About Debra R. Schoenberg

Debra R. Schoenberg, Esq., is the founder and owner of Schoenberg Family Law Group, a premier San Francisco family law firm. For over three decades, she has represented clients in some of the most sensitive and complex family law cases, earning a national reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, and compassionate advocacy. Her practice covers everything from complex financial and marital estate matters to high-conflict custody disputes, marital agreements, and settlements. Known for balancing empathy with strong courtroom advocacy, Debra guides her clients through life’s most challenging transitions with clarity and care.

What She Does

• High-Asset Divorce: Managing complex financial estates and business valuations
• Custody & Parenting Disputes: Advocating in high-conflict custody matters
• Marital Agreements: Drafting and negotiating pre- and post-marital agreements
• Litigation & Settlements: Strategic courtroom advocacy balanced with negotiation for fair outcomes

Why Clients Choose Debra

Clients turn to Debra for her rare ability to deliver both compassionate sensitivity and aggressive legal advocacy. She is board-certified as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California and as a Family Law Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Her relentless dedication to fairness and justice, combined with her ability to craft innovative strategies, makes her one of California’s most respected family law attorneys.

Awards & Recognition

• Daily Journal: Top Family Law Lawyers in California (multiple years)
• National Law Journal: Family/Elder Law Trailblazer (2022)
• The Recorder: Best of Awards Hall of Fame – Family Law Firms (2021–2025)
• Super Lawyers: Named for over a decade
• US News & World Report: Best Lawyers in America
• San Francisco Business Times: Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses, Fastest-Growing Private Companies, Top 25 LGBT-Owned Businesses, and Corporate Philanthropy Awards
• Insights Success: 10 Influential Leaders in the World, for redefining family law with compassion and expertise
• American Institute of Family Law Attorneys: 10 Best Family Law Attorneys in California
• AVVO: 10.0 Rating and Client Choice Awards
• Parents Press: BEST of the Bay – Schoenberg Family Law Group

Professional Credentials

• Certified Family Law Specialist, State of California Board of Legal Specialization
• Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Author: “Divorce in California”

Education

• University of New Hampshire School of Law, J.D.
• Western College of Miami University, B.A.

Bar Admissions

• New York, 1987
• U.S. Supreme Court, 1990
• Vermont, 1994
• California, 2008
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York, 1987
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 2012

Presentations & Thought Leadership

Debra is a frequent lecturer on complex family law issues, financial settlements, custody matters, and ethical practice. She has presented for the National Business Institute, State Bar Associations, financial institutions, and national conferences on topics including divorce strategy, business valuation, child custody, tax implications of divorce, and equitable settlements.

Community Involvement

• Board of Trustees, Temple Sinai, Oakland
• Board of Directors, Lava Mae, San Francisco
• Board of Directors, Camp Newman, Bay Area
• Program & Planning Committee, Jewish Children’s and Family Services
• International Council, New Israel Fund
• Corporate Council, Berkeley Rep

Fantastic Lawyers Editorial

“For more than three decades, Debra Schoenberg has set the standard for family law in California. Recognized nationally for her expertise, leadership, and compassion, she combines rigorous legal skill with an unwavering commitment to fairness and client care. Her long list of awards and her reputation for success make her one of the most trusted divorce and family law attorneys in the Bay Area.”