that accompany any legal entanglement, especially those in divorce proceedings.

Mr. Cummins' San Ramon office is conveniently located for people living or working in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Diablo, and Alamo.

Education

University of San Francisco School of Law, San Francisco, California
J.D. - 1970

Gonzaga University
B.B.A. 1963

Professional Associations & Memberships

American Bar Association, Member
California State Bar Association, Member
Alameda County Bar Association, Member
Contra Costa County Bar Association, Member
 

Melanie Abea joined the Firm in 2019. She came with three years' experience as a formidable Civil and Family Law litigator. On the Civil side, she has worked on personal injury, trust, and business litigation, as well as employment matters. Her Family Law experience is also well rounded having represented divorcing parties in all aspects of that litigation.

Before becoming an attorney, she was a Certified Paralegal Associate for nearly nine years supporting attorneys in three different law firms in all aspects of litigation. While attending Santa Clara University as an undergraduate student, she worked full time in those law firms learning every aspect of law practice from organizing files to legal research, drafting legal pleadings, and communicating with clients and court personnel.

She completed her Juris Doctor degree at Santa Clara University. During her law studies, she became a Certified Law Clerk which allowed her to make court appearances for her attorney employers. While in law school, she received accolades such as Dean's List, CALI Award winner, and became Vice President of the Student Bar Association. Not to mention, by the time she graduated from Santa Clara Law School, she had four children!!

In her "spare time" she enjoys activities such as gardening, crafting, and watching and supporting her children who compete in football and cheer.

Admission

State Bar of California, 2016

Memberships

California State Bar
Contra Costa County Bar Association
Alameda County Bar Association

Professional Achievements

Nominated as a Top 40 Under 40 by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers, 2019
Nominated for Top 40 Young Lawyer by the National Alliance of Women in Law, 2019
Nominated to be a Lawyer of Distinction by Lawyers of Distinction, 2019