The founder of Sullivan Law Firm, APC, Michelle Sullivan obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1980, and her law degree from the University of Santa Clara in 1983. Ms. Sullivan became a member of the California Bar in 1984, and a Certified Family Law Specialist in 1985. She served as the Assistant District Attorney for San Benito County, Hollister, California from 1984-85, and has been a successful family law attorney in her own private practice since 1988.
Ms. Sullivan's experience includes divorce litigation, mediation and collaborative law. She has been a mediator since 1994, and a founding member of the Collaborative Family Law Group of San Diego and North County Collaborative Practice. She has practiced collaborative law since 2001. Ms. Sullivan's expertise can guide her clients through any range of family law issues - from pre-nuptial agreements to marital settlement agreements to post-judgment issues.
Bar Number: 113705
Areas of Practice:
Custody and Visitation
Child Support
Spousal Support / Alimony
Community Property
Adoptions
Guardianships of Minors
Mediation
Collaborative Law
Limited Scope Representation / Unbundling
Certification/Specialties:
Board Certified Specialist – Family Law, by Board of Legal Specialization, California State Bar
Bar Admission: California State
US District Court - Northern District of California
US District Court - Southern District of California
Education:
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, 1983 – Juris Doctor, Honors: Phi Alpha Delta, Douglas L. Edmonds Chapter
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 1980 – Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
State Bar & Community Involvement:
Director, North County Bar Association, 2005 – 2007
Chair, Certified Family Law Specialists, North County, 2004
Director, Escondido Educational Foundation
Professional Associations and Memberships:
California State Bar
San Diego County Bar Association
North County Bar Association
Rotary Club of Escondido
American Business Women’s Association
California Alumni Association
Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
What is a Certified Legal Specialist?
An attorney must fulfill several qualifications in order to become a certified legal specialist. They must be in good standing as an active member of the State Bar of California. They must have extensive experience in the specialty field – in Ms. Sullivan’s case, Family Law – and must pass a written exam in that specialty field. They must complete approved legal education programs, and finally, they must have their ability and experience in the specialty field evaluated by judges and other attorneys. Specialists are certified for five years and must be recertified by meeting special requirements similar to those for the initial certification.