About Me
My path to work in family law is a direct result of my own life experience and as such, is truly my soul’s work. A child and grandchild of Mexican immigrants with limited education and financial resources, I experienced and witnessed injustice in my community. Cultural, educational, language, and financial barriers left me feeling powerless to advocate for myself and my family. These experiences cemented my commitment to social justice, drove me to go to law school, and then to work in criminal defense and later family law. I fiercely advocate to protect my clients’ rights, gaining deep insights into their lives and what led them to the place they are at. There is nothing better than the feeling I get when I’ve provided compassionate and competent legal assistance to someone transitioning out of relationship such that they are able to successfully reorganize their life, family and/or goals.
In my 10+ years of practicing law, I am most proud of my ability to help clients speak with an effective and strong voice even when they aren’t feeling at their best. I understand that family law matters are intensely personal and emotional. My aim—first and foremost—is to listen to you and communicate compassionately and without judgment so I can understand your priorities and concerns. I take the time to ensure you’re fully informed about your rights under the law, understand the legal process, and feel empowered to make decisions that are best for you and your family. I meet you where you are at and develop a strategy that will most effectively move you toward your desired outcome.
I pride myself in not only forming warm and trusting relationships with my clients – but also building positive and constructive relationships with attorneys, court staff and experts. This gives me the ability to oftentimes reduce acrimony and save the time, money and stress associated with unnecessary litigation. Of course, when cases cannot be settled, I am a zealous and experienced advocate. I am also fluent in Spanish, which is really helpful when there are Spanish speaking parties or witnesses.
When I’m not in the office, I am pretty busy acting as a climbing structure for my 5-year-old son or enjoying the Bay Area’s amazing cuisine and kid-friendly sites with my family.
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Experience
| 2018 | Associate Attorney at Levine Family Law Group |
| 2016-2018 | Associate Attorney at Family First Legal |
| 2013-2016 | Staff Attorney, Family Law and Landlord/Tenant Law, Bay Area Legal Aid |
| 2006-2013 | Habeas Corpus Counsel I-II / Staff Attorney I-III, Post-Conviction Capital Defense, Habeas Corpus Resource Center |
| 2005 | Law Clerk, San Francisco Public Defender’s Office |
| 2004 | Law Clerk, Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia (Juvenile) |
| 2003 | Law Clerk, United States Attorney’s Office |
Languages – Spanish
