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Elisabeth Anne Donovan
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About Elisabeth
Biography
Elisabeth Donovan is passionate and skilled Certified Family Law Specialist who handles matters involving divorce, child custody, pre-nuptial agreements, domestic violence and adoption throughout Southern California. Known by colleagues and clients as a "fireball," Elisabeth zealously advocates for her clients and does what is best for every family she works with. Elisabeth has handled hundreds of family law matters across California. Named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine seven years in a row, Elisabeth is recognized in Southern California as a top attorney.
Elisabeth earned her Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, CA, where she graduated with an Honors distinction. Elisabeth received her Bachelors Degree in Journalism, and in addition to being an attorney, Elisabeth is also licensed as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.
In addition to her extensive family law experience, Elisabeth has successfully completed the esteemed National Institution of Trial Advocacy's intensive training program in Los Angeles, as well as the Advanced Advocates program in Washington, D.C.
While in law school, Elisabeth worked in the Legal Department of the San Diego County Department of Child Support Services, where she assisted in enforcing court ordered child support obligations. As a certified law student, she also participated in Thomas Jefferson School of Law’s Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic, where she helped disabled veterans handle their family law matters.
During her time at Thomas Jefferson, Elisabeth served as the Vice President of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund and wrote for the student newspaper, The Jeffersonian. She also worked in Thomas Jefferson School of Law’s Communications Department, where she covered the institution’s events, which featured prominent speakers and legal issues. Elisabeth served as the Law Student Editor of San Diego Lawyer Magazine from 2011-2102.
Elisabeth is admitted to practice law in California, and is an active member of the Orange County Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association and Los Angeles Italian-American Bar Association.
Experienced, dedicated and affordable Certified Family Law Specialist serving Orange County and Los Angeles.
Attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst providing top-notch legal representation in Southern California.
Attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst providing top-notch legal representation in Southern California.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Child Custody
40%
12 years
Divorce and Separation
40%
12 years
Marriage and Prenuptials
20%
12 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 350-450 per hour
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in California for 12 years
State: California
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Elisabeth A. Donovan P.C.
9210 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA, 92618
ocfamilylawattorney.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Elisabeth online.
Elisabeth Anne Donovan's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 29 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Extremely Professional and Kind
Elisabeth was so kind and helpful during my divorce to Lucifer. I really felt that her compassionate nature was a lifeline, when I was losing my mind and was the most difficult client. She was kind, patient, attentive and compassionate. Even after my divorce she still made sure I was okay, and helped...
Posted by David | January 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Custody case / Legal Adoption
Elisabeth Donovan and her law office team deserve a 10-star rating. "Satisfied" is an understatement. 9 years ago, I went through a divorce and needed help with my child’s custody case. Not only did Ms. Donovan quickly resolve the custody issue, but she also advocated for me and made me feel like she...
Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A truly exceptional attorney
I had the privilege of working with Elisabeth Donovan on my case, and I couldn't be more impressed. Her expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to my legal needs were truly exceptional. She communicated clearly throughout the process, ensuring I understood every step. Thanks to her diligent w...
Posted by Grace | March 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Divorce Attorney in the OC
Elisabeth was my saving grace in this broken Family Court system. What 2 other attorneys were unable to accomplish in 18 months she resolved and settled in 2 weeks. I would highly recommend her. She is fair, honest and simply the best!!
Posted by Maria | February 20, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best attorney ever
Actually I met Mrs Donovan in my hardest time ever when my ex husband kid napped my two little children and lost all my rights, it seemed impossible to get them back specially my ex husband took an advantage of me not knowing any of my rights but Mrs Donovan was supportive and fully equipped to help ...
Elisabeth Anne Donovan's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse Elisabeth. She is regarded as one of Orange County's best family law attorneys. She is passionate, skilled, and driven to help her clients get the best result at a time when they need her most."
"I fully endorse Elisabeth. I have met a lot of family law attorneys in my years, but none compare to Elisabeth. Her compassion, education, and experience shines through every case she handles. Being a family law attorney is no joke, Elisabeth makes it look easy. I would highly recommend her to any of my friends or family members."
"I endorse this lawyer. Family law can be complicated and emotional but Ms. Donovan navigated through those challenges exceptionally well in our case."
"A professional, knowledgeable, and skilled attorney, Elisabeth is also compassionate and caring toward her clients. She completely explains issues to her clients to assist their understanding. She is a strong and tenacious advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have been opposing counsel on several matter with Ms. Donovan and she is alway professional and polite while obtaining the most favorable outcome for her clients. She is fair and honest with attorneys and clients alike. I highly recommend this attorney."
"I endorse Elisabeth Donovan for marital dissolution proceedings. She is knowledgeable and fights hard for her clients."
"Elisabeth Donovan is a bright, skilled and compassionate advocate. She is passionate about her work and goes above and beyond for her clients. Fierce in the courtroom, and empathetic and patient when she needs to be. I endorse this attorney."
"Elisabeth Donovan is a force to be reckoned with. She is a dedicated and skilled practitioner whom I recommend to anyone that needs a fearless advocate."
"Whenever I see a client with potential or actual family law issues, I always recommend Elisabeth. Professional and knowledgable in the elder law field as well. I endorse this lawyer."
"Elisabeth is one of the hardest working family law attorneys in Orange County. I have had the privilege of working with her on cases and I can attest to her perseverance while fighting for her clients. Do not be fooled by her young appearance and the length of time she has practiced. I have not met another attorney who devotes more time to learning and mastering their craft. More importantly, she cares about her clients and rallies behind their cause to achieve the best possible outcome."
"I hightly endorse this lawyer. Elisabeth Donovan is an aggressive advocate in custody and other family law related matters. She works personally with her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. It is apparent that Ms. Donovan has a passion for family law and for continuously improving her craft. Any client would be lucky to have her as an attorney because she truly cares about getting the best possible outcome; and is diligent, patient, and a good communicator. Ms. Donovan is a also a vital part of our community as she gives up a portion of her time to assist low-income clients."
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Experience
Honors
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, California Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Certified Specialist - Family Law, State Bar of California
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2012
Pro Bono Honors, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2011
Dean's List, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2009
Merit Scholarship, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
2008
Dean's List, California State University, Fullerton
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Family Law Attorney, Law Office of Elisabeth Donovan
2012 - 2014
LEAP Attorney, Legal Aid Society Of Orange County
2011 - 2012
Law Clerk, San Diego County Department Of Child Support Services
2010 - 2011
Law Clerk, Thomas Jefferson School Of Law- Veteran's Legal Assistance Clinic
Associations
2017 - Present
Institute for Divorce Financial AnalystsCDFA
2014 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association
2013 - Present
Orange County Bar Association
Education
2017
Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts
CDFA Designation
2015
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Certificate of Completion
2014
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Certificate of Completion
2012
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
J.D
2008
California State University-Fullerton
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2014
State Bar of California: Modest Means Incubator Project of the Access to Justice Commission
Incubator Programs
Publications
2019
South County Magazine
Ethics are Now in Session: The Family Law Offices of Elisabeth Donovan
2015
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Elisabeth Donovan '12 Makes a Difference Practicing Family Law
2013
San Diego Lawyer Magazine
Fostering Tomorrow's Lawyers
2013
San Diego Lawyer Magazine
Order in the (Mock) Court
2012
San Diego Lawyer Magazine
Homeless Court- San Diego's homeless citizens take their troubles to court
2012
San Diego Lawyer Magazine
Do It Yourself
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers