Michelle Marie Jacobson-Kwok

PRO

Michelle Marie Jacobson-Kwok

also known as Michelle Jacobson-Kwok

4.4
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 21 years

Family Lawyer at Oakland, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Domestic Violence, Estate Planning

520 3rd Street, Suite 205, Oakland, CA

About Michelle

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Family 70%

22 years

70%
Domestic Violence 20%

22 years

20%
Estate Planning 10%

20 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 450-450 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in California for 21 years

State: California

Acquired: 2004

Active

No misconduct found

Location

List Jacobson-Kwok Thorndal, LLP

520 3rd Street, Suite 205, Oakland, CA, 94602

ljtlawgroup.com

LJT Law Group

3645 Grand Avenue, Suite 202, Oakland, CA, 94610

ljtlawgroup.com

Michelle Marie Jacobson-Kwok's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (7) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 7 of 7 reviews

Posted by Jeff | September 05, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

Get the Best You Can The First Time!

I had another attorney prior to Michelle. I was extremely frustrated with my case dragging on and on and going nowhere . I had felt that I was being over-billed without a reasonable explanation. Bringing up these issues with my attorney was brought with confrontation. My divorce was already finalized... after two long years (ridiculous since this was a long-term marriage with adult children). There were a few post-divorce issues such as 401K split and long-term spousal support (which I was challenging). Ultimately, I came to the realization that I had hired a charlatan and it was time to fire him! I found Michelle through a web site when she was at another firm. My case was assigned to Michelle and I was immediately impressed with her sharp tact and professionalism. Soon after Michelle became my attorney, she started her own firm, LKJ Law Group, LLP. There was no question in my mind that I would retain her as my attorney. Michelle was always on top of her game, and always gave my case top priority. Michelle explained to me later that it was important to her to make all her clients feel important and as if they were her only client. When the opposing side would play their delay tactics to prolong the high support I was currently paying, Michelle's aggressive deliberation would kick-in, maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times. Michelle was never intimidated with the other attorney, even though he was well-established in the business. I should mention too that Michelle was always responsive to my emails or available to meet in person. She was always very fair in resolving any billing issues as well -- and without confrontation! Additionally, Michelle user her paralegal staff whenever possible to help keep costs low. In the end, my case (post-divorce!) was headed to trial, and Michelle kept the pressure on the opposing side. Ultimately through Michelle's tactful negotiation techniques, I was able to attain a buy-out and avoid the costs of a trial. It was a win-win as far as I am concerned. I have no doubts that if my case had gone to trial, we would have won :) I would absolutely recommend Michelle to anyone wanting a caring, compassionate and attentive attorney who will take personal interest in your case and well being. Don't take a chance on hiring the wrong attorney and risk the outcome of your case. Michelle is someone you can trust and feel absolutely confident in.

Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Terrible Advocate

I hired Michelle to help with a divorce case on the referral of another attorney. What a disappointment. Michelle cared little about me or my case, only about maximizing her billable hours. There was constant nickel and diming and large fees charged for simple tasks. She would spend hours of time... discussing court politics and her personal matters unrelated to my case, then bill me for them. She was poorly prepared for court appearances. In spite of hours of my time spent preparing her with background information and prep calls for which she would bill me, Michelle would come in and "wing it" in court, saying random things and completely deviating from the strategy we had agreed on. It was as if she hadn't attended those meetings or read a single item I sent her. When the judge addressed her, she was a deer in the headlights and visibly nervous. Michelle's performance in court was spectacularly horrible. Michelle was unreachable at pivotal moments in the case. I had an extremely urgent issue where I needed her help. In spite of urgent calls to her office, she waited three days to return my calls, putting me at a major disadvantage in the case and driving additional large legal fees that could have and should have been avoided. Overall, Michelle billed generously and took me backwards in the case. There was no accountability, apology, or willingness to correct the errors. I would not hire her or work with her ever again.

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Michelle Marie Jacobson-Kwok's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michelle
April Kang Seo headshot
April Seo

Family lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Alexander Kleczek headshot
David Kleczek

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this attorney."

Sarah Victoria Cottingham headshot
Sarah Cottingham

Family lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"I worked with Michelle for 2 1/2 years at the Law Offices of Robert A. Goodman. During this time she proved herself to be a knowledgeable and effective family law attorney. Michelle's extensive experience helps her to obtain fair and reasonable settlements for her clients wherever possible. She also provides competent, zealous, and effective representation in court . I would want Michelle on my side if I needed representation in family law court."

View All Endorsements
Sarah Victoria Cottingham headshot
Sarah Cottingham

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Partner, LJK Law Group, LLP

1900 - Present

Member, LJT Law Group

2008 - 2010

Associate, Law Offices of Robert A. Goodman

2005 - 2008

Associate, Law Offices of Allan R. Frumkin

Associations

2008 - Present

Alameda County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Long-term Marriage Spousal Support

Spousal Support reduced to $0 at trial. Jurisdiction to award support in the future reserved.

Domestic Violenece Restraining Order - Defense

Request for Restraining Order dismissed at trial

International Custody Dispute

Husband obtained sole legal and physical custody and was given permission to bring child back to United States without Wife

Out-of-State Move-Away Case

Mother given sole legal and physical custody of child and was allowed to reloctae the child to the mid-west

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

University of San Francisco School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

San Francisco State University

BA

Languages

English

Activity

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