Name: Anita Joy Margolis
Address: 2366 Front Street, San Diego, CA, 92101, US
Telephone: +1 (619) 346-4432
Price range: $ 475-525 per hour
Rating: 5.0

5.0

56 reviews

This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 40 years

Family Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Child Support, Child Custody ... +2 more

2366 Front Street, San Diego, CA

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About Anita

Biography

EDUCATION CALIFORNIA WESTERN SCHOOL OF LAW (ABA/AALS)
San Diego, California
Class Standing: Top 25%

HONORS AND ACTIVITIES:
American Jurisprudence Award in Trial Evidence and Real Property Finance
Dean’s List
Moot Court Competition Finalist
Vice President and Events Coordinator, Law Association of Women
Lawyer’s Club of San Diego, Student Member

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
Madison, Wisconsin
Bachelor of Arts: English, 1981

HONORS AND ACTIVITIES:
Class Standing: Top 10%
Graduated with Distinction
Phi Kappa Phi, Scholastic Honorary Society
Horse Science Internship – Special Admission to Meat & Animal Science Intern
Program granted for academic excellence, Summer, 1980

LEGAL
EMPLOYMENT SOLE PRACTITIONER
The Law Offices of Anita J. Margolis – San Diego, California
Private practice specializing in civil litigation and family law, including domestic partner disputes & litigation, real estate litigation, personal injury, product liability, commercial and business litigation, employment litigation, artificial insemination and surrogacy transactions, and adoptions. (Spring, 1993 - present)

ASSOCIATE
Phillips, Campbell, Haskett, Noone & Ingwalson – San Diego, California
Handled all aspects of litigation with independent caseload, including substantial trial experience in civil litigation and family law proceedings. (1986-93)

INTERN
Higgs, Fletcher & Mack – San Diego, California
Assisted in all stages of preparing cases for litigation. Included legal and evidentiary research; drafting of legal and interoffice documents and letters; participation in depositions and conferences. (Spring, 1985)

CERTIFIED LAW CLERK – DOMESTIC LAW
Lilia S. De Velasquez – San Diego, California
Received client files and handled all aspects of each case, including court appearances with minimum supervision. (Spring, 1985)

JUDICIAL EXTERN – CALIFORNIA COURT OF APPEAL
Fourth Appellate District, San Diego, California
Performed extensive legal research; drafted and edited opinions, advisory memoranda, and writs for Justice Robert O. Staniforth. (Fall, 1984)

INTERN – FAMILY LAW
Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc. – San Diego, California
Researched and drafted memoranda and all other documents incident to litigation; prepared and conducted depositions; made court appearances; interviewed and counseled clients. (Summer, 1984)

LAW CLERK – DOMESTIC AND PERSONAL INJURY
Lynne W. Lugar – San Diego, California
Prepared trial briefs, motions, other litigation documents and memoranda. Involved client interviewing. (Summer, 1984)

LAW CLERK – CORPORATE AND PARTNERSHIP
Virginia L. Weber – San Diego, California
Drafted pleadings, prepared memoranda and assisted in discovery for private practice with emphasis on small business litigation. (Spring, 1984)

LAW CLERK – EQUINE AND TAX LAW
Kenneth A. Wood – Rancho Santa Fe, California
Researched tax laws and their effect on the horse industry; organized and assembled a business management and economics portfolio. (Summer, 1983)

LEGAL SECRETARY – COLLECTIONS AND BANKRUPTCY
Eskanos & Fertig – San Diego, California
Responsibilities included preparing and filing complaints, default judgments and drafting declarations. (1981 - 1982).

LEGAL SECRETARY – COMMERCIAL AND BANKRUPTCY
Kenyon, Seier & Winslow – Madison, Wisconsin
Drafted Wills and a variety of contracts; initiated correspondence; and typed memoranda and bankruptcy court documents. (1979 - 1980)

LEGAL
ACTIVITIES Judge Pro Tem for San Diego Superior Court (2001-present);
Arbitrator for San Diego Superior Court (2001-2008);
Member of the San Diego County Bar Association, 1985 - present (Board of Directors: 1999 - 2002, Secretary: 2000 - 2001, Vice President: 2001 - present; Membership Committee member: 2006-2007; Continuing Education Advisory Committee: 2008-present);
Member of Lawyers’ Club of San Diego (Board of Directors: 1989-93, Secretary: 1991-92, Assistant Secretary: 1992-93, Chairperson of Community Relations Committee: 1989-91, Chairperson of Continuing Education Committee: 1992-93, Membership Committee: 1996-2010; Member of the LGBT/LGBTQ+ Task Force and Committee: 2018 to present, Co-Chair: 2019 to present); Member of the Judicial Endorsements Committee: 2020 to present;
Member of the Tom Homann Law Association, Board of Directors: 2003-2005 & 2006-2017, Co-President: 2010-2012; Member of the THLA Endorsements Committee: 2017 - 2020;
Member of the Tom Homann Law Association Foundation, Board of Directors: March 2017 to 2019;
Member of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (formerly known as San Diego Trial Lawyers Association), 1985 - 2001;
Director on Board of Directors of California Western School of Law Alumni Assn., 1997 - 1999;
Task Force Member of the Annual Women’s Resource Fair sponsored by the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program, 1989 - 2010;
Volunteer for San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, 1993 - 2004;
Member of the Gender Equity Advisory Board of the San Diego Community College District, 1990 - 2002, 1994 - 2002;
Member of the Single Parents/Displaced Homemakers Advisory Board of the San Diego Community College District, 1990 - 2002;
Judge for mock trial competitions at California Western School of Law
Member of the Citizens Advisory Council to the Board of Trustees of the San Diego City School District, 1997 - 2001
Member of Greater Golden Hills Planning Committee, 2008 to 1010
Volunteer for Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic, 2018- present

PUBLICATIONS Drafted “Enforcement of Family Law Orders” section of the Family Law Manual published and copy written by the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program in September, 1995 used for training volunteer lawyers in the family law assistance project.

PROFESSIONAL
HONORS AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Approved arbitrator for San Diego Superior Court, 2001 - 2008
Judge Pro Tem for San Diego Superior Court, 2001 - present
Distinguished Service Award from Tom Homann Law Association, 2008
Multiple listings in Marquis Who’s Who in American Law
Multiple listings in Nationwide Registers’ Who’s Who in Executives & Businesses
Multiple listings in Marquis Who’s Who in the West
Multiple listings in Marquis Who’s Who of American Women
Listing in International Who’s Who of Professionals
Listing in National Association of Professional Women
Panel Speaker for SDCBA LRIS “Coffee With Counsel” Program (2019)
Panel Speaker for THLA Law Association Program on Animal Law (2018)

SPECIAL
INTERESTS
AND ABILITIES Sports: Soccer, Golf, Skiing
Games: Ping Pong, Foosball, Pool
Arts: watercolor painting and pottery
In My Past: Horse Breeding, Training, and Exhibiting
Professional window sign painter and calligrapher
Singer/Songwriter

Protecting what Matters Most, Real Solutions for Real Problems

Practice Areas

Family 40%

Including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child visitation and child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence, paternity, domestic partnership, palimony, Marvin actions, adoptions

40%

Child Custody 20%

20%

Child Support 20%

20%

Divorce and Separation 10%

10%

Lawsuits and Disputes 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 475-525 per hour

Payment Methods

Cash
Check
Credit Card

Awards

2022 2018 2017

...

+ 2

Avvo Client's Choice Awards

The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

An elite group of attorneys who have been rated highly by their peers as having Very High Ethical Standards and an A grade (4.5 or higher).

This is the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Licenses

Licensed in California for 40 years

State: California

Acquired: 1985

Active

No misconduct found

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Location

The Law Offices of Anita J. Margolis

(619) 338-0783

Fax

2366 Front Street, San Diego, CA, 92101

sandiegofamilylegal.com/

Message Get Directions

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Anita Joy Margolis's Reviews

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Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

5.0 /5.0

56 Client Reviews

Avvo

5.0

(55)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(1 )

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Star rating

5 stars 53 4 stars 2

3 stars 0

2 stars 0

1 star 0

Practice Areas

Family (15) Lawsuits & Disputes (15) Divorce & Separation (11) Child Support (7) Child Custody (6) Alimony (3) Domestic Violence (2) Litigation (2) Consumer Protection (1) Contracts & Agreements (1) Criminal Defense (1) Elder Law (1) Landlord & Tenant (1) Personal Injury (1)

What Clients Mention

Advocacy (27) Recommendation (27) Case Results (25) Professionalism (23) Practice Area Knowledge (21) General Knowledge (20) Communication Style (19) Character & Conduct (13) Responsiveness (12) Compassion (9) Cost of Services (9) Trustworthiness (8) Staff & Support (6) Free Consultations (3) Punctuality (3)

Showing 11 - 15 of 21 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Raquel | March 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Restraining Order / Family Law

I retained Anita Margolis due to my Fiance's ex-wife trying to get a Restraining Order on me. She accused me of many things that involved harassment, emotional distress, endangering her child and basically damaging my character, Anita stood by me and made sure the court saw what she was doing and ho...w her request was not granted and that she fabricated stories, the Judge was in my favor and did not grant my Fiance's ex-wife with an RO towards me. I also want to say that this person made my life hell and if anything I was the one who was emotionally distressed because I was worried about losing my security clearance and this affects my professional career and financially it was a burden because it was not necessary to go that far but I felt the need to protect myself from this unstable dangerous person especially when all that this person was accusing me for was false and she did not provide any proof of all her accusations toward me. Although I didn't originally retain Anita for any Family Law issues, she helped me to organize my thoughts and how to handle this type of person, she also advised me in offering mediation, online family wizard and even logging all habitual custody interferences that my Fiance's ex wife did when his son was legally with us per their MSA. I also would like to add is that Anita helped me to get my Attorney fees paid for from this person as she didn't want to resolve outside of court, it wasn't much but am content with what the Judge awarded and most importantly am happy that this is over and hopefully it sets precedence on anyone who in the future tries to do this again.

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Posted by Renee K | December 08, 2015 | Child Support

Supperstar!

Extremely helpful and provided information that was on target and exactly what I needed. It was evident to me that she knows her stuff with regard to contempt for non-payment of child support. Thanks a million!

Posted by John | July 14, 2015 | Child Custody

Excellent Attorney !!! She will surpass your expectations.

I choose Anita J. Margolis as my attorney in a difficult custody battle after my prior attorney, a former San Diego District attorney, told me that the judge was too difficult and unreasonable and based on her behavior, just didn’t like him. I felt I didn’t have much hope of success if I were to cont...inue with my prior attorney. Luckily, I found Anita and she was able to restore my faith in attorneys again. When I first hired Anita my visitations were restricted because of a false accusation from my son’s mother. Within two weeks of hiring her she was able to regain my original visitation plan ordered by the court. My son’s mother then attempted to reduce my time by filling an RFO proposing my parenting time be severely limited. Anita quickly gave me my options and helped me decide on how to proceed. In the end, despite aggressive and acrimonious contestation from opposing counsel, I ended up receiving more than mom would ever allow me to have. I also gained vacation time with my son, virtual calls, extended holiday time, optional visitation time and she was able to reduce the amount of my child support. Anita and her paralegal Geneen provided excellent service to me during what was a very difficult time. Anita dealt very effectively with aggressive opposing counsel and ensured that a fair agreement was reached. Her knowledge of family law is extensive. She even instructed the judge and the opposing counsel on case law regarding child support. She works as a substitute judge at times. Not only does she know her craft, but her insight and understanding is invaluable. Her work ethic I found to be of the highest standard, she worked tirelessly on my behalf and took the time to know my case history and details better than I did. She really cares about her clients and about justice. She is very loyal to her clients. She will tell you the truth about your case and will not lead you on or give you false hopes. If you want a smart, ethical lawyer who is kind but tough, you can’t do better.

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Posted by Kevin | May 26, 2015 | Family

Excellent top attorney, highly recommended for 7 reasons

Anita just help me finished my case, and I strongly recommend anyone who is currently seeking an attorney for his/her family and child support to contact Anita. I had experiences with several other attorneys before I hired Anita to handle my case, and her performance by far exceeds the others bas...ed on the following factors by which I'm so impressed: (1) although all lawyers' goal is getting as much money as possible from their clients, Anita is not money-oriented. From my interaction with her, she always takes the shortest path which is both efficient for her and cost-effective for me to resolve the case with satisfying results; (2) her knowledge and expertise is so strong, which I can tell from the quick (commonly she does not even need to take a minute to think) and effective responses she gave me whenever I worried about some issues; (3) unlike many attorneys I have worked with, she NEVER procrastinates.I used a former attorney who doesn't do the filing work until the last minute and it really caused me problems. From my experience with Anita, she never delay what she promised to finish to the second day; (4) I'm not clear with Anita's career path, but from my case I feel that Anita has expertise and experience outside family law, and she is very familiar with criminal defense and perjury defense, which are indispensable when you think your case involved some complicated factors; (5) she can reach a settlement where you eventually pay much less than the amount you authorize her to bring up for the negotiation; (6) she has an assitant Geneen, who is very hard-working and highly responsible for the clients; (7) last but not the least, she has an incredible charisma, which I have witnessed to have played such a great power to convince the judge to make orders. The attorney of the opposing council did not stand a chance at all. Generally, without any hesitation, I recommend Anita for her excellence. Her hourly rate may seem higher than many other attorneys, but you'll not be disappointed.

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Posted by Kevin | May 26, 2015 | Family

Excellent top attorney, highly recommended for 7 reasons

Anita just help me finished my case, and I strongly recommend anyone who is currently seeking an attorney for his/her family and child support to contact Anita. I had experiences with several other attorneys before I hired Anita to handle my case, and her performance by far exceeds the others bas...ed on the following factors by which I'm so impressed: (1) although all lawyers' goal is getting as much money as possible from their clients, Anita is not money-oriented. From my interaction with her, she always takes the shortest path which is both efficient for her and cost-effective for me to resolve the case with satisfying results; (2) her knowledge and expertise is so strong, which I can tell from the quick (commonly she does not even need to take a minute to think) and effective responses she gave me whenever I worried about some issues; (3) unlike many attorneys I have worked with, she NEVER procrastinates.I used a former attorney who doesn't do the filing work until the last minute and it really caused me problems. From my experience with Anita, she never delay what she promised to finish to the second day; (4) I'm not clear with Anita's career path, but from my case I feel that Anita has expertise and experience outside family law, and she is very familiar with criminal defense and perjury defense, which are indispensable when you think your case involved some complicated factors; (5) she can reach a settlement where you eventually pay much less than the amount you authorize her to bring up for the negotiation; (6) she has an assitant Geneen, who is very hard-working and highly responsible for the clients; (7) last but not the least, she has an incredible charisma, which I have witnessed to have played such a great power to convince the judge to make orders. The attorney of the opposing council could not stand a chance at all. Generally, without any hesitation, I recommend Anita for her excellence. Her hourly rate may seem higher than many other attorneys, but you'll not be disappointed.

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Anita Joy Margolis's Lawyer Endorsements

Received

Given

Endorse Anita

Margaret Miller

Asylum lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Vera Livingstone

Family lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Anita is a tough attorney. She has excellent litigation and negotiation skills. Any client who hires her is lucky to have her represent them."

George Munoz

Family lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Hiring an experienced family law attorney is the best way you get peace of mind when dealing with custody , visitation, spousal support, etc. Having a family law attorney's services helps ensure that nothing is left out of your case/claim or matter, which means that costly mistakes won't come back to bite you later. I endorse this lawyer . -Anthony Munoz, Esq."

Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. An intelligent and an amazing attorney."

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

Child custody lawyer | Sep 09

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!"

Daniel Williams

Family lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Anita for seven of the nine years I have been a practicing attorney. We have not had two to three cases together and as an attorney on the other side, she was very exceptional and good to work with. Clients are better served when they have a knowledgeable and reasonable attorney on there side who also is a vigorous litigant. Anita meets that criteria and is an excellent attorney. I highly endorse her."

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Vera Livingstone

General practice lawyer

Daniel Williams

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating: 10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

40 Year Anniversary, Martindale-Hubbell

2025

America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry

2013

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Listed Among Top Lawyers In San Diego, San Diego Magazine

2012

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

Distinguished Service Award, Tom Homann Law Association

2007

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

AV Peer Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2004

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2003

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2002

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2001

Approved Arbitrator, San Diego Superior Court

2001

Judge Pro Tem appointment, San Diego Superior Court

2001

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

N/A

Multiple listings, Marquis Who's Who in the West

N/A

Multiple listings, Marquis Who's Who of American Women

N/A

Multiple listings, Marquis Who's Who in America

N/A

Listing, International Who's Who of Professionals

N/A

Recognition Listing, National Association of Professional Women

N/A

Multiple recognition listings, National Registers' Who's Who in Executives & Businesses

N/A

Multiple listings, Marquis Who's Who in American Law

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Work Experience

1993 - Present

Owner, The Law Offices of Anita J. Margolis

1986 - 1993

associate attorney, Phillips Campbell Haskett & Noone

See All Work Experiences See Less Work Experiences

Associations

1998 - Present

Tom Homann Law Association

Board of Directors

San Diego County Bar Association

Former Board of Directors

Lawyers Club of San Diego

Former Board of Directors

2010 - 2012

Tom Homann Law Association

Co-President

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Education

1985

California Western SOL

law

1981

Univ of Wisconsin

undergraduate

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Languages

English

See All Languages Spoken See Less Languages Spoken

Activity

Legal Answers

Q&A

If I use private social media posts that my ex has posted, do I need to share the source of the information?

06 Mar 2021

Q&A

I have full custody, my wife has visitation. She returned kids with horrible diaper rash, dirty clothes, and starving

21 Dec 2012

Q&A

Can my ex-wife legally move out of state with our kids when we have 50/50 custody?

27 Aug 2012

See More Legal Answers

Additional Locations and Practice Areas

San Diego child custody lawyers San Diego child support lawyers San Diego divorce / separation lawyers San Diego family law lawyers San Diego lawsuit / dispute lawyers

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Anita Joy Margolis

About Anita

Biography

Protecting what Matters Most, Real Solutions for Real Problems

Protecting what Matters Most, Real Solutions for Real Problems

Protecting what Matters Most, Real Solutions for Real Problems

Protecting what Matters Most, Real Solutions for Real Problems

Protecting what Matters Most, Real Solutions for Real Problems

Protecting what Matters Most, Real Solutions for Real Problems

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Payment Methods

Awards

Licenses

Licensed in California for 40 years

Location

The Law Offices of Anita J. Margolis

Gallery

Anita Joy Margolis's Reviews

Overall Rating This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

Anita Joy Margolis's Lawyer Endorsements

Experience

Honors

Work Experience

Associations

Education

Languages

Activity

Legal Answers

Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.