Joseph M. Goethals

Joseph M. Goethals is a partner at Goethals & Stone, PC in Burlingame, California. Mr. Goethals represents clients in personal injury, criminal law, and civil rights matters. His practice includes helping injured clients pursue compensation, advocating for people harmed by government misconduct, and addressing criminal law concerns. Clients rely on his trial background, public service experience, and practical judgment when facing serious disputes, accountability issues, or urgent legal challenges.

Mr. Goethals earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2005. He also received a master’s degree in public health from San Jose State University in 2002 and a B.A. in microbiology from Santa Clara University in 1999. This academic background supports his ability to analyze complex facts, understand technical issues, and approach litigation with careful preparation and disciplined problem-solving.

Mr. Goethals has substantial courtroom and government experience. Before entering private practice, he served as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County from 2006 to 2015 and in San Mateo County from 2015 to 2020. His work as a prosecutor gave him direct experience with evidence, case strategy, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy. The firm also notes that he is a seasoned litigator with more than 50 trials under his belt.

Joseph M. Goethals is active in professional and community organizations connected to law, public service, and local leadership. His roles have included serving as past president and board member of the Santa Clara University Alumni Association, as a member of the San Mateo County Bar Association Racial Justice Subcommittee, and as president and chair of the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Joint Powers Association. He brings government insight, trial experience, and community-based judgment to clients seeking justice, accountability, and effective legal guidance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Goethals & Stone, PC
• Member, California State Bar
• Past President & Board Member, Santa Clara University Alumni Association
• Member, San Mateo County Bar Association, Racial Justice Subcommittee
• Member, College of San Mateo President’s Centennial Committee
• Honorary Chairman, Sister City Association, Toyonaka, Japan
• President & Chair of The Board, San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Joint Powers Association (JPA)
• Member, San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA)
• Honorary Chairman, America Supporting Americans, City of San Mateo Adopted Unit 101

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Santa Clara University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• San Jose State University
  Master of Arts (MA)
• Santa Clara University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges