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Barbara Suskind
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Barbara Suskind
The Law Office of Barbara Suskind
3478 Buskirk Avenue
Suite 1000
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 372-4830 | Fax: (925) 957-0703
http://bsuskind.com
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer working with clients in mediation.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Child Support
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Marriage
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer working with clients in mediation.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1982
Bar Number: 104388
Specialty Certifications
Family Law Specialist, Certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization since 1988
Other Court Admissions
All California State Courts; United States Federal Court, Northern District of California; United States Supreme Court
Association Memberships
California State Bar Association; Contra Costa County Bar Association
Continuing Education
As a Family Law Specialist certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization since 1988, and as a Mediator, I complete 6-12 hours of continuing education on an annual basis and have done so from 1993 to the present. I also completed 40-hour trainings in 1984 and 1992.
Papers and Publications
August, 2004
Guest Editor, Contra Costa Lawyer
1994
Author of With Whom Shall This Child Live?, Contra Costa Lawyer
Example Cases
Information coming soon.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Golden Gate University School of Law
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1982
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Antioch College (West)
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1972
Focus and Accomplishments:
Social Welfare
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I focus on mediation in the areas of family law, juvenile dependency, and probate. I have been a mediator since 1984.
Previous Employment Summary
1983 - 2006
Attorney & Mediator (Private Practice)
I am responsible for representation of all parties, including children, in Family Law, Juvenile Dependency, and Probate Guardianship proceedings. I also do mediation for intra-family disputes.
1980 - 1983
Founder & Director, BWA (now STAND!) Legal Services Program
Activities and Awards
2002 - Present
Private Judge, Family Law Court
2001 - Present
Temporary Commissioner (Traffic, Small Claims, etc.)
1995 - Present
Special Master, Family Law Court
1989 - Present
Pro-Tem Judge, Family Law Court (All calendars)
1989 - Present
Pro-Tem Judge/Commissioner/Referee, Juvenile Court (All calendars)
1995 - Present
Mediator, Juvenile Dependency Court
Member of committee that designed the program; author of the final program memo
Sept. 2004, 05, 06
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2004
Independent Living Skills Program Advisory Committee, CCC Children & Family Services
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is critical for clients to educate themselves on legal issues.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes, I am willing to review documents prepared by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes, I am willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to be a lawyer to help people resolve their legal issues and to know their rights and responsibilities.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Over 24 years as a lawyer representing all parties in family law and juvenile dependency cases has taught me a lot. I have learned something new from each family I have worked with. My attendance at continuing education courses enriches and reinforces my skills.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
While attending law school, I became involved with battered women's shelters. I started the legal program at Battered Women's Alternatives (now STAND!). By the time I was ready to hang out my shingle, I had an established reputation in the Family Law community.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the people I work with. I also like helping clients explore new ways solve their own problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner. I have three part-time employees, who keep my practice running smoothly and me sane. Laurie is a "filing fiend" (a rare find). D is an outstanding paralegal. Jody runs the office, is charming and wonderful with clients, and she handles all of my billing.
What are your strengths and style?
My unique strength is the depth and breadth of my experience working with families in difficult situations.
My style is open, honest, and cooperative.
Personal Interests:
My personal interests include my family, my pets, and reading.
Office Manager/Assistant
Jody Iorns works Tuesday through Thursday mornings; D Aymett works Monday morning
Fax
(925) 957-0703
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
None
Hourly Rates
$350
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer an initial consultation for a fee of ½ the regular hourly rate for up to one hour.
Typical Retainer
$3,500 for mediation.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
