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Todd Adam Spivak
About Todd
Biography
Attorney Todd Spivak provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all family law and criminal matters for clients based in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties. A former investigative reporter, his work won numerous national awards and was twice nominated for The Pulitzer Prize.
His family-law practice includes divorce, child support and child custody, with a special focus on high-conflict cases involving allegations of parental alienation, mental illness, drug addiction and domestic abuse. He routinely represents plaintiffs and defendants at Protection From Abuse (PFA) hearings. His criminal-defense practice focuses on PFA violations, domestic violence and criminal-record expungements.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Attorney Spivak attended classes at Columbia University in New York, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from closely affiliated Albert A. List College, and earned a Juris Doctor degree from University of Colorado Law School. He writes on legal matters for The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Attorney Spivak is an active member of the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania bar associations.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 14 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Spivak Law Firm
2893 West Liberty Avenue, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216
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Todd Adam Spivak's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 69 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Care when it mattered most
Todd provides clear instructions and timely protocol. The compassion and wisdom he brought to my case (as Father) was of a rare nature and comes from a leader of a tight ship. I almost lost my two year old girl, she was taken out of county lines to Lancaster and Todd negotiated a way to make sure she...
Posted by Tresa | July 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very Good Job and excellent Representation
Family member ended up not going to court, and Rebecca negotiated a fair deal between the spouses. It was a difficult situation between a couple in their 70’s. Todd was realistic, easy to talk to, and gave us peace of mind. Hope to not need their services in the future, but would definitely reco...
Posted by Stephen | June 21, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very professional and very understanding
I hired Mr. Spivak to handle my PFA. His experience and knowledge were extremely important. He helped me in so many ways to get the results that would best fit my my future goals. I took his advice and am very pleased with my result. I will be using his services again.
Posted by Uju | February 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Helped with My Summary Charge. Got it Withdrawn
It was a pleasure working with Todd. Of all the attorneys I called to schedule a consultation with, Todd was the only one I was able to speak with directly. He was honest up front with the odds of my case. I appreciate that because he didn’t try to make grand promises or sell me a dream. It helped me...
Posted by Kim | November 1, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Visitation/ custody
Todd is an exceptional lawyer. We hired him for visitation/ custody of our grandson. He made us feel that our case was the only case that he had. Every time I e-mailed him or called him he got back to us within a reasonable time if he didn’t his partner did. He is very kind and caring. He will work h...
Todd Adam Spivak's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I recently referred a prior custody client to Atty. Spivak. I made the referral based upon Todd's excellent aptitude as an opposing counsel and his passionate but rational attitude towards his work. That former client just told me how much she liked Todd and how grateful she was for the referral. I would not refer a client to any attorney unless I had the utmost confidence in that attorney's ability, character and diligence. I have that confidence in Attorney Spivak."
"Todd is a well read attorney who uses the law and reason to come up with workable solutions for his clients."
"Todd is a passionate attorney who ensures he is diligent in his representation. I have learned a lot from working with him."
"Just read his blog and visit his web site and you will see that he is a great communicator and teacher. I would not hesitate to contact him if I was in trouble."
"Mr. Spivak is an experienced, knowledgeable, and skillful attorney. I have seen him first hand in family law cases, and strongly endorse his work."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Spivak is a professional, respectful and compassionate advocate. These characteristics are imperative in family law."
"Although I don't know Todd Spivak, it's obvious from his client reviews that he has quite a few very satisfied clients who sing his praises to the stars. A satisfied client reflects a very knowledgeable attorney. It would seem Todd's your go to guy in the Pittsburgh area for criminal defense work."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Todd Spivak is a professional extremely well-qualified in the areas of family and criminal law. His cross-specialties make him uniquely qualified to handle cases of domestic violence, and he has a thorough understanding of PFA and its impact on families. I recommend this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Todd. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer as professional and knowledgeable in the family law field."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for the practice areas of family law, criminal defense, and social security disability. He is a skilled, fair, and honest attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Todd is an ethical and meticulous lawyer providing clients with cost effective legal services."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2016
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Best Divorce Lawyers in Pittsburgh, Expertise
2015
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2008
Pulitzer Prize (nominee), Pulitzer Prize Board
2008
First Amendment Award, Society of Professional Journalists
2008
Loeb Award for Business and Financial Journalism (finalist), University of California at Los Angeles
2008
Bartlow Award for Public Interest Journalism (finalist), Northwestern University
2006
Education Writers Association Award, University of Maryland
2006
National Mental Health Association Award, National Mental Health Association
2006
Investigative Reporters and Editors Certificate, Investigative Reporters and Editors
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Attorney and Owner, Spivak Law Firm
2011 - 2012
Contract Attorney, Robert Peirce & Associates, PC
2010 - 2010
Law Clerk, Public Defender's Office, Colorado
2009 - 2009
Law Clerk, U.S. Attorney's Office, Denver
2009 - 2011
Law Clerk, Social Security Law Group
2005 - 2008
Investigative Reporter, Houston Press
Associations
2011 - Present
Allegheny County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember
Education
2011
University of Colorado School of Law
Juris Doctor
1998
Albert A. List College
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Allegheny County Expungement Day
How to Erase Or Seal Your Criminal Record
2015
Duquesne University School of Law
Protection From Abuse (PFA) Reform Symposium
2012
Jim Richards Showgram - CFRB Newstalk 1010
Representing Clients Falsely Accused of Domestic Abuse
Publications
2019
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Attorneys Need More Protection
2018
Lawyers Journal (ACBA)
New Pitt Law Dean Brings Collaborative Spirit
2018
Lawyers Journal (ACBA)
Civil Litigation For Newer Attorneys
2017
Lawyers Journal (ACBA)
New Pennsylvania Law Seals Misdemeanor Convictions
2017
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Clean The Slate In Pennsylvania
2015
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Crack Down On Domestic Violence In Allegheny County
2013
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Improve Pennsylvania's Domestic-Abuse Law
2013
At Issue (PA Bar)
Curbing Abuses in Pennsylvania's PFA Law
2012
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Child Custody for Rapists?
2012
Spivak Law Firm Blog
Child Custody Rights in Pennsylvania
2012
Spivak Law Firm Blog
What to Expect at Your PFA Hearing
2012
Spivak Law Firm Blog
Client Relieved as PFA Gets Dropped
2012
At Issue (PA Bar)
My First PFA Client
2012
At Issue (PA Bar)
Child Custody Rights and Restrictions in Pennsylvania
2007
Houston Press
Whose Best Interests? (Family Guardianship)
2007
Houston Press
Heads You Lose, Tails You Lose (Consumer Protection)
2007
Houston Press
Toxic Town (Personal Injury, Class Action Lawsuits)
2006
Houston Press
Run Over by Metro (Personal Injury, Municipal Law)
2006
Houston Press
Cut Short (Education Law)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is the definition of primary vs. joint physical custody in PA?
18 Aug 2013
Q&A
Can my husband go to rehab instead of jail for a domestic abuse case
17 Aug 2013
Q&A
How can you drop a temporary PFA safely?
10 Aug 2013
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
What To Do If You're Stopped By Police
13 May 2013
Legal Guide
5 Common PFA Misconceptions
12 May 2013
Legal Guide
10 Ways for PFA Defendants to Avoid Arrest
12 May 2013