Dolores A. Contreras

Top rated Family Law attorney in San Diego, California

Contreras Law Firm
Dolores A. Contreras
Contreras Law Firm

Practice Areas: Family Law, Business Litigation; view more

Licensed in California since: 2008

Education: California Western School of Law

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

Selected to Rising Stars: 2015 - 2018, 2021 - 2022
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Contreras Law Firm

402 West Broadway
Suite 1200
San Diego, CA 92101 Visit website

Details

Ms. Contreras excels in crafting creative solutions in her legal practice. As a partner and founder of Contreras Law, she leverages her extensive experience in business litigation, real estate law, and family law to deliver outstanding results for her clients. Known for her reputable trial and litigation experience, Ms. Contreras adeptly represents clients across a wide spectrum of legal matters. Additionally, she holds a real estate broker’s license, further enhancing her multifaceted experience whether in divorce cases or business cases.

Ms. Contreras began her legal career with a focus on civil litigation, encompassing business, real estate, and bankruptcy matters. During this period, many of her business clients sought her counsel for family law issues, particularly divorces involving businesses and assets. Recognizing the strategic advantage of an attorney skilled in business, real estate, and trial law, her clients benefited greatly from her comprehensive approach. Ms. Contreras found that these areas are deeply interconnected and that proficiency in each is crucial.

She takes pride in her ability to use her diverse experience to devise effective strategies, consistently achieving exceptional results for her clients.

 

Practice areas

Family Law, Business Litigation

Focus areas

Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Marital Property, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law

  • 60% Family Law
  • 40% Business Litigation

First Admitted: 2008, California

Professional Webpage: http://www.contreraslawfirm.com/About-Us/Dolores-Contreras.s...

Bar/Professional Activity:
  • California Bar Association
  • San Diego County Bar Association
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of California
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of California
  • National Association of Realtors
  • San Diego Realtors Association
  • California
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
  • Obtained a successful outcome after appealing a family law case.  There was a five day trial on this case.  Unfortunately the result was not in favor of our client and was extremely prejudicial.  The court disregarded our legal arguments in violation of our client's due process rights.  I appealed this case, drafted the appellate brief and had oral argument virtually during the closure/pandemic.  Ultimately the appellate court agreed with our position and completely overturned the lower court's ruling.  Complete success for our firm and most of all, our client. , 2020
  • Ms. Contreras recently achieved a remarkable victory in a highly contested divorce case involving significant business interests. The wife, whom Ms. Contreras represented, had been unjustly ousted from the business and deprived of any access to its funds by her husband. Despite the husband’s aggressive tactics and numerous attempts to undermine her client’s position, Ms. Contreras demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and unwavering dedication throughout years of litigation and multiple contentious hearings. When the case ultimately went to trial, Ms. Contreras presented a compelling and meticulously crafted argument, showcasing her experience in both family and business law. Her relentless advocacy and strategic approach led to a landmark outcome: the wife was awarded 100% ownership of the business, and the husband was ordered to contribute $75,000 towards her attorney fees. This outcome not only restored the wife’s rightful ownership but also ensured her financial stability moving forward. Ms. Contreras’ ability to navigate complex legal issues and deliver such an extraordinary result highlights her outstanding skills and commitment to achieving justice for her clients., 2023
  • Won an appeal from a probate court decision.  The probate court had dismissed our case by granting the opposing side's demurrer.  I appealed the lower court's decision given that the law applied was not proper given the facts.  The appellate court agreed and completely overturned the lower court's decision.  Complete success for our client who can now continue her case as there was no basis for granting the demurrer. , 2020
  • Ms. Contreras and Mr. Reznik recently obtained a full defense verdict in a cross-border business litigation matter after a one month jury trial. , 2014
  • After a four day trial, Ms. Contreras successfully defended a Marvin Action and obtain a complete victory for her client.  A Marvin Action is a case where two people cohabitate, but are not married, and one of the parties sues the other claiming certain rights to assets and/or support based on the theory that the parties had an agreement. , 2019
Representative Clients:
  • Represented client in a breach of fiduciary claim against a trustee in probate.  The court dismissed our case granting the other side's demurrer.  We represented client in appealing that decision and we won.  The appellate court agreed and completely overturned the lower court's decision.  Complete success for our client who can now continue her case as there was no basis for granting the demurrer. , 2020
Special Licenses/Certifications:
  • State of California Department of Real Estate Broker's License.  Licensed issued June 2, 2009 and remains current.  , 2009
Pro bono/Community Service:
  • Las Valientes Legal Speaking Event, September 27, 2014 - 2015
  • Abriendo Puertas, Speaking Events throughout San Diego
Honors/Awards:
  • Won San Diego's Best through the Union Tribune for Real Estate law firm in San Diego., San Diego's Best, Union Tribune, 2020
  • Top Attorneys in San Diego Rising Stars, Top Attorneys in San Diego Rising Stars, 2022
  • Top Attorneys in America, Top Attorneys in America, 2022
  • Women in the Law, Best Lawyers, 2024
  • The American institute of Legal Advocates Presented to Dolores Contreras the Elite Advocate recognition on Family Law on 2018, Elite Advocate, American Institute of Legal Advocates, 2018
  • San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Awards honor the dynamic female leaders who work tirelessly to affect positive change and enhance the community., Woman of the Year, San Diego Magazine, 2017
  • The National Advocates Top 40 under 40 are national, interconnected invitation-only professional honorary, networking, educational and leadership organizations composed of top attorneys from each state or Members of The National Advocates: Top 100 and The National Advocates: Top 40 under 40 exemplify superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence and performance in their area of specialty., Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates, 2017
  • Latino Champion Awards Business Leader of the Year Nominee, 2014
  • San Diego Magazine's Woman of the Year Finalist, 2014
  • The Daily Transcript’s Young Influentials 2014 Nominee, 2014
  • Top Attorney Corporate Litigation Nominee, 2013
  • Top Attorney Real Estate Litigation Nominee, 2013
  • Orange County Business Journal Women in Business Award Nominee, 2013
  • Women Who Move the City Award Finalist, 2013
  • San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year Finalist, 2013
  • National Latina Business Woman Association Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2009
Educational Background:
  • University of Califonia, San Diego
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
  • Invited by professor at USC who teacher Pre-Trial Advocacy to be a guest speaker for his class.  Discussed trial preparation, specifically the important of trial stipulations and tips on making your presentation to a jury easier without sacrificing our client's interest. , Speaker, University of Southern California (USC), Teaching, 2021
Other Outstanding Achievements:
  • Selected as Top 3 Business Lawyer in San Diego through Three Best Rated.  Three Best Rated selects top lawyers in each section of the law.  In selecting the top three lawyers for each section, the attorney faces a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence., 2019

Office location for Dolores A. Contreras

402 West Broadway
Suite 1200
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-908-1495

Selections

6 Years Rising Stars
  • Rising Stars: 2015 - 2018, 2021 - 2022

Attorney resources for Dolores A. Contreras

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