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Ermila A. Martinez

DUI and DWI Attorney at San Diego, CA

4.4   20 reviews

also known as MARTINEZ LAW

  • Licensed for 21 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2002
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Ermila

Learn Ermila’s areas of practice.

Ermila began her legal career as a Deputy City Attorney with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office where she gained valuable trial experience.  She received extensive courtroom experience including jury trials, bench trials, motions and evidentiary hearings.  Ermila worked for five years with a San Diego Family Law firm in all areas of Family Law including high asset divorce cases, high conflict custody/visitation cases and military divorces. Ermila then chose to open her own law firm, MARTINEZ LAW. It is the only law firm of its kind in all of California and represents clients in Southern California with legal issues in the areas of Family Law including Divorce, Criminal Defense and Employment Law

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MARTINEZ LAW
1901 First Avenue, Suite 188
San Diego, CA, 92101

Reviews

4.4 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
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Posted by Bri | June 14, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ethical and Caring
Attorney Ermila took on my case last minute. She was very transparent and straight forward with my case. She worked very hard to protect me and my daughter. I appreciate her so much and all the hard work she put in. I highly recommend her if you want a caring and fierce attorney. She knows her stuff and is the best of the best! You will be lucky to have her represent you.
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Posted by Nichole | November 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I have no complaints
Before hiring Attorney Martinez, I had a lawyer that was not putting in any effort to progress my case and was not fighting for me at all. I was referred to Attorney Martinez by another attorney that was not in San Diego and after speaking with her, I immediately hired her for my divorce case. My divorce was long and stressful but Attorney Martinez fought for me every step of the way. She is great, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. Always answered me in a timely manner and never left me out of the loop. I appreciate her so much!
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Posted by Diana | September 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Quality Representation
The outcome of my divorce case is what I vehemently wished for because of Attorney Martinez’ expertise, boldness, grit, and care. In my experience, Attorney Martinez has a superb ability to observe her client’s behavior and capture their convictions through careful dialogue with us. She synthesized my beliefs to then translate them to opposing counsel as she advocated, negotiated, and diligently fought for me. During a heavy period of negotiations, the high caliber of her work was evident. Attorney Martinez took it upon herself to represent me by making decisions on my behalf. I did not learn about the various exchanges with opposing counsel until a week or so later. I was EXTREMELY pleased, relieved, and it reaffirmed the level of trust she built, her knowledge of the intricacies of my case, as well the professional support that she had nurtured by showing interest in the sensitive matters that surround a divorce. Attorney Martinez is astute in her profession, dependable, and punctual. She consistently explained and defined the legal proceedings at hand in detail and any consequences that could derive from x or y choices we made. By her doing so, I felt that I was given the tools to make careful well informed decisions. She was also present at every hearing and prepared. In my opinion, this speaks of her consistent professionalism. She also took the time to describe what I ought to expect and interceded when appropriate in front of the judge without hesitation while with respect for all parties. When there was no opposing counsel she was tactful. Attorney Martinez’ diplomacy avoided our need to go to trial. I learned that this saved us time and further expenses which I appreciated. I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Martinez if you are seeking quality representation.
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Posted by Miguel | August 21, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experienced and gets Results!
Ermila is the lawyer you need by your side if you go to Family Court. She is the third lawyer she handled my case and she is the best of all of them. She listens and she communicates and she gets results! She was able to reduce my alimony and child support. Additionally, her staff is supportive and answers all your questions. I can't recommend her enough. If you need results please go see Ermila.
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Posted by Tamara | April 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable, Professional, and Personally Invested
I had the good fortune of retaining Attorney Martinez’s services during the process of finalizing my divorce. Attorney Martinez is organized, professional, direct, and extremely competent and knowledgeable when it comes to family law. Attorney Martinez is a fierce advocate for her clients’ interests. While she is rigorous in her preparation and organization, Attorney Martinez does not lose sight of and takes a personal interest in the human element of all her cases. In my personal circumstance, she was able to help me navigate through what easily can become a convoluted and emotional legal process. Attorney Martinez worked tirelessly to reach resolutions through negotiation and litigation which ultimately benefited all parties involved and resolved custody concerns in the best interest of my two young children. I would highly recommend Attorney Martinez to any individual in search of legal support.
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Posted by Lucia | March 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Not just another lawyer; she definitely stands out
I was referred to Miss Martinez through a good friend of mine who used her services as well and had a great outcome in her case as well. From the beginning the experience was nothing short of comforting yet straight forward. Mrs Martinez will not promise you anything she cannot deliver. The whole court process can be dawnting and stressful but she definitely eased the process. It is evident that she gets invested in her cases for the right reasons. I walked away with not only a favorable outcome in my case but also with the knowledge that there are attorneys out there that care about their clients; Miss Ermila Martinez is definitely one of the few great ones out there
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Posted by Victor | March 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family
I couldn’t afford an attorney and needed a bilingual attorney as well, I thank God for being recommended to Attorney Martinez. my family case was getting me overwhelmed I didn’t see and ending or how to even start treating my family case. Since I hired Attorney Martinez I was able to breath and understand how to deal with my case, I being a single Parent I was overwhelmed and stressed out being in court a lot, I thank Attorney Martinez and her team for helping me and treating me as family and comforted and supportive at all time with my family case. Attorney Martinez is professional and truly Lawyer I recommend to all.
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Posted by Andrew | March 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Took the pain out of my divorce
Ermila Martinez was recommended by my financial adviser. From our first consultation, she showed compassion and did all the right moves to make my divorce less expensive, fast, easy and stressful. I consulted with a few attorneys before selecting Ermila. All felt corporate and had no compassion. Ermila gets what clients are going through and really cares, remembers your conversations, cares and follows through. Although divorce is expensive, I paid less in legal fees than others I know, got better service and feel that at the end of the process Ermila is a friend. I would highly recommend her services to anyone.
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Posted by Marcela | January 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Attorney
Ms. Martinez is an outstanding family law attorney, based on my experience. I was stuck in an abyss of questions and uncertainty as I faced a divorce after a 10 year marriage. I hoped for sole legal and physical custody of my children as well as adequate financial security. From the first time we met she supported me and advised me through all procedures smoothly. She correctly predicted what to anticipate in my case and strategized accordingly to prepare me for meetings with my then spouse. As a new single parent, I can’t imagine going through such a trying time with out her expertise and tenacity. After all was said and done, I attained full custody of my children and kept my financial situation in tact if not better. I highly recommend Ms. Martinez as she is very personable and great to work with. I am forever greatful to her, I can’t thank her enough!!
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Posted by Jesse | October 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
San Diego's Best
Ermila is an expert and constant professional. By far one of San Diego's best family attorneys. Her reputation for being straight forward, caring and honest is well deserved. Family matters are emotional and involve a lot of personal information that we don't normally want to disclose to anyone, but she made me feel comfortable making those disclosures. I felt a great sense of relief knowing that she had my back and would fight to protect my family and assert my rights under the law. Most of all her results will speak for themselves. I give Ms. Martinez my highest recommendation.
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Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Lawyer who cares
I spoke to several Attorneys before I spoke to Ermila Martinez,Esq. and I recommend you do as well before you hire another Attorney. My divorce case was special. Unlike with the other Law Firms I contacted prior to speaking with her, I truly felt cared for with Mrs.Martinez. She was honest with me and cared about the well being of me and my Son. She was there for me every step of the way answering any and all my questions. Mrs.Martinez, being the thorough attorney that she is, explored every option that she could see. If you are looking for an attorney, who cares about her Clients, I highly recommend the Law Office of Ermila Martinez. Sincerely, Bjorn E.
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Posted by Luis | September 25, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
child custody/ child visitation
What Ms. Martinez did for me for my case in child custody/ child visitation. She is one of the best lawyers' in San Diego County. She will go beyond to fight for a case. If you need a saying "pitbull" on your side she is the best I could have ever hired. She is worth every cent. I know if I am ever in a situation she will be first person I call. Thank Ms. Martinez for everything you did for me and my daughter n family.
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Posted by Gretel Rodriguez | September 24, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
I can not thank Ms. Martinez enough for all her hard work. She helped me out of a five year divorce and custody dispute that desperately needed her expertise! Ignorant to the law and my ex husband being an attorney was able to manipulate our custody agreement and divorce papers she was able to salvage my dignity and boundaries that I pleaded for with no avail. This woman helped me regain my life and clear parental rights. She was keen to my needs from the start of the case to the end and was professional in every sense of what a lawyer should emulate. Every penny I spent on this lawyer was worth the piece of mind I have in my life now. My case was more than successful and I would recommend her to any person that needs a good family law attorney. There are not enough words to truly capture hiring her as my lawyer. If you want a "pitbull" in a skirt that will fight for your best interest and still maintain her professionalism then you need to hire Ms. Ermila Martinez!
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Posted by Jennifer | September 23, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A true expert!!
Since 2009 I have appreciated and valued Ermila's commitment to my family. She is honest, straight forward and most importantly cares about her clients. Wait to you see her in the courtroom, she is dynamic. Ermila continues to be a trusted advisor to my family. Ermila always supported me through every step of the legal process and not once did I ever doubt her intentions and rational. You can not go wrong in having her on your side.
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Posted by Jennifer | September 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing, diligent, caring, persistant!!!
I was a wreck the first time I went in to see Atty. Martinez and she greeted me with a hug. Don't think that means that she is a softie; it's that she cares while she does her work. My ex-husband had a very sleezy attorney and dragged out what should have been a mediated divorce into a 2 year trial. Every game that they played was countered with a professional and competent response that put them back in their place. She practices law with integrity and is far above that type of low-blow-gameplaying. I received continual support and professional, accurate advice from day one and she still checks in on me to be sure I'm doing okay. I have and will continue to recommend this attorney to everyone.
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Posted by Silvia | May 3, 2012
Completely satisfied!
Ermila is an expert in what she does! Since day one, Ermila was professional, honest and upfront with my situation. She followed through in every aspect of my divorce case and keep me informed every step of the way. If I ever needed the help of an attorney again, I would definitely hire Ermila!
Posted by Ytzchel | September 2, 2010
Review
My experience with Ermila has been great, I continue to work with her and have learned so much. She is always willing to help and share her knowledge. With no doubt a great family attorney!!!!
Posted by Chris | October 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Sloppy and Arrogant
I suggest you look elsewhere if you want an attorney that does quality, timely work. In my opinion her arrogance gets in the way of accomplishing the goal at hand. I feel the main issue I have was her lack of preparation. I think she did not understand the issues of my case and was unwilling to admit it.
Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Not recommend to anyone
Would not recommend to anyone this attorney. Took money to attend a trial. Last minute told she won’t attend. She will ask to sign the substitution off form a head of time but will tell that she will file it after attending the trial. But will not attend the trial and file it before the trial and quit at last minute and will cause limbos/disaster..Talk and act that she cares you and will fight for you at trial. Only just a sweet talk to get a big chunk of retainer. Sad part was she was referred by an other attorney who thought she would be a good fit for my case and that attorney was her friend. She billed me a substantial amount of money to read the emails related to the case. But no knowledge about the facts indicated in the emails when try to discuss the case because she has not really read it.
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Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awful!
This review is long overdue, but honestly, every time I thought about this woman, it made me feel ill and I just pushed it off. I’m now about to hire a new attorney because so many issues have come up since my divorce and I want to warn others so they can avoid the experience I had. All of the initial paperwork had been done by a legal aid by the time I consulted with Ermila. My ex had a lawyer for months, but I couldn’t afford one. I finally borrowed $3,500 to retain Ermila. The only time she ever acted remotely interested in dealing with anything, was the initial consultation. I don’t think she ever spoke to my ex’s attorney. She never went to court. She called in to the court to delay the hearing, that was it. She never submitted and never drew up any paperwork for me. I spent the entire process trying to negotiate with my ex by myself. It was a horribly stressful and painful experience, but nothing would have been accomplished had I not done it all myself. I only spoke with her on a few short occasions. My ex’s lawyer ended up drafting a settlement and I sent it to Ermila to review. She told me ONE line that should be removed. Somehow that’s cost me $3,500??? Before anything else was done she told me that I was out of money. I asked if she could review a two paged form to file after I filled it out myself and she refused to consider looking at it unless I gave her $600. I had to let her go and just work with my ex’s lawyer by myself to just get a settlement signed so that I wouldn’t end up homeless. Now I’m stuck with the repricusions of having inadequate council while drafting that settlement. Thanks for absolutely NOTHING. I’m meeting with a great attorney now and there are plenty in the area, so avoid this one.
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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • The Law Office of Ermila A. Martinez
  • 2008 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Bierer & Associates
  • 2003 - 2008
  • Deputy City Attorney
  • Office of the San Diego City Attorney
  • 2002 - 2003

Education

  • California Western School of Law, San Diego
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2001
  • University of Colorado - Boulder
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1997

Legal Cases

  • Divorce
  • Husband's request denied and was ordered to maintain health insurance
  • Custody
  • Father was granted 100% Custody
  • Prenuptial Agreement
  • All parties in agreement to the terms
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Justicia Criminal Defense Association
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • National Association of Latina Business Women
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • MANA Professional Organization
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • San Diego Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • San Diego County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • La Raza Lawyers Association
  • Board of Directors
  • 2016 - 2017
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Women Who Move The City
  • San Diego Magazine
  • 2013
  • Latinos Making A Difference Finalist
  • San Diego Magazine
  • 2013
  • Award Rated Attorney
  • AVVO
  • 2012
  • Top Young Attorneys
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
  • 2011
  • Academic Achievement
  • California Western School of Law
  • 2001
  • Gafford Moot Trial Finalist
  • California Western School of Law
  • 2001
  • Scholarship
  • MANA
  • 2000
  • Scholarship
  • Earl B. Gilliam Association
  • 2000
  • Scholarship
  • San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association
  • 1999
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • University of San Diego Paralegal Program
  • Civil Litigation
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)
Given (7)
Endorse Ermila
Unknown Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Other
"Ermila Martinez is a warm and engaging attorney who will instantly make you feel at ease from the moment you meet her."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Ermila for years. She is very passionate about the work she does for her clients. It's always a pleasure. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I highly recommend Ermila. Clients that I have referred to Ermila always come back saying that she is very knowledgeable and gave them peace of mind throughout the divorce process."
Family Attorney | Aug 31
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Ermila is absolutely dedicated to her clients. She is a vigorous advocate and an excellent attorney. You could not ask for more, and are in good hands with Ermila."
Child support Attorney | Sep 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Atty. Martinez is a highly respected attorney with a sharp legal mind; I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Aug 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend Ms. Martinez. She is an excellent family law attorney. She has extensive experience in family law issues and shows a great deal of compassion for her clients and the issues they are facing."
Family Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ermila is one of the most disciplined and trustworthy attorney in her field. Her ability to work efficiently under stressful conditions and nerve-wracking deadlines speaks volumes about her hard work, determination, and composed demeanor. Ermila is a compassionate human being with praiseworthy perseverance and dedication to her clients. Her compassion is not to be confused with weakness as she is the most fierce litigious attorney in the field. You want to have her on your side of the isle. I strongly recommend Ermila as a top family law attorney."
Family Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Friend
"Not only is Ermila a fighter, but she is honest with her clients. The additional bonus is that she is well-respected among colleagues and the court, so she can get things done."
Family Attorney | 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."
Alimony Attorney | Sep 18
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!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ermila Martinez is a consummate professional, with a wealth of experience in both family law and criminal/DUI matters. She is compassionate about her clients, and she goes above and beyond to fight for their legal rights. As the only Latina Criminal Law/Family Law Attorney in San Diego, she is a leader in her areas of practice, and she is well-respected and recognized in the legal community."
Family Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Ermila and I have worked on many family law matters. I highly recommend her as she is professional and highly experienced."
Family Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ermila is a competent attorney who zealously advocates for her clients in all areas of family law. I refer clients to her with confidence knowing that they will be in capable hands."
Family Attorney | Sep 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have witnessed Ermila fiercely advocate for her clients best interest with a passion and zeal that I have not seen in many other lawyers. She is conscientious and diligent in her approach to her representation and is a lawyer who inspires great confidence in her ability to serve."
Family Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ermila is a committed family law practitioner who cares about her clients and obtains results for her clients that help them move forward with their lives. Caring, competent and effective."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Estate planning
Social Security & Disability
Estate planning
Bankruptcy and debt

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San Diego DUI and DWI Lawyer Ermila A. Martinez
Ermila A. Martinez
DUI and DWI Attorney
San Diego, CA
Licensed for 21 years