John Thomas Sylvester

John Thomas Sylvester

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 11 years

Family Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Appeals

1615 Murray Canyon Rd Ste 450, San Diego, CA

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Appeals 50%

11 years

50%
Family 50%

11 years

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 495-495 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 11 years

State: California

Acquired: 2014

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Cage & Miles, LLP

1615 Murray Canyon Rd Ste 450, San Diego, CA, 92108

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

John Thomas Sylvester's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

5 star (24)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (3)

Posted by Shadha | April 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great job!

I want to thank you, and I was happy with your service. Hopefully I won't have to go to court again, but if I do, I will be very grateful to work with you again.

Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Worst experience

I was fooled by the reviews on Avvo regarding attorney John T. Sylvester into signing an agreement, but soon recognized that I had fallen into a “money pit” of hidden fees and exorbitant charges. I can only imagine these “good reviews” are coming from. A least from my own knowledge, hiring him and la...w firm he was working for was a horrible experience. He appears more concerned about how much money he can make and I feel like I was over billed and under-represented. It seems as if he is very inexperienced in the practice of law even though he has been to be practicing in San Diego for close to 10 years. He caused me to lose my case. Sylvester’s preparation and performance in the courtroom was irresponsible and negligent. Absolutely the worst attorney I’ve ever worked with.

Posted by Kim | October 4, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Weak Presence at Hearings and Fails to Fulfill Agreements/Duties

I hired Cage and Miles and they assigned my case to John who charged $9,159 for his incompetent work. His extremely high hourly rate is not reflected in his skill level. In court, he does not have a strong presence as he lacks quick rebuttals and strong arguments. Not only did he not make any prog...ress on my case, he actually delayed it and set it back. There was a lot of cleanup I had to do. Since he ran through my retainer so quickly with his over-priced and inefficient use of time, I requested that he just represent me on a limited scope. He agreed, but then later reneged without any reasoning. We had an attorney fees request pending and he refused to supply a Cueva Declaration which would have only taken him about 20 minutes to write. I offered to pay him, but he still refused after a month of ignoring my urgent request. John will just run through your retainer with long-winded phone calls where he unnecessarily repeats himself and then, when it comes to court appearances, he looks like a weakling stumbling for words.

Posted by Anthony | August 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Family Attorney in SD!

I hired John Sylvester two years ago while I was going through several issues in my family law case. To date, he has helped me resolve every single one of those issues in my favor. His professionalism and knowledge of the law is second to none. He was always responsive when I had questions. He helped... me understand how everything worked, from RFOs, to subpoenas, to trial litigation. John always had a plan, and he was always prepared. He was able to take all the information I gave him and make sense of it all. John never pushed me to spend more money and Rebecca the co-owner was kind enough to work out the financial aspects of my bills with me. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with John, and I have already recommended him to friends and family who want the best family attorney in San Diego.

Posted by Chad | July 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Proceed with Confidence!

If you're considering hiring John, proceed with Confidence! John is a fantastic lawyer. I recently had an issue that required 4 lawyers across 2 states and John was by far the best of all of them. Not only is his knowledge of the law and the court's procedural processes unparalleled but his level... of detail, "bedside manner," and investment of time to make sure you're prepared and updated make him a delight to work with. I cannot recommend John highly enough to do him justice for the experience and effort he'll bring to your case. My recommendation: proceed with confidence!

See All Client Reviews

John Thomas Sylvester's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Kelly Ann Price headshot
Kelly Price

Family lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Other

"John was kind enough to consult with me on a family law appellate matter. He provided quick, competent advice and was very generous with his time and knowledge!"

Dennis Geis Temko headshot
Dennis Temko

Appeals lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred cases to John on prior occasions. I have also read several of his appellate briefs concerning SLAPP issues. I was impressed with this clear and concise writing style and attention to citation detail."

Angel Richard Cabrera headshot
Angel Cabrera

Unknown lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Friend

"I heartily endorse John Sylvester. I first met and became friends with John long before he sat for the Bar. In the time that I have known him, John has grown immensely as an attorney and as a person. He has great skills as an practitioner and continues to improve those skills through practice, education and desire. I think so highly of John’s skills and integrity that I have asked him to take care of my estate after I am gone."

Christine Danielle DeLapp headshot
Christine DeLapp

Appeals lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"John is one of the best attorneys I know. He is ethical, well spoken, and just a great guy all around. I would hire John in an instant. He is very knowledgeable but is also a great researcher. He is a great debater and writer, and above all else he also has his client's interests in mind."

Eric Schneider headshot
Eric Schneider

Family lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have worked with John for nearly two years, and I have also worked against him while at a prior firm. I can honestly say that, from both perspectives, John is a stellar attorney. John is intelligent and quick-witted, which makes him a very effective litigator as he comes to court thoroughly prepared and can also react well to the unexpected in the courtroom. John is also extremely reasonable and will avoid costly litigation where possible. John is certainly good enough at what he does that, if he chose to be, he could be an arrogant showman in the courtroom, as many attorneys are. However, he instead chooses a reasonable approach that results in him being highly respected by his clients, opposing counsel, and the bench. I strongly endorse John."

Elizabeth S Gerbasi headshot
Elizabeth Gerbasi

Family lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with John on a family law matter that lasted several years. He was always courteous and cooperative and pleasant to work with. I fully endorse this attorney."

Matthew Steven Blado headshot
Matthew Blado

Family lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"John is an excellent attorney and advocate. He is easy to work with, reasonable, and fair. He also has a great grasp of family law and works hard for his clients. I unequivocally endorse John."

James Richard Vercollone headshot
James Vercollone

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with John on divorce matters as opposing counsel. I have found him to be a zealous advocate for his clients, yet remain civil. This approach often serves all parties well in trying to resolve matters without excessive litigation. I endorse John."

Elizabeth R. Louis headshot
Elizabeth Louis

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Co-worker

"John is a brilliant attorney. He exercises a meticulous attention to detail and thinks outside the box. He always goes the extra mile for his clients. I have learned an inordinate amount from him in the two years I have been fortunate enough to work with him."

Caitlin Victoria Steele headshot
Caitlin Steele

Family lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"John is a fantastic attorney in multiple areas of the law. We are able to bounce ideas off of each other and I am constantly learning new ways of conceptualizing cases by speaking with him. John is one of the most hardworking and motivated attorneys I have ever worked with, in the event I am unavailable I have no hesitation with having John take over a case of mine. I endorse John without reservation."

David C. Beavans headshot
David Beavans

Litigation lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Co-worker

"John is an outstanding family law and civil litigation/appeals attorney. He is a thorough and competent professional who has a natural drive to excel. What I especially admire about him is his exceptionally sharp eye for detail. He also has a very calm demeanor that is a blessing for clients in and out of the courtroom. I would not hesitate to recommend John as an attorney."

Stuart L Mellman headshot
Stuart Mellman

Family lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Sylvester is an excellent family attorney and civil litigator. I highly recommend him for any family law matters. I endorse this lawyer."

Erik Philip Nelson headshot
Erik Nelson

Litigation lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is an outstanding attorney. I have known him since 2011 and have only the highest praise for him. John listens intently and is very personable. I would recommend any potential client contact John with their legal matter."

Tristan James Lloyd headshot
Tristan Lloyd

Family lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Friend

"John is an extremely smart hard working individual, he is one of the most reliable people I know. If I needed service in his area he would be my attorney."

View All Endorsements
Kelly Ann Price headshot
Kelly Price

Divorce and separation lawyer

Andrew Jack Botros headshot
Andrew Botros

Family lawyer

Dennis Geis Temko headshot
Dennis Temko

Appeals lawyer

Angel Richard Cabrera headshot
Angel Cabrera

Family lawyer

Christine Danielle DeLapp headshot
Christine DeLapp

Family lawyer

Eric Schneider headshot
Eric Schneider

Family lawyer

Matthew Steven Blado headshot
Matthew Blado

Family lawyer

James Richard Vercollone headshot
James Vercollone

Family lawyer

Milena L. Celentano headshot
Milena Celentano

Family lawyer

Stuart L Mellman headshot
Stuart Mellman

Estate planning lawyer

Jessica A. Pederson headshot
Jessica Pederson

Family lawyer

Elizabeth R. Louis headshot
Elizabeth Louis

Family lawyer

David C. Beavans headshot
David Beavans

Litigation lawyer

Caitlin Victoria Steele headshot
Caitlin Steele

Family lawyer

Gina Nicole Cucuzella headshot
Gina Cucuzella

Government lawyer

Tristan James Lloyd headshot
Tristan Lloyd

Business lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2021

2021 Super Lawyers "Rising Star", Super Lawyers

2020

2020 Super Lawyers "Rising Star", Super Lawyers

2019

2019 Super Lawyers "Rising Star", Super Lawyers

2019

2019 Avvo "Client's Choice" Award, Avvo

2018

2018 Super Lawyers "Rising Star", Super Lawyers

2018

2018 Avvo "Client's Choice" Award, Avvo

2017

2017 Avvo "Client's Choice" Award, Avvo

2013

Excellence for the Future Award, CALI

2013

Jefferson Medal, Thomas Jefferson

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Lead Attorney, Cage & Miles, LLP

2014 - 2021

Attorney at Law, Law Offices of David C. Beavans, APC

Associations

2024 - Present

State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization

Certified Appellate Law Specialist

2020 - Present

State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization

Certified Family Law Specialist

2019 - Present

State Bar of California, Family Law Section

Member

2018 - Present

San Diego Appellate American Inn of Court

Associate

2018 - Present

California Lawyer's Assocation

Member

2014 - Present

San Diego Family Law Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

State Bar of California

Licensee

2011 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Sexton v. Valois

Affirmed on appeal in our client's favor.

P. P. v. M. T.

Affirmed on appeal in our client's favor.

Bohrer v. Carroll

Reversal on appeal in our client's favor.

Sapan v. Braun

Affirmed on appeal in our client's favor.

White v. Maksimow

Reversed on appeal in our client's favor.

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

San Francisco State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

San Diego Family Law Bar Association

Becoming a Certified Family Law Specialist

2018

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Careers in Family Law

2014

Thomas Jefferson School of Law Opportunities in Family Law

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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