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Debra R. Schoenberg Esq. - San Francisco, CA

575 Market StreetSuite 4000 San Francisco, CA 94105

Updated: 01/10/2024

San Francisco Family Law Lawyer

Overview

Debra R. Schoenberg, ESQ., has a long and distinguished career. More than 30 years ago she established her own firm, which has vast experience in the highly sensitive and complex practice of family law. Ms. Schoenberg has established a profession reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, keen attention to detail, loyalty, and dedication to client service.

Today Ms. Schoenberg handles cases that range from complex financial issues and extensive marital estates, to high-conflict custody matters. Adept at negotiating resolutions as well as aggressively pursuing litigated outcomes, she also handles straightforward family law cases, pre- and post-marital agreements, and marital settlements. Ms. Schoenberg has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to fairness and equity, and because of her vast experience she is able to capture the perfect balance of compassionate sensitivity, and the aggressive assertion of a client's rights.

Long recognized as a leading family law attorney, Debra Schoenberg is a frequent lecturer in family law. In recognition of her work she was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a Board Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State of California Board of Legal Specialization. As the result of an extensive and confidential review by members of the Bar, she has been repeatedly listed in the Directory of Super Lawyers.

Ms. Schoenberg has been recognized by US News and World Report as one of the nation's Best Lawyers. The San Francisco Business Times repeatedly names Debra Schoenberg to their Top 100 Women Owned Businesses, their 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area, the Top 25 LGBT-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area and a Leading Corporate Philanthropist.

Additionally, Ms. Schoenberg was selected by peer recognition and professional achievement as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Northern California and was named one of the Ten Best Family Law Attorneys in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. The firm has also been repeatedly selected as one of the top three family law firms in the Bay Area. Parent's Press East Bay has also voted Schoenberg Family Law Group Best of Bay. Most recently, Ms. Schoenberg was named to American Institute of Legal Counsel Top 10 California Attorneys for her dedication to families and working out the best solution for each of her clients. Ms. Schoenberg is a member of the California, New York, and Vermont Bar Associations. She is the author of a book entitled "Divorce in California."

About Debra R. Schoenberg Esq.

Practice Areas

  • Family Law
  • Divorce & Separation
  • Custody, Visitation, & Child Support
  • Division of Property
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
  • Post Divorce Disputes
  • Appeals

Qualifications

Bar Admissions

  • New York, 1987
  • Vermont, 1994
  • California, 2008
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of New York, 1987
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 2012
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1990

Specialties and Certifications

  • Board Certified Family Law Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
  • Certified Family Law Specialist, State of California Board of Legal Specialization

Other Affiliations

  • California Bar Association (Member - Family Law Section)
  • New York Bar Association (Member - Family Law Section)
  • Vermont Bar Association (Member - Family Law Section (Former Chair))
  • American Bar Association (Member - Family Law Section)
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys (Fellow)
  • Directory of Super Lawyers (Family Law Profile 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)

Education

  • University of New Hampshire - Franklin Law Center, Concord, New Hampshire
  • Western College, Oxford, Ohio
    B.Phil.

Classes and Seminars

  • Navigating Life’s Transitions: A Financial and Legal Survival Guide, 2015
  • Tax Consequences of Divorce, State Assistant Judges, 2008
  • An Income Tax Primer for Family Law Practitioners, State Bar Association, 2008
  • What Family Court Judges Want You to Know, National Business Institute, 2007
  • Family Law: Year in Review, State Bar Association, 2007
  • Preventing Financial Mistakes during Divorce, National Business Institute, 2007
  • Child Custody and Shared Parenting, National Business Institute, 2007
  • Successful Financial Settlements for your Divorce Client, National Business Institute, 2007
  • Family Law: Helping Your Clients through Difficult Times, National Business Institute, 2007
  • A Road Map through Divorce Proceedings, National Business Institute, 2006
  • Family Law: Year in Review, State Bar Association, 2006
  • Advertising Ethically and Effectively, State Bar Association, 2006
  • Equitable Divorce Settlements, National Business Institute, 2006
  • What Family Court Judges Want You to Know, National Business Institute, 2006
  • Complex Matrimonial Law Issues, National Business Institute, 2005
  • Domestic Law in Vermont, National Business Institute, 2005
  • Tax Consequences of Divorce, State Assistant Judges, 2005
  • Business Valuations for the Matrimonial Practitioner, State Chapter of National Association of Certified Valuation Accountants, 2004
  • Keeping it Civil: The Same Sex Couples' Journey, New York State Bar Association, 2004
  • Successfully Dealing with Life Transitions, Key Bank Financial Forum for Women, 2004
  • Dealing with the Pro Se Litigant, State Bar Association, 2004
  • Complex Issues in Divorce, National Business Institute, 2004
  • Divorce Cases from Start to Finish, National Business Institute, 2003
  • Women in Transition: Dealing with Issues Surrounding Divorce, Salomon Smith Barney, 2000 - 2003
  • Complex Divorce for the Vermont Practitioner, National Business Institute, 2003
  • Pro Se Litigation Education, State Family Court, 2000 - 2001
  • Business Valuation: Presentation of Exhibits, Admissibility, Persuasiveness, State Bar Association, 2001
  • Family Law and Relief from Abuse, Vermont Volunteers Lawyers Project, 2000
  • Trusts, Estate Planning and Divorce, National Business Institute, 2000
  • Child Custody and Time Sharing, National Business Institute, 1999 - 2000
  • How to Utilize the Magistrate, State Bar Association, 2000

Achievements

Other Sources of Feedback About Debra R. Schoenberg

Included on the 2024 Northern California Super Lawyers list


Past Lists

  • 2023 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2022 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2021 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2020 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2019 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2018 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2017 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2016 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2015 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2014 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2011 Northern California Super Lawyers list
  • 2008 New England Super Lawyers list
  • 2007 New England Super Lawyers list

View the profile for Debra R. Schoenberg on Super Lawyers

Honors

  • Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Repeatedly listed in the Directory of Super Lawyers
  • The San Francisco Business Times’ 100 Top Women Owned Businesses, 2013 - 2016
  • The San Francisco Business Times’ list of the 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area, 2014 - 2015
  • The San Francisco Business Times’ list of the Top 25 LGBT-Owned Business in the Bay Area, 2015 - 2016
  • Top Women Attorneys in Northern California, 2017
  • American Institute of Family Law Attorneys ‘ Ten Best Family Law Attorneys in California, 2015 - 2016
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, The Trial Lawyer Honorary Society
  • Expertise, Best Divorce Lawyers in San Francisco
  • Top 100 Woman-Owned Businesses, San Francisco Business Times
  • Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies, San Francisco Business Times
  • Top 25 LGBT-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area, San Francisco Business Times
  • Corporate Philanthropy Awards, San Francisco Business Times
  • AVVO 10 Rating
  • AVVO Client Choice Awards
  • Recorder: “The Best” Hall of Fame
  • Parents’ Press: BEST of the Bay

Photo

Office Information

Address

575 Market StreetSuite 4000 San Francisco, CA 94105

Fax

  • (415) 834-1121

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By Anonymous on Feb. 29, 2024
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

I was very impressed by Debra's vast knowledge of divorce and custody law. She comes prepared with a solid plan to achieve the goals we set out to accomplish. Highly recommend!

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By Anonymous on Aug. 01, 2023
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

I worked mainly with Debra on my divorce proceedings. With two children I feared for my future but Debra fought hard to ensure my outcome was as good as possible. She's the best - highly recommend!

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By Anonymous on May. 30, 2022
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is the absolute best in the Bay Area. She represented me in my divorce and it was a seamless process. I would highly recommend using her.

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By Brian B. on Apr. 03, 2022
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

I consulted with this law firm on my divorce - was very pleased with all the information that was provided. I would recommend their services.

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By Anonymous on Mar. 28, 2022
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is the lawyer you want on your side in court. She is very knowledgeable, professional and works hard to get you the results you are looking for!

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By Anonymous on Sep. 01, 2021
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Very impressive service - Debra knows what she is doing! I landed here after a rough go with another attorney. Wish I would have started here.

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By Anonymous on Jun. 30, 2020
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra has been amazing! Fighting on my behalf for what seems like years. She is efficient and effective- focusing on what is the most important to the case. She is very smart - very deep knowledge of laws in CA.

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By Anonymous on Jun. 01, 2020
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is great - helped with a divorce issue over 4 years old. Very knowledgeable very helpful- high respect in her industry.

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By Anonymous on May. 30, 2020
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Best divorce attorney in SF. Debra Schoenberg helped me find the best direction. She is extremely knowledgeable, and she didn't push me towards a high conflict situation - she helped come up with a strategy that suited my mindset and my situation. Very happy working with Debra!

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By Anonymous on Dec. 18, 2019
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is top of the list of divorce attorneys in SF - she runs a great firm with excellent service. Would highly recommend to all.

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By Anonymous on Nov. 08, 2019
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

After a lengthy divorce battle two years ago my ex came back to try and change our custody agreement. My previous attorney was terrible - non responsive and I just felt like i was any other case. This time I did my research and landed on Schoenberg Law - highly recommended by a colleague. What a difference! Debra fought hard for my rights and in the end I was more successful than last time.

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By Anonymous on Oct. 02, 2019
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

I can?t say enough about working with Debra and her team. Divorce and custody battles are an extraordinarily hard experience- my war with my ex went on for over a year. This team working hard every step of the way, encouraging me, informing, fighting. They do their job like no other.

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By Connor A. on Sep. 30, 2019
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Ms Schoenberg is a very reputable attorney in the Bay Area. She is thoughtful, honest and fair in her approach to all cases. She provided regular updates on my case at all times so I knew what to expect. She made herself available for questions as well. I would recommend her.

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By Anonymous on Sep. 29, 2019
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Strong, intelligent female attorney that has no problem battling in a typically male dominated court environment! Highly recommend for divorce issues.

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By Branson S. on Sep. 20, 2019
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra Schoenberg is hands down the best at handling divorce cases. Beyond impressed with her knowledge and drive to win her case.

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By Suzanne S. on Feb. 18, 2019
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

I hired Debra for my divorce case - it was a wise decision. She listens to her clients and gets to know the case well. She was informative and helped meet my goals.

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By Sarah K. on Feb. 15, 2019
Verified Client

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is more than a lawyer, she is pure legal genius! She listened to my story and found the absolute best way to achieve the end result I needed.

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By Anonymous on Jan. 29, 2019
Verified Client
Recommendation

Excellent law firm with real results for their clients and attention to detail. Highly recommended for those with divorce or custody issues.

By Anonymous on Jan. 29, 2019
Verified Client
Recommendation

I can't say enough about Debra and her team at Schoenberg Law. Divorce is so hard - hard on everyone in the family. They were so helpful - providing advice and guidance every step of the way. I felt like they really listened to me - something that I wasn't finding from the other lawyers I interviewed. Thank you Debra for everything!

By Anonymous on Jan. 23, 2019
Verified Client
Recommendation

Excellent representation by Debra Schoenberg in my divorce case. I would highly recommended her to those looking for a divorce attorney.

By Anonymous on Jan. 05, 2019
Verified Client
Recommendation

Debra and her entire office was on top of every small detail throughout my entire case, which proved to be crucial In court. I highly recommend

By Anonymous on Jan. 02, 2019
Verified Client
Recommendation

I had a consultation with the team at Schoenberg - it saved me financially and emotionally. The attorney I spoke with provided me with great advice - I feel like any other firm would have charged me thousands before sending me on my way. I would recommend the lawyers here to anyone needing advice on a family legal matter.

By Anonymous on Aug. 12, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra was my attorney at this law firm. Her services for divorce and child custody were excellent. I highly recommend hiring her.

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By Anonymous on Jan. 05, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars

Top notch, incredibly knowledgeable and experienced! I would recommend Debra to my closest friends and family members.

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By Katherine M. on Jan. 05, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is the attorney that represented me for my divorce and custody case. I was very impressed with her knowledge and experience in the way she handled everything from start to finish. Highly recommend!

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By Anonymous on Mar. 03, 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars

Child custody attorney that came highly recommended by a friend. Work was top notch - very pleased with the outcome.

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By Anonymous on Jan. 18, 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars

Ms. Schomberg was my attorney for a custody case. She is amazing really the best in her field. She?s professional responsive and really does the best for her clients.

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By Anonymous on Nov. 27, 2022

5.0 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend Debra for any type of divorce issue. She handled my case so well with great communication and got me the results that I needed.

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By Anonymous on Nov. 03, 2022

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra was great to work with. From my first meeting with her to the end result I was incredibly impressed. Her and her team helped me every step of the way. Divorce can be stressful but with a team like this by your side you can make it through.

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By Lisa M. on Jan. 27, 2022

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra was great to work with - as well as her team. Very efficient - they worked quickly to settle my case. Very appreciative of this their help!

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By Anonymous on Dec. 31, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is fantastic- she is an expert in her field. She represented me in my divorce and custody case earlier this year and I am very happy with the outcome.

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By Anonymous on Oct. 01, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Very smart and knowledgeable attorney in the heart of San Francisco. Debra is so great - I was very happy to have her on my side. Highly recommended!

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By Julia M. on Jun. 28, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Worked w Debra late last year during COVID. I had a positive experience- very helpful, smooth process and helpful w my ex and his lawyer.

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By Anonymous on Apr. 01, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Patient, responsive, and knowledgeable- Debra is a fantastic attorney!

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By Anonymous on Feb. 24, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

I retained Schoenberg Law to help me with a divorce case that needed to be finalized after a year of back and forth. I found its very easy to work with the team - they were very professional and engaged throughout the process. Only met in person once which was great due to COVID.

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By Anonymous on Feb. 03, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

I have found Debra to be the best in the Bay Area - divorce and child custody issues are very complex and very emotional. She was incredibly professional. I felt my case was handled with a great amount of care - Debra took every step to make sure I was informed and comfortable with the decisions we made.

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By Anonymous on Jan. 14, 2021

0.5 out of 5 stars

Called to get a consult. They told me that they would call me back. After two days I called them back. The receptionist put me on hold and when she got back on the phone she told me that they can?t help me at this time and hung up. How rude!

Quality Of Service

By Anonymous on Jan. 04, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars

Divorce can be a very disappointing and difficult process for anyone that?s going through one. A high level of communication and understanding the needs of every one impacted is such an important part of the process. Debra is very professional making sure that all your needs are met with every attention to detail. I highly recommend her as a divorce attorney.

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By Anonymous on Dec. 13, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

Straightforward representation by a strong female who will help you get what you deserve out of your divorce settlement

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By Anonymous on Dec. 01, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

I hired Debra to represent me in my divorce. I had a very pleasant experience with her and the law firm. They are all very kind and very helpful and went the extra mile to help me get what I needed for both myself and my family. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of a good attorney that really cares.

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By Anonymous on Sep. 30, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

I contacted Schoenberg Law when my former attorney failed me. I was being manipulated by my former spouse and his attorney and my lawyer was not remotely helpful. Debra quickly resolved the situation - ensuring that I received the settlement I was entitled and the alimony I deserved. She is incredible- deep knowledge of my rights in CA law. She fought for my future. I wish I would have started here!

By David E W. on Sep. 28, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is great! So helpful to my family in hard time. Got the results I was looking for.

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By Michelle B. on Aug. 06, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is a fighter! You are not another number to her or her firm. She will work hard to get you the outcome you deserve.

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By Anonymous on Apr. 30, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

Go with an attorney who cares about your case, about treating you with respect and not another number. Debra is the best - divorce is her specialty. She will fight for you like no one else will.

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By Linda L. on Apr. 28, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

Ms Schoenberg was very professional during a difficult time. She treated me with kindness even when my emotions were overwhelming to deal with. My case was completed quickly and I did not have to go in front of a judge which I appreciated. I highly recommend her - she is fair and honest.

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By Anonymous on Apr. 25, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra was recommended to me from a colleague who raved about her services. She took on my custody case 3 years post divorce and helped me get my kids out of an abusive situation. Highly recommend her for all family legal matters.

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By Anonymous on Mar. 31, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is the best! She helped me get my life back on track after a difficult and abusive relationship. Thanks to her I have custody of my son and our lives are in a much better place!

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By Anonymous on Mar. 27, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars

Debra is the best - I cannot thank her enough for her support and guidance helping me out of a terrible marriage. I highly recommend her for any divorce issue - she will help you!

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Firm Address

Fax:
(415) 834-1121
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575 Market StreetSuite 4000 San Francisco, CA 94105

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