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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
Avvo Review Score
69 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (69)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (44)
Advocacy (41)
Recommendation (32)
Professionalism (31)
Practice Area Knowledge (25)
Communication Style (23)
Responsiveness (22)
Character & Conduct (18)
Cost of Services (16)
General Knowledge (15)
Compassion (11)
Trustworthiness (11)
Staff & Support (3)
Free Consultations (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 51 - 55 of 69 reviews
Posted by anonymous | October 06, 2014 | Family
Outstanding Representation
Very pleased with the legal representation provided to my by Attorney Spivak. He wastes no time or money. I felt that he truly had my and my childs best interest at heart. Any time I needed something of him he did it immediately. Papers were prepared and filed promptly. He either answers calls himsel...
Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2014 | Family
I owe Mr. Spivak my ability to see my daughter again and keep my reputation intact.
I am writing this to recommend the services of Todd Spivak. I contacted Mr. Spivak to discuss a PFA issued against me in August 2014. Mr. Spivak used his experience on family law and negotiation skills to have my case dropped on Sept. 2014. I cannot be more please and will recommend his services to a...
Posted by anonymous | August 07, 2014 | Family
Honest, Hardworking, and Trustworthy
Todd was extremely helpful in resolving my case in a short amount of time. He was 100% responsive to my phone calls, emails, etc. He listened to my concerns and addressed them in a very professional and courteous manner. I would absolutely recommend him, especially if you are in an emergency Family L...
Posted by anonymous | August 06, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Handled Summary Offense Case Perfectly
I hired Todd Spivak for a Summary Offense case where to say the least I did something wrong that I was looking to keep off my record. The evidence did not seem to be in my favor as I had two law enforcement officials (LEOs) testifying against me with no witnesses on my end. In all likelyhood, I woul...
Posted by Ron | June 12, 2014 | Family
This attorney is your best option
A weary soldier for the righteous. Knowledgable, honest, and experienced. I brought him into a difficult situation and he proved my first impression was correct which was he was the right attorney for the job. I have used and will continue to use him for my high conflict cases. Todd has saved my ...
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