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.