Catherine Ann Schwartz

PRO

Catherine Ann Schwartz

4.3
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 34 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Riverside, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Divorce & Separation, Child Support ... +2 more

6877 Magnolia Avenue., Riverside, CA

Free Consultation

About Catherine

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Child Custody 20%

20%
Child Support 20%

20%
Criminal Defense 20%

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

20%
Domestic Violence 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2015 2014 2013

Licenses

Licensed in California for 34 years

State: California

Acquired: 1991

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Catherine A. Schwartz

6877 Magnolia Avenue., Riverside, CA, 92506

cschwartzlaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Catherine online.

Catherine Ann Schwartz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

58 Client Reviews

Showing 36 - 40 of 58 reviews

Posted by Virgie Hardy | January 23, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Recommend this Lawyer

Catherine clearly cares about family, how important a marriage should be, any problems that may arise in the divorce process, and emotional and physical abuse surrounding a bad divorce. The team in her office personally identifies with your feelings and disappointments that may arise and much more. ...She is an excellent Lawyer. I appreciate her and the team and how each person supported me through this process. This office clearly understood my situation. Each person in this office is very tentative to my case and the team will review your case and obtain the best solution for you, your family and your future.

Posted by Sean | January 22, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Catherine A Schwartz

I have never written a review on an attorneys office before due to bad experiences, but I cannot deny the fact that Catherine and her entire team have changed the way I feel about my situation. Her team is amazing. Shannon Highfield in particular has kept me feeling 100% confident and informed every ...step of the way through my case. She is a tremendous asset to this firm and has been to me as well. Very compassionate and as professionally informed as I have ever experienced. Catherine has organized a great team and Her overall business practices are very trustworthy. I would recommend this law firm to anybody and everybody that is going through a divorce and/or child custody challenges. There are no guarantees through this process, but this firm is the best I have seen. Nice job Catherine!!

Posted by Carmen | January 22, 2014

An Attorney Who Cares!

Ms. Schwartz is an excellent attorney. Her knowledge, professionalism, understanding and kindness really made us feel very comfortable. She always had the right answers and guided us through the processes every inch of the way. Thank you, Ms. Schwartz, for going the extra mile for us. Raymond an...d Carmen

Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2014

The Best Attorney Ever

I requested the services from Catherine Schwartz office while living out of state and the staff as well as all of those in her office are professional & very responsive which was very helpful. I would recommend anyone looking for a reliable trusting Attorney use her office you will be more than happy... you did.

Posted by Erica | July 13, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Thank you Catherine!

I hired the Law Office of Catherine A Schwartz after firing my original attorney. She not only took on my case after it had already been started by another firm, but got my divorce finalized right on schedule AND I ended up with almost twice the child support the other attorney was suggesting, plus a...limony. She and her office staff were always friendly and eager to help, even when I dropped by the office without an appointment. She was extremely professional and even went the extra mile by supporting me emotionally through this whole ordeal. I don't think I could have made it through without her!! She truly cares about her clients and she and her staff do everything in their power to assist the client. I really do not have one single complaint about her or her office staff. Although I hope I never have to use her services again, I wouldn't hesitate recommending her highly to anyone. I noticed a couple of negative comments on this site, and it seems that they are just disgruntled and not even talking about the Catherine Schwartz that I dealt with. And by the way, the attorney I had originally, was one of the highest recommended family law attorneys in Riverside, and believe me, he could care less about the people involved in the case. If you need a caring, capable AND professional attorney, you won't be disappointed with Ms Schwartz. My kids and I will be forever grateful for her kindness and professionalism.

See All Client Reviews

Catherine Ann Schwartz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Catherine
David Giuseppe Chianello headshot
David Chianello

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Marisol Andrea Haro headshot
Marisol Haro

Family lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Dean N. Ankouny headshot
Dean Ankouny

General practice lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Malvina K. Ovanezova headshot
Malvina Ovanezova

Family lawyer | May 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stacy A Albelais headshot
Stacy Albelais

Family lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Catherine has a great reputation as a skilled advocate."

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Quality representation and exceptional attentiveness to his clients."

Raquel A. Fernandez-Flaherty headshot
Raquel Fernandez-Flaherty

Family lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Well respected by her peers and the legal community. Great asset to AVVO."

David S. Soble headshot
David Soble

Family lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. She is well regarded by both her clients and her peers."

Evelyn Susan Ginossi headshot
Evelyn Ginossi

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Other

"I not only endorse this lawyer, I also give them 5 stars."

Tashfeen Ul Haq headshot
Tashfeen Haq

Family lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Lyle Dickson headshot
Lyle Dickson

Unknown lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matt Bryant headshot
Matt Bryant

Family lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Lawrence Cohen headshot
Robert Cohen

Family lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ryan Jacob Fishman headshot
Ryan Fishman

Civil rights lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nakesha Steffler Dodson Ruegg headshot
Nakesha Ruegg

Family lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

Steven Carl Townsend headshot
Steven Townsend

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I make this endorsement because she is committed to your clients and her profession."

James Thomas Lillard headshot
James Lillard

Family lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Catherine is a well respected attorney in the community, straight forward and ethical."

Jillian K. Duggan-Herd headshot
Jillian Duggan-Herd

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Audrey G. Oran headshot
Audrey Oran

Family lawyer

Dean N. Ankouny headshot
Dean Ankouny

Criminal defense lawyer

Christina Laureen Godbey headshot
Christina Godbey

Family lawyer

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Family lawyer

Tashfeen Ul Haq headshot
Tashfeen Haq

Divorce and separation lawyer

Ryan Jacob Fishman headshot
Ryan Fishman

Criminal defense lawyer

Nakesha Steffler Dodson Ruegg headshot
Nakesha Ruegg

Family lawyer

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Family lawyer

Christopher J Whelton headshot
Christopher Whelton

DUI and DWI lawyer

James Thomas Lillard headshot
James Lillard

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer

Jillian K. Duggan-Herd headshot
Jillian Duggan-Herd

Divorce and separation lawyer

Valerie Lee Murphy headshot
Valerie Murphy

Family lawyer

William W Housley headshot
William Housley

Criminal defense lawyer

Howard E. Knispel headshot
Howard Knispel

Divorce and separation lawyer

Steven Carl Townsend headshot
Steven Townsend

Criminal defense lawyer

Vincent Paul Tolisano headshot
Vincent Tolisano

Personal injury lawyer

Steffanie Ann Walczak headshot
Steffanie Walczak

Criminal defense lawyer

Rizwan M Khalid headshot
Rizwan Khalid

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Kathryn L. Hudson headshot
Kathryn Hudson

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

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 SafeHouse

Board Member

2012 - Present

Soroptomist International of Riverside

Board Member

2012 - Present

Avvo

Member

2012 - Present

Women's Legal Center, Riverside CA

President

1991 - Present

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Alumni

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 Riverside

Graduate

2006 - 2007

Juvenile Justice Commission of California

Board Member

2006 - 2007

American Inns of Court

Board Member

1999 - 2001

Paloma Valley High School Mock Trial

Mock Trial Attorney Coach

1990 - 1991

International Law Society

President

1988 - 1999

PALS - Parents Attending Law School

President

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.

See More Legal Cases

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

Languages

English

Spanish

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • 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