The History and Founding of Ross, Hackett, Dowling, Valencia & Walti
The firm’s founding father, Saul N. Ross, was a Major in the U.S. Army during World War II, assigned to the legal division that prosecuted and defended courts-martial. In 1947 following his honorable discharge from the service, Saul Ross opened a law office in San Bruno. To do so, Saul Ross rented a house at 600 El Camino Real. He transformed the front of the house into his law office and made the back his living quarters. Today, Ross, Hackett, Dowling, Valencia & Walti still resides at its 1947 original location.
Saul Ross was a brilliant attorney who loved the practice of law. This love of the law only grew after he opened up his own practice and a result of his enthusiasm and skill, Saul Ross’s practice thrived and his office grew. Prominent and distinguished lawyers joined the firm including: Bob Webber, John Segal, Sam Hackett, Joe Cotchett, and Mark Church.
No lawyer was more devoted to his clients than Saul Ross, and this was a trait that he insisted all lawyers in his firm possess. No lawyer was ever more accessible or more concerned about their client’s problems than him. He was known to lose sleep worrying about how he could solve his client’s problems even though ultimately, he would find a solution for their dilemma. Saul Ross’s legacy lives on today as Ross, Hackett, Dowling, Valencia & Walti continues this same commitment and devotion to its clients.
In 1983, Don Dowling became Saul Ross’s partner, after working for him since 1980. In 1987, Michael Valencia and Paul Walti merged their practice, and joined the firm which then became Ross, Hackett, Dowling, Valencia & Walti. Since 1987, the firm has operated as a general practice handling a myriad of practice areas.
Saul Ross died in 1980 but his legacy continues with Ross, Hackett, Dowling, Valencia & Walti. Saul Ross’s office remains and its attorneys continue to carry on his philosophy; we are passionate about the law and committed to our clients
