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also known as Elyse Bujewski Bernstein
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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.).
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Practice Areas
17 years
17 years
17 years
17 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.
64 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Child Custody
Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Elite
This is a stellar firm. A talented and intuitive group of women who collaborate and treat your case with a kind of artisanal attention. They are heads above any other family law firm I’ve interacted with. Elyse listened to my situation, she spoke back a plan, and she put together a winning team i...
Posted by Hali | May 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Butler Law
I am working directly with Sara at Butler Law. She and the rest of the team have been very supportive and responsive to all questions and concerns. Child custody is a very emotional and stressful time so it’s nice to have someone compassionate on your behalf.
Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Lucky to be Represented by the Best.
My experience with everyone at Butler Law exceeded my expectations. My custody case had some unique circumstances, but everyone at the firm took a real interest in our family and remained invested in the outcome throughout the process. Everyone at the firm made me feel heard, and defended my family w...
Posted by anonymous | January 02, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
10/10 Recommend
During an incredibly challenging time, Butler Law came to my rescue and really made a difference in my life. From the start, both Elyse and Chalsie took the time to listen to my concerns and provide actionable steps I could take to get the process started on my case. Chalsie was very knowledgeable, r...
Posted by Andrew | October 04, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Changed my life
Worked with Sara during my custody case, she was a real She-Hulk. Definitely the most helpful firm I've worked with. Would work with Butler Law again.
"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."
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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
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