Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Family Law lawyers serving San Mateo County, CA >
Sheila Harrington
Back to Search Results
Sheila Harrington
Law and Mediation Offices of Sheila Harrington
750 Menlo Ave.
Suite 250
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: (650) 233-1144 | Fax: (650) 233-1145
http://smhlawmed.com
Mediation and Limited Scope Representation Solutions
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
To work with clients who have chosen to put their entire dissolution case into mediation.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Custody
- Visitation
- Marriage
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
To work with clients who have chosen to put their entire dissolution case into mediation.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1983
Bar Number: 107919
Other Court Admissions
All California, U.S. District Courts
Association Memberships
Santa Clara Bar Association, Palo Alto Bar Association, San Mateo Bar Association
Continuing Education
Annual intensive Family Law Refresher Course (meets all State Bar requirements), plus various additional CLE focusing on Family Law topics through Bar Associations
Example Cases
Most of my practice is with couples who have put their entire dissolution into mediation; typically, I work them from the inception of the case, through Judgment.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Hastings College of Law
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Year:
1982
Focus and Accomplishments:
I was an Officer for two years for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
Degree:
B.A. Political Science
School:
University of California Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1979
Honors:
Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political Science, History, English and French
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I established my solo practice in 1988, initially practicing both plaintiffs' personal injury and family law. Not long thereafter, I phased-out the personal injury practice to focus exclusively on family law.
Previous Employment Summary
I went directly from university to law school and then law school into practice. From 1980 - 88, I worked as a litigator, primarily in personal injury and products liability, but also in business and real estate.
Activities and Awards
None
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients are well-advised to inform themselves, and I applaud those efforts; I am here to guide and streamline that process.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am happy to do so. If I think it is more expedient in a given case to re-draft, hopefully using my own form, I will so advise the client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
This is a part of my practice now (pro per assistance, "unbundling").
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I received advice from other lawyers that I would be a good lawyer because of my analytical and writing skills and my desire to work with and assist people.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
The decision to limit my practice to mediation and consultation cases, as opposed to litigation, has enabled me to sharpen my mediation skills. However, the fact that I also have a strong litigation background helps me to better inform my clients about what might happen, were they in litigation. I have a good network of colleagues with which to "case conference"; we all benefit from each other's experience, to the benefit of our clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
It is very "people-intensive" and I like the strong counseling aspect of it. Family law is multi-dimensional. Mediation can also be creative.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people at a critical time in their lives. Getting them through the divorce process as efficiently as possible, with caring and professionalism.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am on my own. As needed, I work with outside experts (e.g., CPAs, vocational counselors, therapists).
What are your strengths and style?
My writing ability, inclusive of drafting, is my greatest strength.
Professional, cordial, responsive, attentive to detail.
Personal Interests:
Singing, cooking, San Francisco 49ers, off-roading in my Jeep.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(650) 233-1145
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No flat fees -- all hourly.
Hourly Rates
$295 for regular work, $150 for paralegal work.
Free Initial Consultation?
Normal hourly rate, pro-rated for the actual time spent.
Typical Retainer
$3,500 (initial)
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.
