Marie Bechtel received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Calgary at Calgary, Alberta Canada in 1973. After Graduation Ms. Bechtel was employed for nine years as a Social Worker for the Province of Alberta, primarily working in the area of Child Welfare. After moving to the Bay area she enrolled in law school to pursue a career in family law.

Ms. Bechtel graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate Degree and was admitted to the bar in December of 1991. After graduation, Ms. Bechtel was an instructor for a paralegal program at a local college. She joined the firm in 1992 and became a partner January, 1998. She has always limited her practice to family law.

Ms. Bechtel has experience in all areas of family law and is an experienced trial and appellate attorney as well as being successful in negotiations and case settlement. Her background in both psychology and social work is well suited to the practice of family law and gives her the unique ability to provide understanding and practical legal assistance to families going through the trauma of divorce.