Erik Christian Jenkins

PRO

Erik Christian Jenkins

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Family Lawyer at La Jolla, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation

1134 Kline St, La Jolla, CA

About Erik

Biography

Boutique Law Firm Providing Expert Legal Advice And Service Throughout San Diego County. Call Now at 858-314-2400

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

50%
Family 50%

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 450-450 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in California for 28 years

State: California

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Jenkins Law Firm A.P.C.

1134 Kline St, La Jolla, CA, 92037

jenkinslawfirmapc.com

Erik Christian Jenkins's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (27) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | 1 star

Posted by Steve | December 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Horrible representation

I hired Jenkins because he was referred to me by a friend . This review is my opinion only. Jenkins was good at one thing and that was excessive billing me for his work. He once told me that he had 40 clients that he was representing. Yet he had no paralegals 50% of the time helping him. So figure it... out how does he get to that many clients just working by himself and his office staff. He had no time for me because I was a small player out of all the people that pay a lot of money. My mediation was a disaster. He was unprepared. He should've did a financial audit for my assets, and he didn't. We got taken to the cleaners because of his inability to be prepared. I would never recommend hiring this person to represent anybody that loves their children or wants to keep their assets.

Posted by anonymous | October 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Hiring Erik C. Jenkins Was My Biggest Mistake

I retained the services of Erik C. Jenkins in January 2016, and our professional relationship ended August 2017. Hiring Erik C. Jenkins was one of the worst decisions I made in my divorce. In my experience, Erik C. Jenkins is the attorney who rarely responds to emails and phone calls (and charges ...for every email he reads - without responding - including those emails marked URGENT). For instance, following is a verbatim example of an email I marked urgent to Mr. Jenkins after many attempts to speak with him about a genuine concern: I said, "Hi, Erik - After last week's deposition, I've called the office a few times asking to speak with you and left messages requesting a callback. I am very concerned about something I learned during the deposition and need to speak with about it. Since I have not yet received a call from you, I thought it best to also send an email to explain my concerns in advance." Even though I had marked this email high-priority, Erik DID NOT respond. He DID, however, charge me $135 to "REVIEW" this email. (This is one example of a common occurrence.) The most damaging error to my case was when Mr. Jenkins continued two of my hearings without my knowledge or consent. To do this he went against my stated opposition to another continuance and the Court's expressed intent. After doing this, Mr. Jenkins never informed me; I had to learn about it on my own. And when I asked him about it, he lied to me. Time after time, I overlooked his errors and tried to have patience with him. Because Erik is a one-man firm with little support, he is stretched thin. [redact] Divorce is a nightmare for most us and having a competent, forthright attorney is essential. In my experience, Erik C. Jenkins is untrustworthy, incompetent, lazy, and a liar. Although Mr. Jenkins has threatened to sue me for defamation, I am providing this review because I originally hired Mr. Jenkins, in large part, based on the reviews I had read on Google, Avvo, and Yelp. In fact, I had originally left a very favorable review for Mr. Jenkins. But when I recently learned that Mr. Jenkins had lied to me to conceal his breach of trust, I felt compelled to share my experience with others who are earnestly searching for a competent attorney. I understand that my review may be difficult for Mr. Jenkins to read, but the point is to provide my experience as Mr. Jenkins' former client. I am not frustrated with him and I am not acting out in anger. I am providing an honest review. Although I cannot go back in time to undo the mistake I made in retaining Mr. Jenkins' services, I can do others the courtesy of sharing my experiences.

Erik Jenkins

Replied last September 28, 2017

In early August of 2017, Jenkins P.C. fired this reviewer for failing to pay her large outstanding bill with the firm. She voluntarily signed a substitution of attorney form removing Jenkins P.C. from the case. Almost immediately thereafter, Pati went online and proceeded to defame Jenkins P.C., all the while failing to mention that she had been fired by the firm for failing to pay her bill. She has now sued the law firm seeking a full refund of all fees ever paid to the firm. The review she previously had on this website, which she posted on January 17, 2016, stated as follows: "Erik Jenkins, a brilliant attorney, made all the difference in my long, difficult divorce. When my divorce began over two years ago, I felt lost and confused. Friends and family told me that I should get a "good attorney," but I didn't understand how to tell the difference. Besides, I thought all divorce attorneys were essentially the same. It took almost a year for me to realize how wrong I was -- thy are not all the same. In fact, my first attorney, a Certified Family Law Specialist, was so horrible that it took another year to straighten out the mess she had created. The worst part was her courtroom performance. She argued like a wet noodle, which allowed the opposing side to trample me. I left court feeling defeated, ravaged, and misunderstood by the judge. Eventually, after 10 months, I severed my relationship with her and attempted to proceed on my own, without legal representation. That, too, was a fiasco. After five months' pro per, I was desperate to find a good attorney -- if there really was such a thing. This is when I discovered Erik Jenkins. When I began my search, I had learned by experience that it was essential my new attorney should have a 10 rating on Avvo and that he should have about 20 years' experience. This put Erik on a short list. From there I read all the reviews and did further research on other websites. Eventually, I decided Erik Jenkins was the best fit for me. Oh boy! Choosing Erik Jenkins as my Family Law attorney was the best decision I could have made. Erik blew my mind in the courtroom. He is an immovable force, calm and sure. With him by my side, I felt safe and sound, and I knew I would be okay. Erik seemed to internalize my case and argued for me brilliantly. When he stood to begin his argument, I noticed his notepad. There were only a few words and numbers jotted down. However, it quickly became apparent that Erik didn't need words on a notepad to remind him of what to say. His argument flowed perfectly and effortlessly. Erik was articulate and covered every point. As I listened to him speak, I was in awe. He anticipated with accuracy what the opposing side would argue, and he readily responded with a powerful comeback. In fact, the opposing counsel, a twenty-year veteran attorney, began her speech by saying she was nervous. All the stellar reviews from Erik's other clients proved true in my case: pillar of strength, steadfast countenance, wise counsel, intimidating, excellent listener, intelligent, purposeful, and just. I could go on and on. I will always hold Erik Jenkins in the highest regard. Not only am I grateful to have been legally represented by such a brilliant man, I am thankful to have met such a wonderful person." In order to post a negative review of Jenkins P.C. on this site, Pati went to the length of changing her online name. It is clear that Pati is taking out her frustrations of no longer receiving unpaid legal advice as a justification for fabricating false statements about this firm and its owner, Erik Jenkins.

See All Client Reviews

Erik Christian Jenkins's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Erik
Caroline A. Plemmons headshot
Caroline Plemmons

Family lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Erik is an aggressive advocate and not one to back away from a fight. He is extremely knowledgeable about the law and always prepared with creative arguments. I learned so much working for Erik and highly endorse him."

Nathalie Ben-David headshot
Nathalie Ben-David

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Erik Jenkins is a top notch San Diego family law attorney. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and a zealous advocate for his clients. He is skilled and proficient at advising his clients on how to handle complex legal issues. I confidently and strongly endorse Mr. Jenkins."

Bashir Ghazialam headshot
Bashir Ghazialam

Family lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working along side Erik and witnessed him in action. He is a very competent attorney and always focused on his practice."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Family lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua David Mackenroth headshot
Joshua Mackenroth

Family lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I myself am a lawyer. Eric became my lawyer after I tried to handle my divorce myself but gave up when the outrageous demands from my ex-wife and her attorney for everything I have finally drove me over the edge. Erik was smooth, calm, professional and he cared about me and what happened in my case. Many lawyers would be hesitant to represent another lawyer, especially in an emotionally charged setting like a divorce. But Erik was great, and thank God that part of my life is behind me."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Erik. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Family lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"This attorney works very hard for the clients and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."

Michael Shemtoub headshot
Michael Shemtoub

Class action lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"

Shawn Eric Weber headshot
Shawn Weber

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Jenkins on a number of family law cases and find his work to be ethical and his representation superb. I have also known him as a fellow board member of the Collaborative Family Law Group of San Diego and have found his contribution essential. This attorney is knowledgeable, experienced, ethical and extremely professional."

Joshua Tobias Hershon headshot
Joshua Hershon

Family lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Erik is a very competent and effective litigator. His firm has the resources to confront challenging firms on equal ground. He is passionate yet practical and my impression is that the Judges know Erik as a trusted messenger of the Court - which is just the type of lawyer You should be looking for!"

Garrison Klueck headshot
Garrison Klueck

Family lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Erik approaches his work with intelligence, determination and is a zealous advocate of his client's interests ."

Debra Nessa Caligiuri headshot
Debra Caligiuri

Family lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I work with Mr. Jenkins on the Collaborative Group of San Diego's Board. It is a pleasure to work with an attorney like Erik, who is committed to professionalism and excellence in his field. Erik portrays the kind of lawyer I am comfortable recommending to potential clients. As a trained collaborative attorney, I believe Erik will do his best for his clients, while encouraging them to see the big picture and put their energy on the things that really matter."

Randall Richard Walton headshot
Randall Walton

Family lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Erik Jenkins for more than a decade, and have referred him several clients, including members of my family. The reports I get back are all the same: Mr. Jenkins fights hard for this rights and benefits of his clients. Any person with a family law matter should seriously consider consulting Mr. Jenkins before taking any action."

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Kristen Diane Walton headshot
Kristen Walton

Family lawyer

Adam Howard Clarkson headshot
Adam Clarkson

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Bashir Ghazialam headshot
Bashir Ghazialam

Immigration lawyer

David Mark Huffman headshot
David Huffman

Family lawyer

Joshua Tobias Hershon headshot
Joshua Hershon

Family lawyer

Randall Richard Walton headshot
Randall Walton

Elder law lawyer

Debra Nessa Caligiuri headshot
Debra Caligiuri

Family lawyer

Garrison Klueck headshot
Garrison Klueck

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Top Lawyer, San Diego Magazine

2010

Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Judge, Intertribal Court of Southern California

Associations

2002 - Present

North County Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

La Jolla Bar Association

Officer

1997 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Education

1997

California Western SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

San Diego State University

Undergraduate

Speaking Engagements

2010

AFCC-CA

The Challenge of Dimishing Resources in Family Law: A Clear and Present Danger to Our Children

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution