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Michele Marie Bissada

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Michele Marie Bissada
Michele Marie Bissada
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About Michele

High quality representation in even the most sophisticated and complex family law cases.

I am  a Certified Family Law Specialist, a distinction assigned by the State Bar of California, and am a named partner of the firm Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada LLP.  My practice includes litigation of custody and complex financial matters.  My practice also includes mediation, both as a consulting attorney and as the mediator.  I am also trained in and practice collaborative law.  

I am proud to announce that in October 2013, I became a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).  I am also rated by Martindale-Hubbell with an AV Preeminent rating for my work on behalf of clients in the field of Family Law.

I regularly serve as a Judge Pro Tem for the Santa Clara County Superior Court and as an Arbitrator in fee disputes in San Mateo County.

I am a member of the State Bar of California and belong to the San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Palo Alto Bar Associations, and the American Bar Association.  I have served as President, Treasurer and Board Member of the San Mateo County Bar Association, a current Delegate since 2000 and past Chair of the Conference of Delegates representing San Mateo County, and a member of Collaborative Practice San Mateo County since 2001, where I also serve on their Membership Committee.  I also volunteed with the YMCA and served on the Board of Managers for the Peninsula Family YMCA from 1999 through 2007.  I was a member of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program – Class of 2002. 

I am a graduate of University of California at Davis (B.A. Degrees in International Relations and in French, 1989); and have my Juris Doctorate degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California, 1994. At California Western School of Law, I earned a highest possible score in Trial Advocacy.

My interests include spending time with my family, traveling, and international cultures.

Practice areas

OtherAlimonyChild supportChild custodyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 20%

    2 years

  2. Child custody: 20%

    2 years

  3. Child support: 15%

    2 years

  4. Alimony: 15%

    2 years

  1. Family: 14%

    2 years

  2. Mediation: 9%

    2 years

  3. Uncontested divorce: 7%

    2 years

Languages spoken

French

Contact

120 Santa Margarita Avenue
address map

Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada LLP

120 Santa Margarita Avenue
Suite B
Menlo Park, CA, 94025

Office (650) 289-1400

Website

http://www.fkkblaw.com/

Recent Blog Posts

My Online Bio

Flicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada LLP

3130 Crow Canyon Place
Suite 405
San Ramon, CA, 94583

Office (925) 327-6200

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199407/27/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Ten YearSuperLawyers2018
Best Law Firms in CaliforniaU.S. News & World Report2018
Super LawyerSuperLawyers2017
Dorothy M. Wolfe AwardLegal Aid Society of San Mateo County2010
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Attorney & Owner/PartnerFlicker, Kerin, Kruger & Bissada LLP2003 - Present
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
San Francisco Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow2013 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationFee Arbitrator2009 - Present
San Mateo County Bar Association, Women Lawyers SectionMember2007 - Present
Collaborative Practice San Mateo CountyMembership Committee2007 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationMember2004 - Present
Collaborative Practice San Mateo CountyMember2001 - Present
Conference of California Bar AssociationsDelegate2000 - Present
San Mateo County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember1998 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember1994 - Present
Conference of California Bar AssociationsChair2012 - 2015
San Mateo County Bar AssociationPresident2011 - 2011
Conference of California Bar AssociationsBoard of Directors2010 - 2013
San Mateo County Bar AssociationTreasurer2009 - 2009
Palo Alto Area Bar AssociationMember2003 - 2014
San Mateo County Bar AssociationBoard Member2002 - 2012
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
California Western School of LawJuris Doctorate1994
University of California - DavisBA - Bachelor of Arts1989
University of California - DavisBA - Bachelor of Arts1989
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Annual ConferenceWorking in the Minefield: Advanced Issues in Intervention with High Conflict Families2014
Presentation to non-Family Law AttorneysSeparation and Divorce: What Attorneys Should Know2013
Graduate Student ProgramFamily Law Crossover Issues2013
2013 SymposiumHow To: Practical Tips For Incorporating Premarital Agreements Into Your Family Law Practice2013
Graduate Student PresentationFamily Law Crossover Ethics in Psychology2012
Funky Credit Day XVIIEthics in Family Law2012
San Mateo County Women LawyersLearning from My Mistakes2011
Seminar on Family Law Issues for the Financial AdvisorDissolution Cross-Over Financial Planning and Mortgage Issues2008
San Mateo County Bar Association - Family Law SectionLong Term Spousal Support2008
Annual Traning for Family Court Services MediatorsChild Custody Move-Away Cases2008

Reviews

(7)
5 Star
86%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
14%
Review Michele Bissada

Ms

Posted by

Michele is extremely knowledgeable and provided excellent consultation. She was always prompt and made herself available via phone and email. The advice and recommendations I received from her were invaluable. I felt supported throughout the entire process. I trust her completely.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Empathetic and trustworthy in stressful divorce

Posted by

Divorce is emotionally difficult when children are involved and financially difficult when holdings in companies are involved. Working out a compromise to settle equitably but without rancor is a touch balance. Michele understood the nuances and sensitivities involved and worked through the alternatives with empathy and understanding, using some help from colleagues in the complex business matters. Strong positive recommendation to guide and support with empathy through a draining experience.

Highly skilled, strategic, yet empathetic litigator

Posted by

When it was determined that my case would go to trial over long term spousal support, my divorce attorney asked if I would be agreeable to her bringing in Michele to co handle the litigation. It was an excellent decision. She is very knowledgeable and highly skilled in the process, especially in taking depositions. She also understands very complex financial situations as well as highly sensitive issues surrounding children. We were presented with an acceptable settlement offer just before the trial was supposed to start. I highly recommend Michele.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly Effective Dissolution Attorney

Posted by

Michelle Bissada is a highly knowledgeable, skilled attorney that is trustworthy and highly dependable. Michelle represented me in a dissolution that spanned two years due to changing circumstances. Michelle remained focused on ensuring that my best interests were represented each time the situation changed. Michelle is highly strategic, efficient and compassionate. She is a creative problem solver who is highly dedicated to her clients well being. I highly recommend her without reservation.

Competent; reliable and caring

Posted by

I highly recommend Michele Bissada if you are searching for a family law attorney. Divorce is never an easy thing to go through, but Michele made the process as bearable as it could be. She is highly knowledgeable in all areas dealing with the divorce process. She always had thorough answer fors my endless questions, very up to date with past and current law. Had good ideas for complicated matters such as dividing partnership interests, vesting issues, etc. I always felt that she had my best interests at hand and was sensitive to all parties, but would go to the mat for me, if required. She was very responsive to both my phone calls and emails, as were her very competent staff and associates. I would not hesitate to recommend Michele very highly to any of my family or friends.

Recommendation for Michele Marie Bissada

Posted by

I have been a client of Michele Bissada for the past eight years. I have gone to her on several matters that ranged from real estate to family matters. She has always provided me with the help and advice that I needed in a friendly, responsive and competent manner. She is a great attorney, but equally important, she is a nice person. I am pleased to have her for my attorney. Tom Mundis, Portola Valley, CA

Not a satisfied client

Posted by

She did not inform me about my right for temporary support and let me spend down my community assets during a period of more than a year. She was inaccessible and did not make me feel like my case was a priority. Her advice seemed to center around, "Sell your home, find another place to live and start a new life."

Attorney endorsements

(9)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Danielle Johnson, Family Attorney on Aug 22, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Margaret Dellegrotti, Family Attorney on Aug 19, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Danielle Johnson, Family Attorney on Aug 22, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Margaret Dellegrotti, Family Attorney on Aug 19, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Anthony Kerin, Family Attorney on Aug 19, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Marisa San Filippo, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 18, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

David Erb, Family Attorney on Oct 4, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

I endorse this lawyer.

Rolf Kruger, Family Attorney on Oct 2, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

David Vallerga, Family Attorney on Mar 10, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I have worked with Michele on Collaborative Practice cases. She supports her clients and helps them work to resolve problems. This is simply the best possible way to help people.

Nancy De Ita, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work. Since we both do family Law I see Ms. Bissada in action in Court. She is smart, well prepared and respected by her peers and the bench. She is able to handle the toughest cases in a very professional manner. Yet she is sensitive to her clients, and is careful not to run up unnecessary fees. If you want an attorney who will fight for you passionately, she is all that you could ask for. She is highly ethical and also very practical. You can trust her advice. I also have worked with Michele on the Board of Directors of the San Mateo County Bar Association for several years. She is a person who works hard, is conscientious, and gives back to her community. She is also very active in the San Mateo County Collaborative Law Group, training other attorneys to use this innovative method of resolving divorces in a more positive, creative manner. Nancy de Ita, Esq.

Jeffrey Hayden, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 19, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I've served with Michele on the Board of Directors of the San Mateo County Bar Association and several of its committees. I endorse this lawyer's work, and have enthusiastically, whenever I've had occasion to, referred clients to her as I know she's an exceptionally competent and compassionate attorney.

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