Apicella Law & Mediation

From a young age, I've had an interest in law and justice.  However, instead of studying typical pre-law curricula in college, I sought a business degree, earning my bachelor's from USC in 1993.  I then worked in various fields, including real estate brokerage, insurance, and mortgage banking.  I obtained a California Insurance Brokers license and a California Real Estate license. 

Even while pursuing certain business goals, my interest in the law never diminished.  Eventually, I gave up a business career to obtain a law degree. 

During law school, I received several awards and honors, including top 5% of my class, Law Review, and a merit scholarship.  I also received special training in trial work, earning certificates in litigation, public interest law, and mediation.  In 2001, I graduated from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco. My law practice began in business litigation.  However, given my preference to help individuals, rather than corporations, I became attracted to family law. 

Although I have litigated numerous cases, my practice now focuses on divorce mediation.  I believe that is the most civil and cost effective way for parties to resolve their issues.  I also provide limited scope consults for uncontested divorce, as well as draft premarital and post-marital agreements. 

I've worked with hundreds of couples (including the acrimonious) via mediation.  All cases were resolved without either party having to enter a courtroom.  I believe my business background helps efficiently manage disputes by providing insights on certain financial issues, such as establishing accurate income for spousal and/or child support, valuing and dividing assets, tracing funds to establish reimbursements, allocating debts, among others. 

Apart from understanding the economic aspects of a case, my strongest trait (in terms of helping parties find common ground) is simply the fact that I truly care about their welfare.  Given my litigation experience and seeing the harm it causes to individuals and families, I  guide clients in a way that avoids unnecessary conflict.  I've never lost sight of the hardships people go through during divorce.  My clients are not just a file.  They are real people who need help with one of, if not the most difficult episode of their life. 

I approach each case with dedication and commitment to accomplish my clients' goals in the most efficient manner possible.