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John Sylvester is a San Diego family law appeals attorney practicing primarily in appeals and writs, trial litigation, and neutral mediation. He is a Certified Appellate & Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California.
John received his B.A. in English Literature from San Francisco State University. He received his juris doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude. John was an editor for the Thomas Jefferson Law Review. He was instrumental in co-founding the school's first Family Law Self-Help Clinic. He served as President of the School's Family Law Society. John volunteers his time with the Family Violence Appellate Project and the Access to Appellate Justice Program, bringing appeals on behalf of survivors of domestic violence and indigent appellants.
In the practice of family law, John wears many hats. In his appellate practice, he has acted as lead appellate attorney on several family law and civil appeals, including several successful full or partial reversals of erroneous trial court decisions and several published cases. In his trial practice, he handles complex litigation including hundreds of family law cases in the areas of dissolution, legal separation, nullity, domestic violence restraining orders, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, community and separate property, and attorney fees and costs. In his neutral mediation practice he offers family law litigants an amicable and affordable alternative to litigation.
John is a member of the State Bar of California and is licensed to practice law before the Superior Court of California, the California Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of California. He is also licensed to practice in the Ninth Circuit's Central and Southern Federal District Courts of California. He is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association, the San Diego Family Law Bar Association, and the San Diego Appellate Inns of Court, and Association of Certified Family Law Specialists.
DISCLAIMER: To any readers of a client testimonial or other third-party review of our performance as part of this profile, while we're proud of our many great reviews, please realize that such testimonial or review does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, as the facts and circumstances of each case information provided in this profile is informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
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Practice Areas
11 years
11 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 495-495 per hour
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2014
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1615 Murray Canyon Rd Ste 450, San Diego, CA, 92108
Showing 1 - 5 of 27 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Shadha | April 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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
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...
Posted by Kim | October 4, 2023 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Anthony | August 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by Chad | July 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney
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...
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Mr. Sylvester is an excellent family attorney and civil litigator. I highly recommend him for any family law matters. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Appeals lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Family lawyer
Government lawyer
Business lawyer
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
2021 - Present
Lead Attorney, Cage & Miles, LLP
2014 - 2021
Attorney at Law, Law Offices of David C. Beavans, APC
2024 - Present
State Bar of California, Board of Legal SpecializationCertified Appellate Law Specialist
2020 - Present
State Bar of California, Board of Legal SpecializationCertified Family Law Specialist
2019 - Present
State Bar of California, Family Law SectionMember
2018 - Present
San Diego Appellate American Inn of CourtAssociate
2018 - Present
California Lawyer's AssocationMember
2014 - Present
San Diego Family Law Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaLicensee
2011 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
Affirmed on appeal in our client's favor.
Affirmed on appeal in our client's favor.
Reversal on appeal in our client's favor.
Affirmed on appeal in our client's favor.
Reversed on appeal in our client's favor.
N/A
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2019
Becoming a Certified Family Law Specialist
2018
Careers in Family Law
2014
2020
2013
English
Legal Answers
Effect of failure to serve FL-142 within 60 days of filing dissolution of marriage petition?
11 Apr 2019
Does renewal of restraining order trip California Family Code section 3044
23 Feb 2017
Can I file a Sub of Attorney form without my attorney's signature? Need to know ASAP, (divorce case)
24 Feb 2017