Attorney Profiles
Marie C. Bechtel, Managing Partner
Marie Bechtel received a Bachelor of Arts degree (1973) in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Calgary at Calgary, Alberta Canada. After graduation Ms. Bechtel was employed 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 earning her Juris Doctorate degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. She was admitted to the California State Bar in December of 1991, joining Mr. Hoover in 1992. In January 1998, Hoover & Bechtel, LLP, was formed. Hoover & Bechtel has become a prominent law firm handling all issues in the area of Family Law.
Ms. Bechtel has experience in all areas of Family Law and is an experienced trial and appellate attorney (In re Marriage of Burgard) 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 a divorce, child custody and visitation issues, as well as other family law areas.
Ms. Bechtel has been a guest speaker and lecturer at the Santa Clara University Law School, family law class and Evergreen Valley College Paralegal Program. She has presented Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) programs and continues to participate on various legal boards and committees in Santa Clara County. She is a contributing author for CEB, Dividing Pensions and other Employee Benefits in California Divorces.
Ms. Bechtel enjoys travel and reading and staying involved in the legal community through education. She also enjoys walking and playing with her poodle, Misty.