Donna T. Gibbs

Donna is a Certified Family Law Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She has been a member of the California bar since 1997 and has exclusively practiced family law since 1999. Donna has been recognized as the 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Oakland by Best Lawyers in America and has been named a Super Lawyer in the area of family law every year since 2008.

Donna’s practice currently focuses on providing mediation services as a mediator, and representing clients in mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation. Donna handles complex family law matters through all stages of negotiation or litigation. Donna enjoys her mediation practice and serving in a neutral role to help clients reach a negotiated resolution out of court.

Donna earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law. Prior to practicing family law, she worked as a public defender in Stanislaus County.  

Donna is an active and long-standing member of the community. She was born in Riga, Latvia but has lived in the Bay Area since 1978. She raised two children in the Bay Area and is experienced in addressing the issues facing families in the Bay Area.

Recognition:

·        2022 Oakland Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America

·        Included in Best Lawyers in America

·        Named a Super Lawyer in Northern California every year since 2008

·        2024 J Magazine Readers Choice Award for East Bay Lawyer of the Year

Professional Associations:

• ·        Certified Family Law Specialist since 2004
• ·        American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Fellow
• ·        Board of Managers (Northern California Chapter of AAML)
• ·        Mentor of AAML Mentoring Group, 2021-2024 and 2025 to present
• ·        Association of Certified Family Law Specialists Member
• ·        Past Co-Chair of Alameda County Family Law Association (ACFLA)
• ·        Board Member of Alameda County Family Law Association
• ·        Past Co-Chair of Collaborative Practice East Bay Steering Committee
• ·        Collaborative Practice East Bay Member
• ·        International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• ·        Alameda County Bar Association
• ·        Contra Costa County Bar Association

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