
David Van Clief, Family Law Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 19 years of legal practice
Founder and PartneratVan Clief & Van Clief LLP
San Diego, CA
Practicing family law in San Diego since 2007.
- 19+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you David Van Clief?
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Quick answer
David Van Clief is a founder and partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. David has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Clief & Van Clief LLP.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 19 years
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About David Van Clief: David Van Clief is a founder and partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. David has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Clief & Van Clief LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David Van Clief
David concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in San Diego, California
David takes family law matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David Van Clief — Over 19 years of California family law experience
David Van Clief is a founder and partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law. David has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Clief & Van Clief LLP.
David Van Clief is a lawyer practicing qualified domestic relations orders (qdros), domestic relations orders (dros). David received a B.S. degree from A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, and has been licensed for 19 years. David practices at Van Clief & Van Clief LLP in San Diego, CA.
David's approach to family law cases
David Van Clief is a lawyer practicing qualified domestic relations orders (qdros), domestic relations orders (dros). David received a B.S. degree from A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University, and has been licensed for 19 years. David practices at Van Clief & Van Clief LLP in San Diego, CA.
Clients David works with
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
David Van Clief's legal education and bar admissions
University of San Diego School of Law J.D.
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A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University B.S. Finance University of San Diego M.B.A.
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Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
California
2007 · ACTIVE
David studied at — in University of San Diego School of Law J.D. and — in A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University B.S. Finance University of San Diego M.B.A..
Law school and academic background
David completed — in University of San Diego School of Law J.D. and — in A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University B.S. Finance University of San Diego M.B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
David Van Clief's office in San Diego
David's primary office is at 2255 Avenida De La Playa, Suite 4A, San Diego, CA, 92037. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Van Clief & Van Clief LLP
2255 Avenida De La Playa, Suite 4A
San Diego, CA 92037
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Client reviews of David Van Clief
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David Van Clief — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Van Clief
How much does it cost to hire David for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in California typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
David is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new family law clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
David handles family law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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