Peter "Pete" J. Gates, 77, passed away on September 20, 2025, in Lake Forest, California. Born on January 26, 1948, in Bakersfield, California, Pete lived a life filled with family, friends and humor. He is survived by his devoted family -- wife, Rita, son, Sean, and daughter, Emily.
Pete pursued his undergraduate studies at California State University, Fullerton, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 1974. That same year, he was admitted to the California Bar, beginning a distinguished legal career that would span over five decades.
Pete began his law career at Spray, Gould & Bowers in 1974. From 1976-2002, he went on to become a partner at Hill, Genson, Even, Crandall & Wade. In 2002, Pete co-founded Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench ("G3PM Law") in Irvine, California. He remained an active and respected partner there until his passing.
Throughout his career, Pete was recognized for his commitment to his clients, his firm and the legal profession. He was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) from 1999 until his passing and maintained active involvement with the Orange County Bar Association. His contributions earned him several honors during his lifetime, including ABOTA, Orange County Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2012. Most recently, Pete was posthumously recognized as the first recipient of the Champion of Justice Award from the ABOTA Orange County Chapter.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pete was known as a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend. He loved his G3PM partners, cars, golf, movies and the LA Dodgers. His dedication to both family and colleagues left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
May the memory of his strength and humor continue to inspire and comfort those you knew and loved him.
Services have been held.
Pete pursued his undergraduate studies at California State University, Fullerton, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 1974. That same year, he was admitted to the California Bar, beginning a distinguished legal career that would span over five decades.
Pete began his law career at Spray, Gould & Bowers in 1974. From 1976-2002, he went on to become a partner at Hill, Genson, Even, Crandall & Wade. In 2002, Pete co-founded Gates, Gonter, Guy, Proudfoot & Muench ("G3PM Law") in Irvine, California. He remained an active and respected partner there until his passing.
Throughout his career, Pete was recognized for his commitment to his clients, his firm and the legal profession. He was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) from 1999 until his passing and maintained active involvement with the Orange County Bar Association. His contributions earned him several honors during his lifetime, including ABOTA, Orange County Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2012. Most recently, Pete was posthumously recognized as the first recipient of the Champion of Justice Award from the ABOTA Orange County Chapter.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pete was known as a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend. He loved his G3PM partners, cars, golf, movies and the LA Dodgers. His dedication to both family and colleagues left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
May the memory of his strength and humor continue to inspire and comfort those you knew and loved him.
Services have been held.
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