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Catherine Ann Schwartz
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About Catherine
Biography
Ms. Schwartz has been actively involved in the Riverside community. She is a current member Soroptimist international of Riverside, the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, Smile Seekers, Voices for the Children and Volunteers in Parole.
She has been involved in the areas of family law and criminal defense for the past 20 years, bringing with her a vast working knowledge of the family, juvenile and criminal justice system.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Child Custody
20%
Child Support
20%
Criminal Defense
20%
Divorce and Separation
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2015 2014 2013
Licenses
Licensed in California for 34 years
State: California
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Catherine A. Schwartz
(951) 686-8195
Fax
6877 Magnolia Avenue., Riverside, CA, 92506
cschwartzlaw.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Catherine online.
Catherine Ann Schwartz's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
58 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (58)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (34)
Advocacy (30)
Professionalism (26)
Character & Conduct (22)
Recommendation (22)
Staff & Support (21)
Communication Style (18)
Responsiveness (18)
Compassion (17)
Trustworthiness (17)
Cost of Services (12)
General Knowledge (8)
Practice Area Knowledge (6)
Payment Plans (2)
Punctuality (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 46 - 50 of 58 reviews
Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2013 | Divorce & Separation
She saved ME!
I found myself in a position I had never thought I would be in, a divorce at my age! After years of marriage and a lot of financial accumulation, I thought I was in trouble. For the first time in my life, I shut up and let Catherine and her staff handle my problems. Best advice I've EVER given myself...
Posted by anonymous | October 26, 2012 | Child Custody
LOVE her!!
I retained Ms. Schwartz to get an order change on custody and visitation. Her staff was extremely helpful and compassionate, especially Ms. Schwartz. Not only that but she was also a killer in the court room!! I got primary custody and could not be happier. I would recommend her to all my friends n f...
Posted by Sarah | February 05, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
The Schwartz Team
We got the chance to have this firm represent us and through it all Shannon Highfield was THE MOST helpful in our case; she made us feel very welcome and always kept us up to date and explained things in "normal terms" so we understood everything that was going on. She is very trustworthy and persona...
Posted by MA | January 29, 2014 | Child Custody
Awesome skills!
I was satisfied with the overall process and outcome for my child custody and visitation case. Cathy seemed prepared and informed about the details surrounding my situation. She helped me prepare for mediation by addressing valuable key points. Her office staff specifically Shannon, were available...
Posted by PateuPatricia | July 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Very Disappointed
I only talked to Ms. Schwartz once, for the day of my court appt. The attorney shows up 15 minutes before the court started and quietly we discussed my case, the attorney never contacted me to discuss my case but she sure deducted me traveling expenses for the court appt. Not just the one hour of co...
Catherine Ann Schwartz's Lawyer Endorsements
"I’ve worked with Ms. Schwartz at the opposite end of counsel table for nearly six years . . . she’s a great attorney. Ms. Schwartz’s legal knowledge, modesty, and charm, coupled with her power of persuasion afford her the ability to connect with judges and juries alike. I have personally seen Ms. Schwartz win cases that others thought were unwinnable; I’ve heard jurors speak about her no-nonsense approach to the law and proving the elements in favor of her case; and I’ve talked with judges who gave glowing reviews of her presentation of evidence and closing arguments. If ever I need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney, I would call Ms. Schwartz first without a doubt."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Cathy inside and outside of court. In all instances I have been impressed by her knowledge, professionalism, and expertise. She is a skilled litigator and astute advocate. She is extremely diligent, hard-working and committed; capable of tackling any issue and opposing counsel. In addition, she is a kind, warmhearted individual who truly cares about her clients and is willing to go the extra mile for them. Cathy’s staff is also deserving of praise. They are talented and professional, each with significant experience and wholly devoted to their clients and work. Cathy and her entire staff are an impressive group that any client would be fortunate to have on their side."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Catherine has a great reputation as a skilled advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. Quality representation and exceptional attentiveness to his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Well respected by her peers and the legal community. Great asset to AVVO."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is well regarded by both her clients and her peers."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I not only endorse this lawyer, I also give them 5 stars."
"I endorse Catherine. Her approach to resolving a case was very no-nonsense and very compassionate. Yet her compassion did not cloud her judgment about the law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Schwartz was a supervisor while I was at the Riverside County Public Defender's Office. This attorney brings passion in her representation of individuals accused of crimes."
"I endorse this lawyer. I make this endorsement because she is committed to your clients and her profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. Catherine is a well respected attorney in the community, straight forward and ethical."
"Attorney Schwartz spends a lot of time responding to questions posted on this website with informative and considerate answers which reflect a high degree of knowledge and expertise. She shows compassion and a willingness to help clients during difficult times. I endorse this lawyer."
Audrey Oran
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Dean Ankouny
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Christina Godbey
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Judd Nemiro
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Tashfeen Haq
Divorce and separation lawyer
Ryan Fishman
Criminal defense lawyer
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Douglas Borthwick
Criminal defense lawyer
Joseph Torri
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Christopher Whelton
DUI and DWI lawyer
James Lillard
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Jillian Duggan-Herd
Divorce and separation lawyer
Valerie Murphy
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William Housley
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Howard Knispel
Divorce and separation lawyer
Steven Townsend
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Vincent Tolisano
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Steffanie Walczak
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Rizwan Khalid
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Kathryn Hudson
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Experience
Honors
2015
10.0 Rating, Avvo
2015
Woman of Distinction - Outstanding Leaders of the Inland Empire, Inland Empire Magazine
2014
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2014
Superb Attorney Rating, Avvo
2014
Top Attorney in Criminal Defense Award, Avvo
2014
Top Attorney in Family Law Award, Avvo
2014
9.5 Rating, Avvo
2014
4 1/2 star client rating, Avvo
2014
9.3 rating, Avvo
2014
Client's choice recognition award, Avvo
2014
Woman of Distinction - Outstanding Women of the Inland Empire, Inland Empire Magazine
2013
Featured Attorney, YourVilla Magazine
2013
Top Lawyer, Inland Empire Magazine
2011
Board of Directors Award, Soroptimist International of Riverside
2010
Certificiate of Completion - Graduate, Leadership Riverside
1991
Juris Doctorate, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
1990
American Jurisprudence Award, Juvenile Law
1990
American Jurisprudence Award, UCC
1989
American Jurisprudence Award, Criminal Law
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Owner, Law Offices of Catherine A. Schwartz
2012 - 2013
Attorney, Riverside Criminal Defense Panel
2007 - 2011
Attorney, Blumenthal Law Offices
2001 - 2007
Supervising Deputy Public Defender, Law Offices Of The Public Defender, County Of Riverside
1994 - 2001
Public Defender, The Law Offices Of The Public Defender Of Riverside County
1992 - 1994
Attorney, Juvenile Defense Panel
1991 - 1994
Attorney, Law Offices of Catherine A. Schwartz
Associations
2013 - Present
Operation SafeHouseBoard Member
2012 - Present
Soroptomist International of RiversideBoard Member
2012 - Present
AvvoMember
2012 - Present
Women's Legal Center, Riverside CAPresident
1991 - Present
Thomas Jefferson School of LawAlumni
San Bernardino County Bar Association
Member
Riverside County Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Task Force
Pro Bono Attorney
State Bar of California
Member
Voices for the Children
Advocate
Riverside Chambers of Commerce
Member
Riverside County Bar Association
Member
2010 - 2010
Leadership RiversideGraduate
2006 - 2007
Juvenile Justice Commission of CaliforniaBoard Member
2006 - 2007
American Inns of CourtBoard Member
1999 - 2001
Paloma Valley High School Mock TrialMock Trial Attorney Coach
1990 - 1991
International Law SocietyPresident
1988 - 1999
PALS - Parents Attending Law SchoolPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Child custody and visitation case
Opposing counsel's motion denied.
Riverside criminal defense case
Not guilty on all counts.
Riverside drug possession case
All charges dismissed.
Riverside DUI case.
Case dismissed.
Riverside domestic violence case
Felony reduced to a misdemeanor
Riverside Juvenile Dependency case
Children returned to client, case dismissed.
Riverside murder attempt case
Charges reduced to probation.
Riverside sex offender case
Charges reduced to misdemeanor
Riverside jury trial - murder case.
Verdict of not guilty.
Education
1991
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
Philadelphia Christian College
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
AVID Program
Criminal Law Procedures
2014
Corona High School
Juveniles Being Prosecuted as Adults
2000
Paloma Valley High School
Attorneys of Tomorrow
Publications
2015
A White Paper Presented by Law Offices of Catherine A. Schwartz
Your Safety, Your Rights: The Restraining Order Process In California
2014
Law Offices of Catherine A. Schwartz
Close attention to retirement accounts required in a ‘gray divorce’
2014
2013
Law Offices of Catherine A. Schwartz Blog
Study links domestic violence with future aggression in children
2013
2013
2013
2013
Languages
English
Spanish