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Brett counsels individuals, families, nonprofits and businesses in legal matters pertaining to estate planning, wealth preservation, and asset protection. Though Brett is particularly knowledgeable about wealth management and the transfer of wealth among generations, he is also keenly interested in helping his clients preserve their assets and their independence while they are living. He is an active member of the San Mateo County Bar's Estate Planning and Probate section.

Clients

Individuals | Families | LLCs | Corporations | Non-Profit Organizations

Professional Summary

Brett S. Lytle comes to McDowall Cotter from the law firm Howard, Lytle, Mah and Jackson, where he has been a partner for more than 20 years.

Brett received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1980. In 1984, the University of Gonzaga granted him a Master's of Science degree in Taxation and a Jurist Doctorate. Brett also holds a Master of Laws degree in Business and Taxation-Transnational Practice, which he received in 1985 from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Brett is admitted to practice law before the California Supreme Court, the District of Columbia Appellate Court, the United States Tax Court, and United States Court of International Trade.

Brett is also an educator. His course, “Needs Benefit Approach to Estate Planning for Insurance Professionals,” is a prerequisite for the California Department of Insurance's continuing education program, and qualifies for 13 hours of continuing education credit for the life Insurance Professional. Brett provides continuing education seminars for Insurance Professionals, CPAs, and CFP's, too. His courses are well known at The MONY Group, Principal Financial Group, Mass Mutual, Safeco, First American Title Company, and Foresters. Brett also provides estate-planning seminars for clients and professionals in the insurance, financial planning, and real estate fields. Additionally, Brett gives talks to charities, including the American Lung Association, Alzheimer Association, Better Breathers, Dolger Senior Center, and Coastside Adult Community Center.

Brett has sat on the board of directors of the American Lung Association (San Francisco and San Mateo counties), Redwood City's AYSO, and the Mission Hospice of San Mateo County. Currently, he serves the Mountain View-Los Altos High School Foundation as a member of their board, and assists other non-profits with establishing endowments for their organizations.

Brett lives with his wife, Pam, and two of their three children—Beth, a junior high school student, and Drew, who is in the 8th grade. His oldest child, Sarah, is away at college.