Marisa R. Chaves

Marisa R. Chaves is an accomplished senior litigation counsel at Hanson Crawford Crum, with offices in San Mateo and San Francisco, California. Her practice primarily focuses on family law and related litigation matters, serving clients in the surrounding region from her San Mateo office. Her legal work extends to representing clients in complex mass tort cases, including asbestos, product liability and general liability litigation. She also a strong record of success in all phases of litigation, including trials in state and federal courts.

Having previously worked at a top 10 ranked Am Law 100 law firm, Ms. Chaves is well-versed in handling intricate and contentious legal matters. Her journey in family law is marked by her unwavering commitment to client service and a talent for crafting creative solutions. With her own personal experiences and a deep understanding of the emotional toll divorce can take, she is dedicated to ensuring her clients receive the most favorable representation.

In addition to her professional work, Ms. Chaves dedicates her time to pro bono endeavors, where she passionately defends low-income citizens in unlawful detainer and consumer rights actions. Her impressive credentials also include an "Excellent" Avvo rating, and inclusion in the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance. 

Ms. Chaves' academic journey led her to a B.A. with honors and dean's list recognition from The University of Texas at Austin in 2000, followed by a law degree from Boston University School of Law in 2004, where she served as notes editor of the Public Interest Law Journal. She is admitted to The State Bar of California and actively participates in professional associations like The Bar Association of San Francisco, the San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association (board member) and the Association of Latino Marin Attorneys. 

Beyond her legal career, Ms. Chaves has a lifelong passion for music, and she has been an integral part of her previous firm's band, participating in local charity events and securing victories in the Annual Law Rocks competition. Her achievements culminated in the Judge's Choice Award at the Family Violence Appellate Project's Battle of the Bands last year. 

Outside the office, Ms. Chaves enjoys quality time with her husband, managing their two young children and three dogs.