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Donald S. Eisenberg
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Donald S. Eisenberg
Law Office of Donald S. Eisenberg
6700 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Suite 220
Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone: (562) 799-6457 | Fax: (562) 799-6458
http://www.eisenlaw.com
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to work with family law litigants who seek high quality services with special expertise in custody and complex financial issues.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Domestic Violence
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to work with family law litigants who seek high quality services with special expertise in custody and complex financial issues.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1976
Bar Number: 68859
Specialty Certifications
Certified Specialist Family Law
Other Court Admissions
All California State and Federal Courts
Association Memberships
Los Angeles County Bar, Beverly Hills Bar, Orange County Bar
Continuing Education
I have lectured widely on issues of child custody, custody evaluations, and mental health issues in family law litigation. I regularly attend over 40 hours of continuing legal education in family law accounting, custody, complex issues and annual updates.
Papers and Publications
I am an editor for the Child Custody Journal and review submissions for publication. I have written several articles for various Bar journals.
Example Cases
Trial Counsel in Prato-Morrison v. Doe (2002) 103 Cal.App.4th 222, 126 Cal.Rptr.2d 509 (stolen ovum from UCI); Author of Amicus Brief in In re Marriage of LaMusga (2004) 32 Cal.4th 1072, 12 Cal.Rptr.3d 356, 88 P.3d 81; Trial and Appellate Counsel in In re Marriage of Rose & Richardson (2002) 102 Cal.App.4th 941, 126 Cal.Rptr.2d 45
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of California at Los Angeles
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1975
Focus and Accomplishments:
I returned to Law School in 1973 after serving four years in
the United States Air Force, including a one year tour in Viet Nam.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
California State University at Long Beach
City:
Long Beach
State:
CA
Year:
1968
Honors:
Cum Laude, Chief Justice Assoc. Students
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major: Political Science
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
My firm practices family law exclusively. I have been practicing family law exclusively for most of my career, at least since 1981. The focus of the firm is divorce, mediation and child custody litigation, interstate and international child custody, and divorce.
Previous Employment Summary
1976-1981 Gabriel and Eisenberg; 1981-1986 Eisenberg and Kibre; 1986-1991 Of Counsel to Kairys, Lippman, Weisel, Kipper and DeStefano; 1991-1995 Law Office of Donald S. Eisenberg; 1995-1999 Stettner, Eisenberg & Morris; 1999-Present Law Office of Donald S. Eisenberg
Activities and Awards
None
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I am strongly in favor of clients doing as much of their own legal decision making as possible. We emphasize and encourage self-help education. We will, if requested, assist litigants in negotiating the dissolution process within the self-help contexts.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Our office is willing to review documents prepared by clients and other professionals. However, this task must be considered an independent assessment and evaluation, not just a rubber stamp process.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We offer low cost assistance to self-help clients with limited scope representation within the ethical boundaries of the legal profession.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Becoming a lawyer fulfilled a lifelong ambition for me. I believe that lawyering can be a noble profession as well as a helping profession. It was always my goal to be helpful to my fellow human beings and I believed (and believe) I can achieve that goal as a lawyer.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I am involved in several organizations that service the needs of children, including The National Council of Children's Rights and The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. I am a regular attendee at conferences and continuing education in my area of expertise, which aids me in being the best lawyer I can be.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I was encouraged to practice family law by a former professor and Dean of the UCLA School of Law, Susan Prager. Also, as a young practitioner, I referred a business client to a colleague for his divorce, which turned into a disaster. I made a pact to
myself never to allow that kind of thing to happen to another client. I have been studying the sociology and travails of the human family ever since that time.
What do you like best about your career?
I love the law and I love being a lawyer.
Tell us about your law firm:
We are joined by our colleague Thomas D. Phillips who performs services as needed and when available. Mr. Phillips is a graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Law School, with honors. Anne Park-Grant acts as "of counsel" to the firm. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley undergraduate and Law School and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Anne has worked with me for nearly ten years now.
What are your strengths and style?
My unique strength is in the interpersonal dynamics of families in crisis; understanding their needs and relationships and helping them cope with the struggles of divorce. My expertise lies within the complex areas of family law, including the
more nuanced issues of the law.
My practice style is cognitive, oral, and interactive. Clients are encouraged to self determine as much as possible so as to take ownership of their own post dissolution future.
Personal Interests:
I have been married to my wife Diane for 38 years and we have three grown children. My marriage and our children are the central focus in my life. I enjoy museums, the theater, and participatory sports. I do not live my life on the sidelines. I am a doer, not a spectator in life.
Office Manager/Assistant
Johnnie Kay Ellingson
Fax
(562) 799-6458
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
None
Hourly Rates
$450 - Mr. Eisenberg
$225 - Ms. Winer (paralegal)
$159 - Associate
Free Initial Consultation?
$400/hour (2 hour minimum)
Typical Retainer
$5,000
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.
