Debra R. Schoenberg
Top rated Family Law attorney in San Francisco, California
Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C.
Practice areas: Family Law; view more
Licensed in California since: 2008
Education: University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
Call today:
415-834-1120
Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C.
50 California St21st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111 Visit website
Debra R. Schoenberg, Esq., has a long and distinguished career.
More than thirty years ago, she established her own firm, which has vast experience and expertise in family law’s highly sensitive and complex practice. Ms. Schoenberg has established a professional reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, keen attention to detail, loyalty, and dedication to client service.
Ms. Schoenberg handles cases that range from complex financial issues and extensive marital estates to high-conflict custody matters. Adept at negotiating resolutions and 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 justice, and because of her vast experience she can 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. She has been named a Super Lawyer for more than a decade following rigorous vetting by fellow Bar members.
Debra has consecutively been named to the Daily Journal’s list of Top Family Law Lawyers in California since its inaugural, recognized for her 30+ years of experience as a leading divorce attorney. Her expertise and compassionate advocacy in the practice of family law has earned her a spot in the Hall of Fame of The Recorder’s Best of Awards for Family Law Firms after being named to the list for the last five consecutive years (2021-2025).
Most recently, Debra was honored as one of the 10 Influential Leaders in the World by Insights Success for redefining family law with compassion and expertise. The San Francisco Business Times has named Debra Schoenberg to their Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses for the eleventh year, their 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area, and one of the Top 25 LGBT-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area. Due to her commitment to supporting and serving her community, the San Francisco Business Times has also named Debra a top Corporate Philanthropist in the Bay Area for the sixth year.
Debra made the 2022 National Law Journal’s Family/Elder Law Trailblazers list, recognizing attorneys who have made significant marks on their sector’s practice, policy, and technological advancements. 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. US News and World Report has recognized Ms. Schoenberg as one of the nation’s Best Lawyers.
Additionally, Ms. Schoenberg was selected by peer recognition and professional achievement as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Northern California. She 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. Parents Press East Bay has also voted Schoenberg Family Law Group Best of Bay. Most recently, Ms. Schoenberg was named to the 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. She is the author of a book entitled “Divorce in California.”
Practice areas
Family LawFocus areas
Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Marital Property, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 100% Family Law
First Admitted: 1987, New York
Professional Webpage: https://www.sflg.com/our-team/debra-r-schoenberg/
Bar / Professional Activity
- New York, 1985
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1990
- Member, American Bar Association, Family Law Section
- California Bar, 2008
- U.S. District Court Northern District of New York, 1987
- Vermont, 1990
- U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 2012
- Member, State Bar of California, Family Law Section
Videos
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Board Certified Family Law Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
Pro bono / Community Service
- Program and Planning Committee: Jewish Children’s and Family Services, SF Bay Area
- Corporate Council, Berkeley Rep
- Board of Directors: Lava Mae, San Francisco, CA
- Board of Trustees: Temple Sinai, Oakland CA
Educational Background
- Western College Program at Miami University, Undergraduate Degree in Philosophy, 1980
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- The Legal Process, Your Rights and What to Expect. A must-read for anyone contemplating divorce. Accessible Q&A format, with answers to more than 350 questions., Author, Divorce in California, Addicus
- From the dawn of society, one of the most fundamental tenets upon which civilization has been built has been rooted in civility. It is the basic premise upon which civilization has come to flourish. What is known in the vernacular today as the "golden rule" - "do unto others as you will have them do unto you" - dates back to early judeo-christian times, as expressed in the Talmud. This simple concept exemplifies the essence of civility. The "golden rule" is found in nearly every modern-day religion, demonstrating how it transcends all other considerations and is an essential part of the fabric of society. No society can successfully flourish if its members do not treat one another with respect., Author, Who Among us Will do the Right Thing, Aspatore
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell, 2020
- SuperLawyers, 2020
Honors
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow
- Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
- Board Certified Family Law Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies, San Francisco Business Times
- Expertise, Best Divorce Lawyers in San Francisco
- Top 100 Woman-Owned Businesses, San Francisco Business Times
- 10 Best Female Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
- 10 Best Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
- Woman Leaders in the Law
- American Jurist Institute, Top 10 Attorneys
- BestLawyers, US News and World Report
- Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
- SuperLawyers
- Parents’ Press: BEST of the Bay
- AVVO 10 Rating
- AVVO Client Choice Awards
- Recorder: “The Best” Hall of Fame
Awards
Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com
Platinum: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Distinguished: This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4.
Office location for Debra R. Schoenberg
50 California St
21st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415-834-1120
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2007 - 2008, 2011, 2014 - 2026
Certificates and credentials
Family Law