Why Choose a Certified Family Law Specialist?

In order to qualify to be a State Certified Specialist in the State of California, an attorney must be certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, or a similar organization that has been accredited by the California State Bar. In order to qualify for certification in Family Law, an attorney must have taken and passed a written examination in family law. Additionally, to obtain certification in Family Law, an attorney must have demonstrated a high level of expertise in Family Law, both inside and outside of the courtroom, complete ongoing educational requirements and receive favorable peer reviews from both attorneys and judges who are familiar with their skill. A very limited number of Family Law attorneys earn the distinction of becoming a Certified Specialist.

Katie earned a Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School in 2000, graduating cum laude. While in law school, she was a member of the Law Review and competed throughout the nation for the school’s Trial Advocacy Honors Board. Katie graduated, with honors, from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies in 1994. In 1996, she earned a Master of Science Degree in Human Resources and a multiple subject and a single subject California State Teaching Credential from Chapman University. While at Chapman, she was a member of the NCAA National Championship Softball Team and now in the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of that team.

Prior to Katie’s admission to the bar, she was a fourth-grade elementary school teacher for the Santa Ana Unified School District.

Katie has volunteered her time to assist litigants in “Drug Court.” Katie served as a Board Member of the Ivey Ranch Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization from 2012- 2015. She co-chaired the Lawyers Club “Bring Your Child to Work Day” Committee and has served on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Selection Committee since 2005. Additionally, Katie was a member of the Parent Action Committee for the Child Development Center at Mira Costa College from 2006-2007.

Katie was raised in Oceanside and is a graduate of the Oceanside Unified School District. She is married with two children.

Affiliations

• Member, North County Certified Family Law Specialists, 2007- present

• Vice President, North County Bar Association, 2016-2017

• Board of Directors, North County Bar Association, 2013-2017

• Member, San Diego Family Law Bar Association, 2013-present

• Member, North County Bar Association, 2000-present

• Member, American Bar Association, 2000-present

• Member, North County Lawyers Club, 2000-2018

• Member, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, 2000-present

• Member, San Diego County Bar Association, 2000-2014

• Board of Directors, North County Lawyers Club, 2003-2006