Top best C Lawyers in Huntington Beach | 148 available

Areas of Practice. Bar Admissions. Education. Honors and Awards. Personal. Born and raised in Southern California. A true native of Huntington Beach having lived here since 1969. 3 beautiful children; 2 girls & 1 boy. Enjoys playing tennis and soccer.

Amanda’s passion for children and public service began at an early age through her extensive involvement in organizations such as the Girl Scouts to touch the lives of others.. At the age of seventeen, Amanda engaged in an immense multicultural project to encourage an understanding of shared heritage. In recreating an adobe in her neighborhood, she singlehandedly raised funds and planned the reconstruction. Her goal was to achieve an experience and appreciation for children that transcended formal education. For this effort, Amanda was awarded the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award, receiving honorable mentions from former US Presidents, CA Governors, Legislative Entities and community based organizations.. Amanda’s emersion in public service activities extended through her time at California State University, Northridge while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development. While in undergrad Amanda coordinated and directed a summer camp for underprivileged children and volunteered for organizations such as habitat for humanity, Toys for Tots, Santa Comes to Agoura, and many more.. It was during an internship turned job at CHIME Institute as a special education aide in a full inclusion elementary school class that Amanda’s public service interest focuses specifically towards education advocacy and children’s rights. Working with children with disabilities inspired Amanda to attend law school to advocate on behalf of students with disabilities.. While attending Whittier Law School (WLS), Amanda became a fellow in Whittier’s prestigious Center for Children’s Rights (CCR), participated in specialized curriculum focused on the legal and social needs of children, attended numerous colloquia engaging in pressing considerations of child advocacy, served as director of CCR’s Public Service and Community Outreach committee coordinating many outreach events and participated in WLS’s Pro Bono Special Education Legal Clinic.. Additionally during her time at WLS, Amanda’s Legal Research Paper titled “The Many Children Left Behind the No Child Left Behind Act” was selected for publication and presentation at the Hawaii International Conference on Education in 2012 where Amanda had the opportunity to learn about education systems across the globe and advocate for social change in education.. After graduating with a Juris Doctorate and passing the California State Bar Examination on her first attempt, Amanda joined a small law firm where she advocated on behalf of special education students. Amanda further advocated on behalf of students with special needs during her pro bono clinical work with TACA (Talk about Curing Autism) in 2013 and 2014.. While opening her own special education law practice with her partner Vickie Brett along with their non-profit organization, the Inclusive Education Project, outside the office Amanda coaches children with disabilities within AYSO’s VIP (Very Important Player) soccer team.

After dedicating my practice exclusively to family law matters since 1997, I passed the specialization exam and became a Certified Family Law Specialist in July 2008. My boutique firm is small, and my case load is managed exclusively by me. I do not have associate attorneys who will work on your case. I like to meet my clients in person, obtain the history of their case, and assess their individual situation. My goal is to settle cases where I can, and litigate when necessary. I am a tough fighter in court when litigation is called for. If children are involved, I try to settle if possible, as it is better for the children in the long run, to have parents who can work together. If the parents are at war, the children inevitably suffer. When litigation is the only alternative, I devote my energy and time to doing the best job possible to achieve the desired results. I have been married since 2000, and have two young children, so I understand the demands of balancing a career with raising children. Call today for a free 15 minute phone consultation to determine if I can help you!

After a number of years in this profession -- specifically, family law and all it entails -- I remain convinced that the best results are often obtained when the two people dissolving their union sit down and resolve their issues outside of court.  This means less stress to the parties and their children, less money spent on attorneys, and less animosity between the parties.. The challenge is sometimes to determine whether a client's case is appropriate for a mediated settlement.  If your spouse was argumentative, unreasonable or abusive in your relationship, then they won't change during your dissolution.  Expect more of the same, only amplified many times; you will probably end up in court.  So if you believe you will be getting divorced and you're married to such a person, by all means, plan ahead.  Your spouse will not play fair, so find out how to protect yourself.  I provide a no-charge, one-half hour consultation so you can determine the steps you should take prior to filing for divorce.  We hope for the best, and plan for the worst.  By taking preemptive and proactive steps, you will protect your rights and make the dissolution process much easier for your entire family.

A practicing lawyer, since June 2011, I spent much of my career solving business problems for federal agencies.  It is the focus on problem-solving, which is the core of my practice, and the value I bring to clients.  Tell me what your objective is, and let me help you get there.

2015 OC Coast Magazine Top Estate Planning Lawyers.. 6x OC Metro Magazine Top 5 Estate Planning Lawyers.. 2x Super Lawyer Magazine Rising Star.. Youngest ever Long Beach Bar Association President.. Martindale-Hubbell, the authoritative national legal directory has alsobestowed the highest rating (AV) upon Ethan, signifying "very high to preeminent legal ability," and "unquestioned professional ethics.". This office is dedicated to upholding this reputation and trust by continuing to provide personal & professional legal advice in the areas of estate planning, trusts, trust litigation, trust administration, probates, business planning and asset protection.