Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
PRO
also known as Elyse Bujewski Bernstein
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
Ms. Butler is a distinguished lawyer based in San Diego, California. She is Certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law; an accomplishment only approximately 5% of attorneys earn. She is also Verified by the Lead Counsel Review Board. As the founder of Butler Law, her client-focused approach to everything from property division to child custody and visitation has earned her recognition from Super Lawyers Magazine, the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and the National Advocates. She has had the pleasure of representing NFL players, Grammy nominated musicians, and international CEOs.
In addition to her training and detailed knowledge of California law, Ms. Butler attributes her success over the years to her in-depth understanding of family dynamics and the long-term consequences of legal actions on family members. She recognizes both the emotional and the financial challenges that arise in difficult family matters, and as such works hard to achieve solutions that both meet individual goals and preserve relationships. Complex cases with international assets or child relocation (move-away) matters to countries outside the United States are those that truly remind her of why she practices family law.
To continue providing her clients with industry-leading service, she keeps her eye on prevailing trends within family law. She is passionate about providing families with much-needed assistance in finding peaceful solutions that maintain familial relationships as best as possible. Through compassionate, client-focused representation, along with creative legal strategies including collaborative divorce or mediation when appropriate, Ms. Butler does everything in her power to provide clients with resolutions that promise a bright future. However, for issues that cannot be settled, she is thoroughly skilled and versed in complex family law trials.
Ms. Butler earned her B.A. summa cum laude from Arizona State University. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor at California Western School of Law where she volunteered at the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic and the Family Law Facilitator's Office. She also spent time clerking for the Honorable Robert C. Coates (ret.), further developing both her writing and legal skills by assisting in the legal research and drafting of Ending Chronic Homelessness in America's Major Cities: The Justice System Component (University of San Francisco Law Review, Fall 2007, Vol. 42.).
9
Practice Areas
16 years
16 years
16 years
16 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
State: California
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Elyse online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 62 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I had a positive experience with Butler Law, PC. They explained things clearly, were professional, and made sure I felt informed throughout.
Posted by Nathan | September 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Sara at Butler Law was amazing to work with on my prenup. She made the whole process simple and stress free, and explained everything in plain english. Super responsive and detail oriented but also very approachable. I felt confident the whole way thru. Highly recomend!
Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
My experience with Butler Law was truly exceptional! From start to finish, Attorney Sara and Paralegal Devon were an incredible team. They answered every question thoroughly, kept me informed throughout the process, and went above and beyond to make both me and my wife feel at ease. Their professiona...
Posted by Kaelyn | June 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Hiring Butler Law firm was the best decision with my current situation. Not only did they give me peace of mind ,but their dedication to the case and understanding of situations is amazing. I was skeptical about going to another county to hire an attorney,but the cost to the amount of work they do fo...
Posted by Ralph | March 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I had a tough, contested case to modify child and spousal support after losing my job and my child turning 18. The team at Butler Law, especially Sara Dorworth, Veronica Rubalcava, and Alexandra Fetter, were exceptional. They navigated a complex situation with clarity and skill, ultimately securing a...
"Ms. Butler is one of the most professional and capable Family Law attorneys in the San Diego area. In fact, when asked for a referral for a Family Law attorney in San Diego, Ms. Butler is the ONLY lawyer I send my own clients. She's impressive, practical, and diligent -- and will do everything she can to get you a great result! I unequivocally, and without hesitation, endorse this lawyer."
"I’ve had a couple cases against Ms. Butler. I found her to be a very capable trial attorney with a particularly strong understanding of the evidence code. I endorse her."
"I've had the pleasure of seeing Elyse's work first hand and she is extremely knowledgeable in family law matters. Her court skills are superb and she is great at simplifying legal issues for her clients."
No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
2018
Women in Law Award, Lawyer Monthly
2018
Top 10%, American Registry
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Lead Counsel, Thomson Reuters
2017
Lead Counsel, Thomson Reuters
2017
America's Most Honored Professionals, American Registry
2017
Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2017
Distinguished Lawyer, Expert Network
2017
10 Best in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Lead Counsel, Thomson Reuters
2016
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Top 100 Lawyer, National Advocates
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Lead Counsel, Thomson Reuters
2015
Client Distinction Award, Lawyers.com
2014
Certified Family Law Specialist, California State Bar
2013
2013 Top Young Attorney, Nominee, The Daily Transcript
2020 - Present
Founder, Butler Law, PC
2014 - 2020
Shareholder, Contreras Law
2011 - 2014
Managing Attorney | Family Law Division, Boyd Contreras
2009 - 2011
Attorney, Law Offices of Andy Cook
2018 - Present
Association of Certified Family Law SpecialistsMember
2014 - Present
San Diego Family Law Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
Husband was able to resolve his divorce even though Wife was uncooperative.
Parties were able to conclude their divorce through a Marital Settlement Agreement without court intervention.
Client was able to move internationally with her children.
2008
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2007
English
Legal Answers