Elena Smolina

Elena Smolina

5.0
Rating: 7.5

Licensed for 7 years

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

San Diego Divorce and Family Law Attorney, 12520 High Bluff Drive Suite 240, San Diego, CA

About Elena

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 7 years

State: California

Acquired: 2018

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Elena Smolina APC

San Diego Divorce and Family Law Attorney, 12520 High Bluff Drive Suite 240, San Diego, CA, 92130

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Elena Smolina's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

55 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (55) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 31 reviews | Case Results

Posted by Diana | September 01, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Strong divorce attorney

Elena Smolina was my second San Diego divorce attorney. I wish I hired her sooner. I parted ways with my first attorney who I felt did not care about what was important to me. I was worried the situation will repeat but was pleasantly surprised. Elena took time to listen to me and understand the com...plexities of my case. She was able to help me achieve a compromise and resolve my very difficult divorce, to my satisfaction. Elena was attentive and thorough. I recommend her. She is truly a good attorney, and a genuine woman. She knows the law and has a strong presence. She will fight for you and advocate relentlessly.

Posted by Uliana | July 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Huge thanks to Elena

Huge thanks to Elena, professional of the highest level, for her work. She is as a person with a strong-willed character and a professional with extensive experience in court, whom you can easily trust and this is very important, especially in such difficult situations. Each court hearing, and this i...s 4 times, was in my favor. I am immensely happy and grateful to myself for choosing this strong advocate, and I easily recommend her to anyone who needs to defend themselves and justice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Posted by Ande | May 21, 2025

FINALLY My Saving Grace!!!

If you’re going through a high-conflict divorce—don’t walk, RUN to Elena Smolina. My divorce was an absolute dumpster fire. Three years of emotional warfare, custody battles, financial games, and five different attorneys—two of whom came from highly reputable firms that made big promises and dropp...ed the ball when it really counted. Most firms will treat you like a case file, give you attention up front, and then vanish when the pressure’s on. That was my story… until I found Elena. I wish I had Elena Smolina from the very beginning. Do yourself a favor and don’t make the mistake I did. Skip the expensive disappointment and just hire her. Elena actually cares. She listens. She’s passionate about getting justice for you, not just closing another case. She remembered my birthday. She texted me Happy Mother’s Day when even my own brother didn’t. She treats you like a human being—and fights for you like family. This case was destined for trial. My ex wasn’t budging, and the issues were deep and layered. But in just four months with Elena, we were able to settle—and settle good. That’s because she knows how to communicate with mediators and judges in a way that truly lands. She’s able to take what clients struggle to articulate and frame it powerfully, persuasively, and with compassion. Bottom line: Elena changed the outcome of my life. You only need one attorney, and her name is Elena Smolina.

Posted by Jacques | January 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Empathetic, Knowledgeable & Professional

Mrs. Smolina has exhibited a strong understanding of the law, consistently prepares thoroughly, and confidently challenges opposing counsel and the judge when necessary, maintaining a cordial and professional demeanor throughout. Together, we have endured many emotions in this journey in and out of ...court; but most recently, we experienced the passion that Mrs. Smolina has in her commitment and relentless pursuit to ensure that our daughter attain an Order of Protection; which indeed was attained, as she very closely worked with the head of her legal firm (Mrs. Vera Livingstone, Esq.) on evidence collection, review of laws that applied to our case and ensuring that our daughter remain safe and at peace through her interpersonal skills. Mrs. Smolina has treated our daughter not only as a client, but as someone close to her heart and this is something that is priceless and which will keep us faithful & grateful for life.

Posted by Alondra | January 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Highly recommend Ms. Smolina!

I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Smolina's legal expertise and unwavering dedication to her clients. Throughout my case, she consistently prioritized my child's best interests while also demonstrating genuine empathy and understanding towards my own concerns. Her strategic approach in court secured a fav...orable outcome that exceeded my expectations. I am incredibly grateful for her tireless efforts and highly recommend her services to anyone seeking capable and compassionate legal representation.

See All Client Reviews

Elena Smolina's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Elena
Case Yousef Kamshad headshot
Case Kamshad

Family lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is a diligent and hard worker. She is very knowledgeable in family law and discovery issues."

Scott L. Neinas headshot
Scott Neinas

Family lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Elena is an incredibly knowledgable and effective family law attorney. She is sharp, thorough and a great advocate."

Daniel James Martin headshot
Daniel Martin

Family lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Daniel James Martin headshot
Daniel Martin

Family lawyer

Scott L. Neinas headshot
Scott Neinas

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.5 (Very Good)

Honors

2019

Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services, Wiley W. Manuel

Work Experience

2025 - Present

Partner, Neinas Smolina APC

Associations

2022 - Present

North County Bar Association

Member

2018 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Defend against Domestic Violence Restraining Order

Favorable to client

Move away request

Favorable

Divorce

favorable to client

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Univ of San Diego SOL

Languages

Russian

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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