As a zealous litigator and compassionate advocate, I use my strengths to represent victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in all areas of the law. Call now at (650) 679-7067!
Jessica Dayton, a founding partner of ADZ Law, LLP, is a Certified Family Law Specialist who dedicates her practice to representing victims of domestic violence with their civil legal needs, including restraining order, custody and tort cases, as well as advising and advocating for victim’s rights in criminal cases.
Ms. Dayton was the Manager of Legal Services at Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) for 10 years. Prior to that, she advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities on access issues at a plaintiffs' litigation firm. Directly after law school Ms. Dayton clerked for Judge Michael Farrell of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Ms. Dayton received her law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law in 2003, and her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont. During law school, she published a legal article titled "The Silencing of a Woman's Choice: Mandatory Arrest and No Drop Prosecution Policies in Domestic Violence Cases," which explores whether mandatory arrest and no drop policies are respectful of survivors' choices and their empowerment. More recently, Ms. Dayton published "Bridging the Gap Between the Civil and Criminal Legal Systems for Domestic Violence Survivors," which details the importance of understanding and pursuing justice for victims in both the civil and criminal court systems.
Ms. Dayton currently serves on the advisory board of the Family Violence Appellate Project, and the boards of directors of WOMEN-SV and the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association. Ms. Dayton has served on the Board of Directors for the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, and was the co-chairperson of the San Mateo County Legal Process Committee of the Domestic Violence Council. Ms. Dayton is active in local and national public policy research and advocacy and has worked on many legislative campaigns regarding domestic violence, sexual assault and and victims' rights.
Ms. Dayton also mentors and trains pro bono attorneys. She has been invited to present regarding her practice areas locally and nationally, including to the National Center for Victims of Crime, the National Crime Victim Bar Association, the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, and the San Mateo County Bar Association.
Practice areas
Representation of domestic violence victims in family law cases, civil torts, and enforcement of victims' rights in criminal cases.
18 years
Pursuit of compensation for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault against abusers and third parties.
18 years
18 years
Languages spoken
English
ADZ Law, LLP
2000 Alameda De Las Pulgas Ste 161
San Mateo, CA, 94403-1270
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2004 | 02/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Certified Family Law Specialist | State Bar of California - Certified Specialist | 2018 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Founding Partner | ADZ Law, LLP | 2015 - Present |
Managing Attorney | Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse | 2005 - 2015 |
Law Clerk | District Of Columbia Court Of Appeals | 2003 - 2004 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
WOMEN-SV | Advisory Board | 2016 - Present |
San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association | Board Member | 2015 - Present |
Family Violence Appellate Project | Advisory Board | 2015 - Present |
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence | Board Member, Officer | 2005 - 2010 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
ACFLS Family Law Specialist | The Intersection of Family Law and Torts in Domestic Abuse Cases | 2021 |
Practising Law Institute | Bridging the Gap Between the Civil and Criminal Legal Systems for Domestic Violence Survivors | 2015 |
9 Cardozo Women's L.J. 281 | The Silencing of a Woman's Choice: Mandatory Arrest and No Drop Prosecution Policies in Domestic Violence Cases | 2003 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Golden Gate University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2003 |
University of Vermont | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1997 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Association of Certified Family Law Specialists | Intersection of Family Law and Torts | 2021 |
Masters Seminar | How to Break Through a Stalled Mediation | 2020 |
National Crime Victim Bar Association webinar | Beyond the Restraining Order: Civil Options for Victims of Domestic Violence | 2020 |
2018 Crime Victim Law Conference | Civil Remedies for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking | 2018 |
National Crime Victim Bar Association | Civil Remedies for Victims of Crime in California | 2017 |
National Center for Victims of Crime | Ethical Legal Advocacy for Victims of Domestic Violence | 2013 |
Posted by Jennifer
August 4, 2020
Posted by anonymous
August 1, 2020
Tulin Acikalin, Family Attorney on Jul 25, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
I have known Jessica for more than 10 years in a personal and professional capacity. Jessica's attention to detail, extensive legal knowledge, and courage make her one of the best lawyers I know. I trust her and have complete confidence in her ability to handle complex family law matters.
Sarah Arnott, Domestic violence Attorney on Mar 13, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. Jessica and I worked together as advocates for victims of domestic violence. Her knowledge combined with her compassion and dedication are astounding.