Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
56 Client Reviews
$ 475-525 per hour
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
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
5
Practice Areas
Family
40%
Child Custody
20%
Child Support
20%
Divorce and Separation
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2018 2017
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in California for 40 years
State: California
Acquired: 1985
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices of Anita J. Margolis
(619) 338-0783
Fax
2366 Front Street, San Diego, CA, 92101
sandiegofamilylegal.com/Gallery
Anita Joy Margolis's Reviews
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Practice Areas
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 1 - 5 of 21 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Jay | July 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Elder Law
Effective Advocate
I needed assistance with a Restraining Order (Elder Abuse). My initial conversation with Ms. Margolis was cordial and informative. After checking a few other attorneys, I retained Ms. Margolis. Her fees were clear and reasonable. At the first meeting Ms. Margolis quickly grasped the fact...
Posted by Les | December 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Best Civil Lawyer in San Diego
Receiving a call from Anita Margolis today brought back a flood of gratitude for the unwavering support and expertise she provided throughout the entire journey of my case. I can confidently say that Anita is not just a civil case lawyer; she is the epitome of dedication, excellence, and compassion. ...
Posted by Joseph | January 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Alimony
Excellent and Professional Service
I retained Attorney Margolis to represent me in a termination of spousal support matter. She was professional and expeditious in bringing my matter to a prompt and a satisfactory resolution. I highly recommend her for representation in family law matters.
Posted by Andrew | September 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Support
Child Support & Spousal Support Modification Legal Services
Anita was definitely a pleasure to work with! Prior to meeting Anita, I had numerous free consultations with lawyers to discuss my child support and Spousal Support modification case. I never really got a good feeling about any of the lawyers that I consulted with until I gave Anita a call. I immedia...
Posted by Natalie | May 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Anita is who you want if justice and honesty matters
Thank you Anita. Anita is a strong, intelligent woman who knows the law. I consulted her on two occasions over the years since my initial divorce and settlement. She, free of charge went over my settlement, told me the facts, printed out child support and spousal support amounts I should be receiving...
Anita Joy Margolis's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Anita is a tough attorney. She has excellent litigation and negotiation skills. Any client who hires her is lucky to have her represent them."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. An intelligent and an amazing attorney."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
Vera Livingstone
General practice lawyer
Daniel Williams
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
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
Work Experience
1993 - Present
Owner, The Law Offices of Anita J. Margolis
1986 - 1993
associate attorney, Phillips Campbell Haskett & Noone
Associations
1998 - Present
Tom Homann Law AssociationBoard 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 AssociationCo-President
Education
1985
California Western SOL
law
1981
Univ of Wisconsin
undergraduate
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
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