Brenda Lopez

PRO

Brenda Lopez

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 13 years

Child custody Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Child Support, Alimony ... +3 more

600 W. Broadway, Suite 700, San Diego, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Brenda

Biography

Certified Family Law Specialist

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Alimony 20%

14 years

20%
Child Custody 20%

14 years

20%
Child Support 20%

14 years

20%
Divorce and Separation 15%

14 years

15%
Family 15%

14 years

15%
Domestic Violence 10%

14 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2023 2019 2017

Licenses

Licensed in California for 13 years

State: California

Acquired: 2012

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Patterson, Lopez, Banuelos, Khiterman, LLP

600 W. Broadway, Suite 700, San Diego, CA, 92101

plbklaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Brenda online.

Brenda Lopez's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (48) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Carlos | March 02, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Honest and Trustworthy

I hired Brenda to represent me in taking my ex-wife back for more child custody. Brenda walked me through the process and discussed all possible outcomes. Unlike other lawyers who tell you what you want to hear, she was honest with me and that’s the type of lawyer I was looking for. My case didn’t g...o the way I wanted, not do to Brenda but do to public servants. As we were getting closer to trial, Brenda told me it would be an uphill battle, and my outcome could be the same in the end. Brenda told me it was my decision to continue or to save my money which showed me her charisma.

Posted by Katie | June 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Responsive, Reliable, Dedicated Family Law Attorney

Brenda acted as my attorney during both my restraining order process as well as my custody family court case. Brenda is a responsive, reliable, intelligent, and compassionate attorney. She remembered details about my case, me, and my child and was incredibly thorough in her court preparation proc...ess. Family court is a draining process in the best of circumstances and Brenda was there during a process that did not have the best circumstances. I cannot recommend Brenda enough for anyone going through a DVRO or family court case. I always felt prepared and at ease (as much as was possible) leading up to court/situations that impacted the most important part of my life: my family.

Posted by Giovanni | October 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Amazing Lawyer!

Brenda is the best lawyer I have ever worked with! As a father fighting for custody, it often feels like the courts are not stacked in your favor. However, Brenda made what seemed impossible, possible! She relates well to everyone and was able to explain every step of our legal process in a way th...at I was able to easily understand. She is honest and always followed through with everything! If you are in need a of lawyer, please do yourself a favor, and don't look any farther. Brenda is the best!

Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Patient, Thorough, Honest, and Efficient

Brenda was an unexpected hire because my former lawyer retired on short-notice. I am glad that she ended up representing me through a very lengthy process of division of property incident to my divorce which happened OVER 10 YEAR AGO! She was very patient , even when I questioned the military pensi...on "expert's" opinion of how my retirement should be divided. We both learned a lot from this partnership. I can say without a doubt that Brenda is now THE expert at matters pertaining to the military "Frozen Benefit Rule" and the NDAA-17/18 amendment that brought it about. I am pleased with her thoroughness and her attention to detail. Even when I forgot details about my case that could have materially damaged me, she did not let me slip and was quick to remind me of what's what. She kept me updated on where we were with the process without me having to ask for it. She set my expectations accordingly and I was never suprised by anything. My case could have ended sooner if I had just given into my ex-wife's demands and I had a weaker lawyer that wanted an open/shut case so they can move on to the next client. But Brenda had my best interest in mind the whole time and guided me on my decisions. The outcome of my case was what I expected. This was all thanks to Brenda for being flexible to my wants, but firm to my needs. HIRE THIS EXPERT! You won't regret it. You will get what you pay for. I consider her services the cheapest expenditure I've spent on my [ex]-wife. Wouldn't you want to be able to say the same thing?

Posted by Sinia | September 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent Family Law Attorney

I have had Brenda as my attorney since the beginning of my divorce in early 2015. I have needed her for FOUR post-dissolution court actions. She is the absolute best. Brenda has never failed me and always impressed me. She combines a passionate advocacy for your case with a corresponding empathy for ...the mental anguish it causes. She was not only knowledgeable about all facets of my case, but was tireless in her efforts to get a positive outcome for me. She works so hard and many hours beyond expectations and is always firm, professional, and "right". I'm not the best client, being an immigrant stay-at-home mom with too strong of a desire to talk too much. Attorneys don’t like that. Even though I made it hard for her by contacting my ex too much — and texting too many statements that he used against us, she ALWAYS managed to prevail and get me out of the jam I put us in. I made it harder on her -- but she handled the frustrations I heaped on her as I kept trying very hard to follow her advice. She is an inspiration as a woman as much as she is an outstanding attorney. As I learn to provide for myself after the divorce, I've looked at her to emulate and attempt to model her professionalism. And because of her efforts, I'll have spousal support until I finish my degree. I can't stress enough how much I admire her and am inspired by her. Her work ethic and drive are second to none. Due to Brenda Lopez, I'll be able to become self-supporting by completing my degree and licensing without worrying about funds. I think someday I'll truly be able to help people like Brenda helped me. I wholeheartedly endorse Brenda to represent you in any aspect of your family law case.

See All Client Reviews

Brenda Lopez's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brenda
Elizabeth Pulido Swiller headshot
Elizabeth Swiller

Family lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brenda is an exceptional lawyer. She strongly advocates for her clients and is extremely knowledgeable in her area of practice. I endorse this lawyer."

Naghmeh Bashar headshot
Naghmeh Bashar

Family lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brenda Lopez is a Rising Star and I have recently nominated her as one! Brenda is a methodical and intelligent family law attorney who approaches her cases with all heart toward her clients and an iron fist toward all her opponents. I strongly recommend her as YOUR attorney."

Amanda Rochelle Khiterman headshot
Amanda Khiterman

Family lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Lopez is a dedicated attorney who prioritizes her clients, and prides herself in her work. She is a prominent figure in both the legal and local community. I highly endorse her for any of your family law needs."

Kris Ray Crawford headshot
Kris Crawford

Family lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She takes time to provide great insight to the AVVO community."

Tanya Lynne Robinson headshot
Tanya Robinson

Family lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brenda is a rising star. She is a spectacular attorney and a great person. She uses her skills to aggressively advocate for her clients as well as to give back to the community. I won't be surprised to see Brenda as a leader in the legal community in the future."

Carlos J Tavares III headshot
Carlos Tavares

Family lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brenda is an intelligent hard working, dedicated, and compassionate attorney. Respected by clients and peers in the legal community."

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Family lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brenda is a top-notch family attorney. She is a zealous advocate for her clients and highly respected in the legal community."

Julie Olson Wolff headshot
Julie Wolff

Family lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Lopez's knowledge of the ins and outs and intricacies of family law is top notch. As a person, she is easy to speak with and very accessible to her clients."

Anthony Michael Medina headshot
Anthony Medina

Family lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Lopez is knowledgeable and an absolute professional. Happy to know her and I know her clients are happy to have her in their corner."

Ikuko Sano Brookshire headshot
Ikuko Brookshire

Family lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I've had a pleasure of working with Ms. Lopez in family law cases as opposing counsels. She is compassionate and dedicated to being an advocate for her clients, while taking caring approach to sensitive issues that are unique to family law. I appreciated her professionalism to work towards resolution of the matters efficiently and effectively, without the needless litigation."

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Family lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"highly endorse Mrs. Lopez. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact her first."

Benjamin Aguilar headshot
Benjamin Aguilar

Family lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Lopez is a compassionate and dedicated advocate who fights to obtain the best result for her clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Caitlin Victoria Steele headshot
Caitlin Steele

Family lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Brenda is a great attorney. She will fight hard for her clients and make sure they are fully informed of their rights throughout the entire process."

Pejman D Kharrazian headshot
Pejman Kharrazian

Unknown lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Lopez is a hardworking and dedicated advocate for her clients. For family law matters she is among the best in San Diego. I endorse this lawyer."

Jeremy M. Evans headshot
Jeremy Evans

Family lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brenda is a dear friend and colleague. She is personable and works hard for her clients."

Scott Kosner headshot
Scott Kosner

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jylan M. Megahed headshot
Jylan Megahed

Family lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Lopez handles each case with the utmost integrity. Her professionalism and hard work leads to favorable results for her clients. She is superb in negotiating and settling matters. I highly endorse Ms. Lopez in all family law cases."

Timothy Miranda headshot
Timothy Miranda

Family lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brenda is a very skilled and zealous attorney, and is equally compassionate with her clients. Brenda has represented clients throughout Southern California, with outstanding results."

Nicole Elizabeth Boros headshot
Nicole Boros

Family lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brenda is an excellent family law attorney and is committed to providing superior results to her clients. She is a skilled advocate and definitely someone you want on your team."

Jeffrey Carlin Schmid headshot
Jeffrey Schmid

Family lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brenda is an excellent attorney. She is very knowledgeable in the area of family law, and any client would be fortunate to have Brenda represent him or her."

View All Endorsements
Clarice Estrada Barrelet headshot
Clarice Barrelet

Family lawyer

Robert Mark Patterson headshot
Robert Patterson

Family lawyer

Maria M. Rogova headshot
Maria Rogova

Family lawyer

Naghmeh Bashar headshot
Naghmeh Bashar

Family lawyer

Steven Keith Berenson headshot
Steven Berenson

Family lawyer

Paul Adam Swiller headshot
Paul Swiller

Adoption lawyer

Brigid Cay Dade Campo headshot
Brigid Campo

Family lawyer

Angela Gochenour Buono headshot
Angela Buono

Family lawyer

Cristina R Nuno headshot
Cristina Nuno

Family lawyer

Amanda Rochelle Khiterman headshot
Amanda Khiterman

Family lawyer

Puja Arun Sachdev headshot
Puja Sachdev

Family lawyer

James Richard Vercollone headshot
James Vercollone

Family lawyer

Rodolfo Herrera headshot
Rodolfo Herrera

Family lawyer

Johanna Mary Keamy headshot
Johanna Keamy

Immigration lawyer

Julie Olson Wolff headshot
Julie Wolff

Family lawyer

Anthony Michael Medina headshot
Anthony Medina

Family lawyer

Brook Ann Radelfinger headshot
Brook Radelfinger

Unknown lawyer

Anton Vialtsin headshot
Anton Vialtsin

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2022

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2021

President's Award, San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association

2021

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2020

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2019

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2017

Community Outreach Award, Antonyan Miranda, LLP

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Founding Partner, Patterson, Lopez, Banuelos, Khiterman, LLP

1900 - Present

Member, Patterson, Lopez, Banuelos, Khiterman, LLP

2020 - 2020

Attorney, Law Offices of Brenda Lopez

2014 - 2015

Associate Attorney, Miranda Law Group, PC

2014 - 2020

Senior Associate Attorney, Antonyan Miranda, LLP

Associations

2020 - Present

San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association's Scholarship Fund

Board of Directors

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

San Diego Family Law Bar Association

Member

Lawyers Club of San Diego

Member

Tom Homann Law Association

Member

2023 - 2024

Lawyers Club

Co-chair of the Law Student Outreach Committee

2020 - 2021

San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association

Vice President

2020 - 2023

San Diego County Bar Association

Board of Directors

2020 - 2021

Lawyers Club

Co-chair of the Community Services Committee

2019 - 2020

Lawyers Club of San Diego

Co-chair of the Gender Equity Committee

2018 - 2019

San Diego Bar Association

Member at Large

2017 - 2018

San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Chair

2016 - 2017

San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Vice Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Move Away

Successfully argued for move-away order

Motion to Transfer Venue

Successfully defended against motion

See More Legal Cases

Education

2011

Thomas Jefferson SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

2007

San Diego State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

N/A

San Diego State University

BA

Speaking Engagements

2023

Neighborhood Law School Series

Family Law

2022

Webinar

Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases

2018

Child Custody/ Visitation and Child Abuse/Neglect Issues

Child Welfare Services

2017

2017

Dos Menores Secuestrados Custody/Removal Issues

2015

San Diego State University, Pre-Law Society

Family Law Guest Lecturer at San Diego State University

Publications

Languages

English

Spanish

Farsi

Russian

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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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