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Warren Robert Shiell

Divorce and separation Attorney at Los Angeles, CA

4.8   16 reviews
  • Licensed for 18 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2004
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 31 years
    State NY
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Suspended No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Warren

Learn Warren’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    44%
    Experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorney. Practice devoted entirely to divorce and family law in Southern California. Represents clients in the following areas: divorce, child and spousal support, custody and visitation, paternity, property distribution, abduction, prenuptial agreements, inter state disputes, domestic violence, move-aways.

    35 years

  2. Child custody
    33%
    Mr. Shiell handles all aspects of divorce and family law from simple uncontested divorces to high conflict and high net worth divorces involving extensive assets and complex child custody issues such as intra state and international relocations and abductions.

    35 years

  3. International law
    7%
    Mr. Shiell handles all aspects of divorce and family law in high net worth divorces involving extensive assets and complex child custody issues such as intra state and international relocations and abductions. He has a specialty in complex international divorces and has lectured on the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and aspects of matrimonial law in England and Wales.

    35 years

  4. Marriage and prenuptials
    6%
    California prenuptial agreements. Mr. Shiell has drafted and reviewed many prenuptial agreements for individuals with multiple residences and cross border assets working with lawyers in several jurisdictions. He is a frequent lecturer in the Cultural Competency in Family Law lecture series.

    35 years, 30 cases

  5. Mediation
    6%

    35 years

  6. Domestic violence
    4%
    In New York worked closely with a domestic violence shelter. In Los Angeles provided pro bono assistance with the domestic violence project in Central and now represent clients to obtain and defend domestic violence restraining orders and civil harrassment orders.

    35 years, 50 cases

We handle everything all aspects of divorce and family law from simple uncontested divorces to high conflict and high net worth divorces involving extensive assets and complex child custody issues such as relocations and custody evaluations. We work with forensic accountants in case involving business valuations and cash flow and marital standard of living analysis for child and spousal support cases. Other family law areas include domestic violence, paternity, post divorce modifications,  prenuptial agreements and international family law issues.

Warren R. Shiell is a Certified Family law Specialist - a distinction earned by less than 1 in 200 family attorneys and has been endorsed by other family lawyers and family court judges. Applying nearly 30 years of legal experience, Mr. Shiell focuses on resolving his clients’ family law issues with a minimum amount of conflict and litigation through the use of negotiation, mediation and settlement conferences. Graduating from Oxford University with an M.A. in Law in 1985, Mr. Shiell practiced commercial litigation in the City of London before moving to New York. In New York, Mr. Shiell handled numerous civil and family law trials and won several appeals at the New York Appellate Division. Mr. Shiell’s practice is focused exclusively on family law. He has lectured and published articles on behalf of various local Bar Associations, newspapers and magazines and has volunteered his time for a number of not-for-profit legal organizations. He has been named a "Super Lawyer" by Los Angeles Magazine and has served as a member of the Family Law Executive Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

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Law Offices of Warren R. Shiell
1901 Avenue of Stars Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA, 90067

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
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6%
Posted by Sheri | January 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing for my custody case
WOW is the first word that comes to mind about Warren.  I had a tough case fighting for custody of my teenager.  It is hard to enforce custody orders when your child is older and it was imperative to have enforceable orders as the clock was running out.  His orders along with Ex Parte's to get the job done in the shortest time we could do, were amazing.  Warren knew just the orders to ask for that were enforceable.  If you are coming from your heart as a parent for the best interest of your child, taking steps towards that goal consistently and with determination. Warren can help you move forward as soon as possible for the best interest of your child.  I highly recommend him so very much!! 
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Posted by Gary L. | January 29, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I highly recommend Warren Shiell
Mr Shiell recently represented me for almost one year in a prolonged, complicated, legal action to reduce and or eliminate my alimony obligation. Warren is extremely knowledgeable, fair, responsive, wise, and very experienced with a chaotic legal system. He knew which additional experts were critical to the successful resolution of my case. Although Warren gives the appearance of being very calm and "laid back" he is a tough negotiator and always represented my best interests against a team of lawyers who were aggressive and extremely confrontational. I value Warren's advice and in retrospect, he was 100% accurate in all the information he conveyed to me in a timely fashion. Warren's billing was honest and fair. Thankfully, my alimony "battle" is now behind me with a successful resolution thanks to the expertise of Mr Shiell. Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend Warren Shiell!
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Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
succesful move-away case
Warren is an excellent attorney. Last year he represented me in an international move away case. I moved back to South Korea with my children and Warren successfully won a trial in which the Los Angeles Court decided that the case and custody was better decided by a Korean Court. He was well prepared, highly organized, knowledgeable about the law and procedures. In Korea, I won custody of my children and I have sole custody. There can be no enough rating for his wonderful service and for this excellent lawyer. I strongly recommend Warren as an attorney.
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Posted by Meredith | September 20, 2013
Reliable, excellent lawyer
I was represented in a very complicated matter by Mr. Shiell this year that involved international law, custody and paternity issues. The father had hired a big name expensive lawyer who went to court and requested extremely unfair orders that would have devastated my life. I found Mr. Shiell's office to be very professional, courteous and attentive to my concerns. His hourly rates were less than the other side, and his bills were reasonable in light of the difficulty of the case and the results he achieved. He was referred to me by a leading international family lawyer in New York because of the international aspects of the case and I am very grateful to that lawyer for the referral. I was very much overwhelmed by the uncertainties of the case and was also dealing with some medical complications of the pregnancy itself. Mr. Shiell navigated these issues better than I could have ever imagined. Mr. Shiell worked hand in hand with me to develop a complex legal strategy to defeat the father's claims. It involved consulting with experts in another country and also consulting with reproductive technology experts. At every step of the process, Mr. Shiell consulted with me and explained what was going on. Whenever I had any questions, he always promptly responded. He really went above and beyond to help me figure out my best strategy. In the end, he put together such a strong case that only 2-3 days after the other party received our response, they dropped the case entirely, with prejudice. It's hard to believe that only two months before I hired Mr. Shiell, I was in a desperate predicament with very few options and now, thanks to Mr. Shiell, I am free from all of that and able to move on with my life. Mr. Shiell's office saved me from years of headache and heartache and I will forever be grateful for his outstanding representation.
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Posted by JB | September 18, 2013
Highly intelligent, skilled with sound judgment
I have been a family law forensic CPA for over a dozen years and I have been privileged to have worked with many of the best family law attorneys in the Los Angeles area. I count Warren Shiell among these best lawyers. He is a highly intelligent and skilled attorney. From my point of view, working both on his team and against his team, Warren Shiell does an excellent job zealously and reasonably representing his clients' interests. On cases in which I have been involved with Warren Shiell, he is professional, attentive to detail, responds in a timely fashion, and always carefully supervises his expert’s work. Also based on my knowledge of quality family lawyers, his legal rates are exceptionally reasonable given his expertise and experience. Warren Shiell seeks to resolve his cases with the appropriate level of work. Warren Shiell uses his sound judgment in advising his clients which issues are worth fighting for (or defending against) and which issues are not. Bottom line: I do not hesitate to recommend Warren Shiell.
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Posted by anonymous | January 15, 2013
Terrific Lawyer!
Warren represented me in a divorce and several post-divorce matters. He was attentive to detail and his legal and strategic advice was very sound, timely and cost effective. I worked closely with Warren and a forensic accountant that he recommended along with a network of professionals that specialized in divorce matters. My wife was represented by a much larger, more expensive, and viscious law firm but that had no effect on the outcome. Ultimately, Warren saved me tens of thousands of dollars when my wife’s lawyers tried to wildly exaggerate my actual income and paint me in a bad light. Under the settlement we reached, I shall soon be done paying support while my ex continues to burn through her trust fund money. In court and at a voluntary settlement conference, Warren was well prepared and was well respected by the Judges. Since the divorce, my ex-wife still tries to make trouble and when she does I immediately turn to Warren who can be relied on to cut through her BS. Most importantly, Warren gave me sound advice regarding the custody of my children and now we are spending more time together, which I am extremely grateful for.
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Posted by Nellie | January 14, 2013
Family law review
Warren shiel represented me in one of the toughest family law cases. I came to him at a point when I was in desperate need and he saw the case through from beginning to end. He is a trusted ally and attorney and I would recommend him to anyone.
Posted by CJ | February 1, 2012
Excellent attorney
Thank you for your excellent services in litigating my divorce. The case was somewhat contentious and I have appreciated your steady hand as we went through the process. In particular, your accessibility and quick response were very reassuring. I have had friends in similar circumstances that had difficulties reaching their attorneys or felt the responses they got were inadequate or untimely. You have always been right on top of the situation. Considering that I was out of state, we only had one face-to-face meeting during the mediation, and you managed this case otherwise with solely electronic and telephonic interactions between us, you did a great job. There were a couple of specific occasions when you displayed admirable legal savvy against my wife’s attorney preposterous claims. You managed to beat my wife’s claim that one of our properties was her separate property and your special interrogatories were concise and discriminating. You always kept us well prepared, made clear to me what the “game plan” was, and led me through the process step by step. I am relieved that you avoided a costly trial and reached a settlement agreement. Thank you for your fine service, your professional yet friendly demeanor, and your dry sense of humor when the going got tough.
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Posted by CJ | January 27, 2012
Great attorney
Thank you for your excellent services in litigating my divorce. The case was somewhat contentious and I have appreciated your steady hand as we went through the process. In particular, your accessibility and quick response were very reassuring. I have had friends in similar circumstances that had difficulties reaching their attorneys or felt the responses they got were inadequate or untimely. You have always been right on top of the situation. Considering that I was out of state, we only had one face-to-face meeting during the mediation, and you managed this case otherwise with solely electronic and telephonic interactions between us, you did a great job. There were a couple of specific occasions when you displayed admirable legal savvy against my wife’s attorney preposterous claims. You managed to beat my wife’s claim that one of our properties was her separate property and your special interrogatories were concise and discriminating. You always kept us well prepared, made clear to me what the “game plan” was, and led me through the process step by step. I am relieved that you avoided a costly trial and reached a settlement agreement. Thank you for your fine service, your professional yet friendly demeanor, and your dry sense of humor when the going got tough.
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Posted by Nicole | February 1, 2011
A Great Attorney with a Personal Touch
I was mired in a very nasty custody dispute and had already been through a couple of lawyers before a friend recommended Warren. Custody disputes are never nice and my case was particularly difficult. I was beginning to feel like no one was on my side and worried that my situation was becoming hopeless. My situation and eventually my outlook changed completely when Warren arrived. He made me feel like he genuinely cared about my case and he worked tirelessly to make sure that my needs were represented. My case was not easy: minor's counsel was appointed, we had home evaluations and we had many court appearances spread out over many months. With Warren I always felt prepared and well informed. With Warren's help we were finally able to come to an agreement in my case last month, something that I wasn't even sure would ever be possible before I began this process. Incredibly we managed to come up with an arrangement that everyone was happy with and that, most importantly, put the interest of the children first. Warren is a true professional, but he is also compassionate and understanding and when the stakes are so high and the case is so personal that counts for a lot. My situation is much better now than it was, or than I could have even ever hoped it would be, before committing to this process and seeing it through. I could not have done it without Warren's guidance and his personal touch. For that I will be forever grateful.
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Posted by Alan | February 1, 2011
Great Divorce Lawyer
Warren helped me through the toughest time in my life. He provided me with sound advice during a very highly emotional period. He had a network of professionals that helped me evaluate the worth of my assets in order for me to make key decisions. He was able to provide various options and presented the pros and cons for each decision. He was very responsive in returning calls and keeping me informed throughout the process. Warren truly cares about his clients and has their best interests in mind. If I decide to get married again I will be using him to draft my prenup! Thanks Warren
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Posted by anonymous | January 31, 2011
Fantastic Attorney
Warren has been a fantastic attorney representing me and the best interests of my children during my separation and child custody case. He has made excellent recommendations, provided insightful suggestions, interacted with the judge and opposing attorney intelligently and with great clarity and knowledge of the case. He's been a wonderful advocate to have during a difficult time. Highly recommend.
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Posted by GL | November 11, 2009
Superb attorney
Warren represented me as I went through a very difficult divorce. I have an 8 month old daughter  and was emotionally drained from the events leading up to the dissolution of my marriage and  discouraged by the thought of being a single mom. Warren made my life so much easier and kept  me calm, collected and focused in court. He is honest, helpful, organized and thorough. When  judgement came back in my favor, I had only Warren to thank. Even after my case was settled, he  continued to be helpful by answering any questions I had going forward. I would recommend  Warren to anyone needing an attorney and I now see why a judge in the Los Angeles area referred  me to him. That referral is one that I am the most grateful for. Thank you Warren! My daughter and  I appreciate you!
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Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2009
The best there is
Warren Shiell represented me on my divorce case. My ex husband was represented by an attorney who was the most unethical malicious attorney you can find. When the divorce process started I was served papers and received angry phone calls from my ex husbands attorney. She was screaming at me on the phone and she used legal terms I did not understand. At that point I knew I needed a good lawyer to represent me and I needed someone good. I needed someone that knew the law inside and out, that could challenge my ex husband lawyer's fictitious tales and speak up to judges in the courts. Luckily I found and retained Warren Shiell.During the divorce I was not all that together. I was upset at my ex husband. I was distraught and saddened when faced with so many false accusations. His attorney even claimed I might be "bipolar." Warren was by my side the entire time. He was professional and available for me any time I needed him - day or night. He always returned all my phone calls. He asked me the right questions and took notes on everything I said. He always asked me for my personal opinions. He listened carefully and always took what I had to say into consideration. I trusted him to know everything - all the facts - and to use those facts to defend me 100%- which he did. The case went on for a long time. I don't have the exact statistics but it seemed that every time we were in court we won. That is why the other side ended up dismissing their child custody claims. That is why the other side eventually settled instead of going through a costly and lengthy trial. The other side dropped almost every claim they brought up including a restraining order. My ex husband and his attorney seemed to tire out from such repeated defeats. That is also why I ended up with what I wanted in the divorce - which was primary child custody, sole ownership of the family residence, and a generous alimony and child support for many years to come.I was also impressed by the team Warren put together to help me. That's the thing about Warren, he seems to "know everyone" in the field. Lawyers, judges, accountants, mediators, clerks, therapists, doctors, etc. He is familiar with other professional's reputations. As you work with him you also shares with you all that information. Warren is the most active and connected professional I have ever hired and worked with.As a mother of three kids, I would say to any other parent or person who is faced with what I have been through and who needs a family law attorney - to hire Warren Shiell. I have no doubt in my mind, that probably some day I may end up in court again and he is who I will march in with by my side. When you hire Warren Shiell as your attorney, you will feel safe, you will feel protected, and you can feel rest assured he would use all his resources and powers to defend you.If this letter has not been enough of a testimonial, I herby give Warren the permission to you, to ask to be able to contact me personally, and I can sit down and tell you from my mouth what I have lived through, and how through the representation of my attorney "I came out alive." Thank God.
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Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2009
Great Lawyer
As much as I do not like lawyers I have to say I had a good experience with Mr. Shiell. When my wife filed for divorce all I could think about is all these horror stories I heard from my friends when they got divorced and ended up paying an arm and a leg. I got more custody than I expected and we worked out spousal support that is somewhat tolerable (as much as it can ever be...) Although lawyers don?t come cheap his rates were more reasonable than other lawyers I talked to. He is very sharp and knew exactly what he was doing. He was very friendly but he was very tough in court and always got results. My ex's attorney made a lot of noise but that was about it. I recommend him highly.
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Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2013
Inattentive and unreliable
I hired Warren Shiell to deal with a relatively straightforward matter involving the renegotiation of the final stages of my divorce agreement. While the legal aspects were not complicated, I needed someone who could help me plan out a strategy in advance (I came to him almost six months before a deadline mandated in the agreement) and be sensitive to the psychology of the situation. I’m sorry to report he was inattentive both to the case and to the notes I gave him about dealing with my ex, was difficult to reach, called out of the blue only when it suited him, failed to draft a proposal letter as I repeatedly ask him to do and then, with just a few weeks to go before deadline, disappeared on vacation for a month without any forewarning. The one document he produced was a strategy sheet, which largely reproduced work done by a forensic accountant (for which I had paid separately) and proved to be almost entirely unusable after I hired a new – fabulous, efficient, attentive and effective – attorney. After I dismissed him, it took him more than a month to provide a final billing and a check for the balance of my retainer, and then only after repeated reminders that became necessarily more insistent. In the wake of his dismissal, he charged three times as much for the last month as he had for previous four. He insisted he had charged me correctly for the work he put in, but I saw scant evidence that that was the case. I was deeply disappointed because Mr. Shiell came warmly recommended as a tough but fair-minded divorce lawyer who charged reasonable rates and gave clients their money’s worth. That was not my experience, on any front. Perhaps he didn’t find my case all that interesting. If so, he should have turned me down and/or referred me elsewhere, not wasted my time and my money. Others beware.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 425-500 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Certified Family Law Specialist
  • Law Office of Warren R Shiell
  • 2004 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Law Office of Lynn Soodik
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Legal Consultant
  • CBS
  • 2001 - 2002
  • Adjunct professor of law
  • Syracuse University, paralegal program
  • 1994 - 1997
  • Attorney
  • Legal Aid Society of New York
  • 1992 - 1998
  • Solicitor
  • SJ Berwin & Co
  • 1990 - 1992
  • Solicitor
  • Malkin Janners
  • 1988 - 1990
View all work experience

Education

  • College of Law, UK
  • 1986
  • Oxford University, St. Peter's
  • MA-Masters
  • 1985

Legal Cases

  • Lisa C. v. Noel C.
  • Lead counsel in successful custody appeal
  • Yatarol v. Dowling
  • Successfully challenged New York's "lump sum rule"
  • Walter v. Wing
  • Successfully challenged New York's transportation

Associations

  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Harriet Buhai
  • Pro Bono
  • N/A
  • Oxford Alumni Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • St. Peter's Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • British American Bar Association of Southern California
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Los Angeles Association of Family and Marital Therapists
  • Co-Chair, Mediation Committee
  • N/A
  • New York Office of the Aging
  • Former Director, Madison County
  • N/A
  • Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
  • Member
  • N/A
  • California Association of Marriage and Family Law Specialists
  • N/A
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Southern California Chapter
  • Member
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Certified Specialist - Family Law
  • State Bar of California
  • 2013
  • Super Lawyer
  • California Super Lawyers
  • 2008
  • Pro Bono Appreication
  • Oneida Indian Nation
  • 1995
  • Solicitor
  • England and Wales
  • 1988
View all awards

Publications

  • Entertainment Law Review
  • Viral Online Copyright Infringement in the United States and the United Kingdom: the End of Music or Secondary Copyright Liability? (Part 1)
  • 2014
  • Entertainment Law Review
  • Viral Online Copyright Infringement in the United States and the United Kingdom: the End of Music or Secondary Copyright Liability? (Part 2)
  • 2014
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Cultural Competancy in Family Law Practice
  • International Family Law Practice in England and Wales
  • 2016

Attorney endorsements

Received (16)
Given (14)
Endorse Warren
Family Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I've known Warren for over 10 years and have nothing but compliments. Everyone I've referred to him has been satisfied with his work ethic, congeniality and results."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 19
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr Shiell was admirably professional and did an excellent and thorough job as opposing counsel in a very challenging matter."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | May 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Feb 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Warren is knowledgable and was a pleasure to oppose. He was dedicated to settlement and we did settle, saving our client's a significant amount of money. George N. Seide, Esq., CFLS"
Family Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Warren is extremely intelligent, has a great demeanor, and is very committed to his clients."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shiell is meticulous and quite responsive to his clients' needs."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked as opposing counsel against Warren on multiple cases over the past few years. He is diligent, intelligent and an excellent family law attorney."
Family Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I consulted with Warren regarding some sensitive custody issues for a difficult divorce that a relative was going through. He was very helpful."
Child custody Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Warren is an excellent attorney."
Family Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Warren is a professional and compassionate advocate for his clients."
Family Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. We have worked well together on interstate and international family law issues."
Family Attorney | Apr 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with Warren on matters for clients that we have in common and find him to be ethical, efficient, helpful, dedicated to serving his clients, and responsive to client's concerns. Warren is an excellent choice for clients seeking a lawyer who not only understands the intricacies of family law, but cares about delivering the optimum service to his clients."
Family Attorney | Apr 08
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I strongly recommend Warren Shiell, a bright, professional, dedicated, hard-working, insightful, well-respected family law attorney committed to providing his clients the best representation."
Family Attorney | Dec 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Warren's a savvy lawyer with the ability to address complicated issues."
Family Attorney | Dec 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He has practiced in various jurisdiction and has both the intellect and compassion to handle family law matters with aplomb."
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Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Criminal defense
International law
Employment and labor
Wills and living wills
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation