Estate Planning:

Wills, Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, Probates

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real estate law:

Counseling re: acquisition, ownership and sale of commercial, residential and agricultural properties, leases, contracts, easements and permits.

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business law:

What type of business entity is right for you? We can assist with determining the answer, entity formation and ongoing status maintenance.

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wine & vineyard industries:

Our legal experience, personal knowledge and history in the industry provides a huge advantage counseling clients in these areas.

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Immigration Law:

Representation for employers, businesses & individuals. Personalized service to help families come together and stay together in the U.S.

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About Us

Rafael Rios III  Bio:

rafael-rios-profileB.S. Landscape Architecture, University of California, Davis J.D. DOCTOR OF LAW, Santa Clara University Law School, Phi Delta Phi

Rafael Rios is a life-long resident of the Napa Valley. He was raised in St. Helena, grew-up working in the vineyards and wineries, and graduated from St. Helena High School in 1985.   He then went on to U.C Davis where he earned his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture.  After working in landscape architecture and in land planning for several years Rafael decided to study law at Santa Clara University Law School.  He has been practicing law in Napa since 1994.

After law school, Rafael returned to the Napa Valley, became a member of the Napa County Bar Association, and joined Coombs & Dunlap, LLP in 1994 where he became a partner and practiced through 2008. He opened his own office January 1, 2009.

Opening his own office has allowed Rafael to better meet he needs of his clients.

He is directly involved in the wine industry as an original, managing member of Rios Wine Company, LLC and now the founder and managing member of Justicia Wines, LLC.  Rafael has significant years of experience in areas of law that overlap or intersect with estate planning – such as formation of family LLC’s and partnerships, family law, immigration, and real estate (including ownership of vacation properties in Mexico).

Rafael is an active member of the community and has served on various boards and organizations including the St. Helena Kiwanis Club, the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce, the Napa County Hispanic Network, the Calistoga Family Center, and Clinica Verde.  Currently, Rafael is a member of the Board of Trustees of Napa Valley College, and President of the Napa Sonoma Mexican American Vintners Association.

He is also a member of the Napa County Bar Association and the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Rafael is fluent in Spanish, his native language, and lives in Calistoga with his wife and their children.  When not practicing law, he enjoys fly fishing, photography and outdoor activities.