Our Practice

We provide the broad range of services that our clients expect from a full service law firm. We are proud of our long term relationships with clients – some we have served for over 40 years.

We draft estate plans, litigate disputed matters, set up businesses, assist with employment matters, help with the difficult process of family law disputes, negotiate with local governmental agencies, settle property line disputes and address most other matters that arise in our clients’ lives. We have bilingual staff to provide assistance to our Spanish-speaking community.

Our attorneys have graduated from the top schools in the country and our experienced legal staff members are an integral part of our practice. Our attorneys focus on personal service, with a dedication to efficiently and cost effectively resolving our clients’ legal disputes. By establishing a relationship with our firm, our clients ensure continuous legal support from a team that knows our clients’ business.

With 85% of our business coming from returning clients or new clients referred by former clients, other attorneys or accountants, our reputation for integrity comes from working closely with each client and matching our qualified resources to specific legal needs. Whether our clients are local businesses or individuals, each Coombs & Dunlap client can be sure our experienced team will be dedicated to achieving successful results.

Our History

Coombs & Dunlap, LLP is Napa Valley’s oldest law firm, established in 1876.

Coombs & Dunlap was founded by Frank Coombs, son of pioneer Nathan Coombs who came to California over the Oregon Trail and was instrumental in laying out the City of Napa in 1847. Frank’s son, Nathan Coombs, and great-nephews Frank and John Dunlap, later joined the firm as partners.

Frank Coombs established the firm’s long tradition of public service. He was District Attorney for the County of Napa, served in the California Legislature (as did son Nathan and nephew John Dunlap) and United States Congress, and was a United States Minister to Japan. Since our founding, five Coombs & Dunlap partners have been appointed as Napa County Superior Court Judges. Our attorneys have acted as city attorneys throughout Napa County, and served on municipal commissions, councils and Board of Supervisors.

Our Napa office is in the Theodore Parker House, a designated historic landmark. In 1977 our firm opened a second office in St. Helena to better serve our Up Valley clients.

Our roots are deep in the Valley, our continuity is seamless and our commitment to the future is strong. We continue to bring new associates and partners into the firm to grow our practice and ensure the best possible service to our clients.

Our Community

Coombs & Dunlap, LLP attorneys are active members in our community. Our long history of public service is not limited to acting as public officials – city attorney, district attorney, judge, legislator, congressman, school board member, county supervisor. We are also active participants in local service organizations, including Rotary and Kiwanis, and have served on local non-profit boards, including the boards of various public and charter schools, as well as other community and charitable organizations.

Our attorneys are fortunate to live and work in the Napa Valley and partake in the many opportunities our community has to offer. We spend time coaching youth sports and coaching high school mock trial teams, as well as supporting and sponsoring fundraising events for many local organizations such as The Napa Valley Food Bank, Cope Family Center, Napa Emergency Women’s Services, Napa Valley 4-H groups, local hospice services, schools, Napa Valley Symphony and the Napa Valley Opera House.

We pride ourselves on our personal service to our clients who also value tradition, a trusting relationship with their attorneys and the most sophisticated legal services in the Valley.