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With a distinguished legal career spanning over three decades, Sondra S. Sutherland, Esq., is recognized for her comprehensive experience, dedication, and commitment to excellence. She began her legal journey as a legal secretary at age 17, became a certified paralegal through the University of San Diego, and worked extensively as a litigation paralegal prior to law school. After graduating with honors from Whittier Law School in 1996 and serving as a Judicial Extern to respected appellate judges, Ms. Sutherland worked as a Research Attorney in the L.A. Superior Court’s Family Law Division. Since 1999, she has led her private practice, earning distinction for her appellate work and for securing a landmark civil rights verdict against CPS. Her achievements include the esteemed CLAY "Attorney of the Year" Award for family law and a State Bar pro bono award. Ms. Sutherland is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and local bar associations, and is an active life member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity and the American Inns of Court.
3
Practice Areas
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 295-295 per hour
20%-50%
Always
State: California
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Fax
11440 West Bernardo Court, Suite 300, San Diego, CA, 92127
ssslegal.com/
Other places you can find Sondra online.
11 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews
Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent and experienced lawyer
Excellent lawyer. Very happy with the work she did for me. She was very knowledgeable about items pertaining to my case. She did a great job preparing materials for the trial and made sure I understood everything every step of the way. I came back a second time and hired her for another case.
Posted by Ossie | October 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements
FANTASTIC ATTORNEY
Sondra Sutherland came highly recommended to me. The case was very complex and challenging involving the breach of an investment contract. Sondra always kept me informed throughout the process. She was honest, an excellent communicator, worked tirelessly and was ultimately successful in winning my...
Posted by TRYAL | October 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements
A Rock Star indefatigable trial attorney, adept at strategy and tactics, and an exceptionally skilled communicator
Sondra Sutherland was recommended by a lawyer with whom I had great trust and the relationship could not have worked out any better. Ms. Sutherland has, over a lengthy career, delt with many different areas of the law and, until recently been concentrating on family law. My case, though, involved ...
Posted by Danny | October 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family
One of the Best Attorneys in Southern California
Communicates excellent with clients at every juncture/ phase of the case. Although Mrs. Sutherland is categorized as a Family Law Attorney her knowledge of the law extends way beyond those boundaries. Our case was difficult in many facets dealing with contractual law a jury trail and with two opp...
Posted by Edward | October 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Hire Sondra. She is the best!
Very meticulous and knowledgeable. Knows the court system well. Articulates strongly on behalf of her clients.
"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."
"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!"
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2013
2013 Top Lawyers in California, American Lawyer Media
2013
Lead Counsel Rating, Lead Counsel
2012
CLAY Award (Attorney of the Year, Family Law), California Lawyer Magazine
2009
The Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, The State Bar of California
1996
Excellence for the Future Award - Arbitration, The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI)
1995
Excellence for the Future Award - Securities Regulation, The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI)
1994
American Jurisprudence Award - Professional Responsibility, Bancroft-Witney AmJur
1994
American Jurisprudence Award - Advanced Legal Writing, Bancroft-Witney AmJur
1999 - Present
Attorney/Owner, Law Offices of Sondra S. Sutherland
1998 - 1999
Attorney, Sacks & Zweig
1997 - 1998
Attorney, Trope and Trope
1997 - 1997
Research Attorney, L.A. County Superior Court
1996 - 1996
Judicial Extern to Hon. Alex Kozinski, U.S. Court Of Appeals, 9th Circuit
1995 - 1995
Judicial Extern to Hon. Norman L. Epstein, California Court Of Appeal
2006 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarAdmitted to Practice
1999 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
San Diego North County Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
1997 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1997 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
1997 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitAdmitted to Practice
1996 - Present
Phi Delta Phi legal fraternityMember
Reversed - prior orders revived (meaning app. $800K in additional support for the mother and 4 children)
Court validated my liens
Changed the culture to make reading & ruling on the evidence & law the standard; statewide rules now replace local practices of this type
Summary judgment reversed-Judge Weil settled case
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
English