Skip to main content

Vanessa Soto Nellis

  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Encino, CA
  • Licensed for 16 years
See more Encino Family lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Vanessa

My practice includes such areas as divorce (including division of assets, child  custody, child support and spousal support), domestic violence matters, cohabitation agreements, paternity, and prenuptial and post nuptial agreements.

 A Cum Laude graduate of UCLA, I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2000, and my law degree from USC Law School in 2003. 

Practice areas

OtherDivorce and separationChild supportChild custodyFamily
  1. Family: 20%

  2. Child custody: 20%

  3. Child support: 20%

  4. Divorce and separation: 20%

  1. Marriage and prenuptials: 20%

Contact

16633 Ventura Boulevard 11th Floor
address map

Lewitt, Hackman, Shapiro, Marshall & Harlan, A Law Corporation

16633 Ventura Boulevard 11th Floor
Encino, CA, 91436

San Fernando Valley Divorce Attorney - VSN

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive200310/28/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top Women Attorneys of Southern CaliforniaSuper Lawyers2012
Rising StarLos Angeles Magazine2012
Rising StarLos Angeles Magazine2011
Rising StarLos Angeles Magazine2010
Rising StarLos Angeles Magazine2009
Rising StarLos Angeles Magazine2008
Rising StarLos Angeles Magazine2007
Public Law Foundation GrantUniversity of Southern California Law School2003
Pro Bono AwardLos Angeles County Bar Association2003
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Shareholder - Family LawLewitt Hackman2011 - Present
Associate - Family Law AttorneyLewitt Hackman2003 - 2010
InternAlliance for Children's Rights2003 - 2003
InternUniversity of Southern California Family Violence Clinic2002 - 2002
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationN/AN/A
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationN/AN/A
Beverly Hills Bar AssociationN/AN/A
Mexican American Bar AssociationN/AN/A
Step Up Women's NetworkN/AN/A
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Lawyers.comCookie Cutter Forms - Why Online Divorce Services Just Won't Cut It2012
Legal BlogDivorce in Los Angeles - 5 Things You'll Need to Know2011
Legal BlogJennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony Breakup | A California Divorce Attorney's Perspective2011
Legal BlogNo Fault Divorce in California - Over 40 Years of Benefits and Consequences2011
Legal BlogCalifornia Community Property Law - Marriage and Business2011
Valley Lawyer magazine (SFVBA)Family Law Mediation - Achieving Wellness in an Uncertain Economy2010
The SignalA No-Fault State Beats the Blame Game2009
San Fernando Valley Business JournalBefore Second Marriage, Know All This2005
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Southern California Law SchoolN/A2003
University of California - Los AngelesBA - Bachelor of Arts2000
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
MCLE Seminar SeriesMarriage, Divorce & Cohabitation: Common Misconceptions2012
Seminar SeriesFamily Law - The Impact On Your Business2011
Seminar SeriesImmigration: Generally and It's Impact on Employment and Family Law2008
Seminar SeriesEverything You Wanted to Know about Prenuptial Agreements But Never Asked2008
Seminar SeriesAll You Want to Know About Prenuptial, Postnuptial and Co-Habitation Agreements2007
Seminar SeriesFamily Law Fundamentals2006

Reviews

(6)
5 Star
83%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
17%
Review Vanessa Nellis

Vanessa was GREAT!!!

Posted by

I had a rather complicated situation of having been married in California, but received a foreign divorce, as I now live abroad. After having received absolutely no help from the State Attorney’s office regarding my situation, I knew I would need the help of a lawyer. Vanessa was referred to me by another lawyer, and we ended up speaking over the phone a short time later. She put me at ease right away with her optimistic, confident demeanor. The information and advice she provided me was exactly what I needed. I am very grateful to Vanessa, and will definitely contact her again if I need any help in the future.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

smart and fast

Posted by

Vanessa took over my case and tied up all my loose ends. My case settled and I am a happy person today.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Client

Posted by

Reviewed my divorce agreement, came up with a plan, filed an excellent complaint at fair cost, led to mediation with all issues resolved. Fantastic effective legal work and advice. Would highly reccomend this lawyer and her team.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Consultation!

Posted by

Being from out of the state, I found Vanessa Nellis's law firm on Yelp, and decided to contact them for initial consultation of my past legal separation and proposed divorce case. I prepaid for my consult emailed many docs, and info before our telephone consultation. Although this turned into a referral, I received an immense amount of good legal advise in a very short conversation. I was very happy to pay for this, but in the end, my fee was waived. I will now do much of my own paperwork in a different direction that never occurred to me. Vanessa is a great communicator, and knows how to determine a practical course I think. I will be happy to retain her if the need arises.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Dave Sweany

Posted by

For the past three years we've had to struggle with my ex wife. Venessa had to put up with her Seven Attorneys starting from scratch with each one till it was finalised. Venessa kept in contact with me on everything! Her Secretary and staff was very helpful in my case. She was fast to act and react with answers with my case. I'm a man of few words but I felt I was well represented. My Ex use to work for a lawferm so it was quite a fight. sorry no spell check

not competent. polarizing. over biller.

Posted by

incompetemt to handle a case on her own. needs another shareholder. has .25 minimum bills so you get billed 15 minutes for a 1 minute phone call. 3 attorneys + paralegal all bill on case. polarizing personality and then when money runs out (goes way over budget due to multiple billers and .25 minimums) she will threaten a motion to withdraw at client's expense unless you immediately pick up your file. she is all about billable hours and getting paid. picks fights and requests sanction payable to her firm but motion is billed to client.

Attorney endorsements

(9)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jennifer Skolnick, Family Attorney on May 19, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Aimee Doherty, Family Attorney on Apr 17, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Vanessa is a zealous advocate for her clients. She has a keen understanding of family law. As opposing counsel, I appreciate and respect that she was civil, professional and reasonable yet unwavering in fighting for her clients' rights. She is an asset to her family law clients.

Rose Kesten, Family Attorney on Jun 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Vanessa is a highly skilled family lawyer and I highly recommend her services. I have referred many clients to Vanessa over the years and they have all reported that she is excellent to work with and they have been very happy with her results-driven approach to family law. As an expert in her field, Vanessa would be my first choice if I was in need of a family lawyer.

Nicole Kamm, Employment and labor Attorney on Apr 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Vanessa is a highly skilled and experienced family law attorney. She prides herself on bringing "calm to crisis" and does so with sincere dedication to her clients' needs and best interests. Her talent is evident not only in her consistently successful results, but her strong reputation among other family law professionals. I highly recommend Vanessa to anyone looking for a family law advocate.

Sarah Christian, Family Attorney on Apr 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Vanessa has extensive knowledge of family law, as well as a smart diligence and a true sense of commitment to her clients. She is confident, articulate and highly effective with her work.

Lisa Weinberger, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

As a lawyer who works with families myself, I am often asked by my own clients for a referral to a good family lawyer. How lucky I am to be able to refer my clients to Vanessa Soto Nellis, who I have found to be both incredibly capable and compassionate as she guides her clients through difficult situations. Vanessa's understanding of the law, her rise to partner at her firm, and her kindness in helping her clients, all make her one of my go-to family law referrals.

Luis Esparza

I endorse this lawyer.

Jessica Shofler, Family Attorney on Mar 27, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Vanessa is a highly skilled family law attorney who takes time and care to assist each client reach his or her goals. She is a trusted advisor who is well-connected in the community and is always ready and willing to assist fellow attorneys.

Sona Tatiyants, Family Attorney on Jan 19, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse this lawyer. She is direct, easily approachable, and a true asset to her clients. I would highly recommend her to my clients, friends and family without a hesitation.

Legal guides written by Vanessa Nellis