Marnie Smith, ADR Attorney in San Diego, California
focused on ADR and Family Law
San Diego, CA
Trusted adr attorney serving San Diego.
Practices in
Are you Marnie Smith?
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Quick answer
Marnie Smith is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Currently practicing at Marnie Smith APC.
- Based in
- San Diego, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- ADR · Family Law
- Handles ADR and Family Law matters from San Diego, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego) (2026).
About Marnie Smith: Marnie Smith is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Currently practicing at Marnie Smith APC.
Areas of practice
Marnie's practice areas in San Diego
Marnie concentrates on adr and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Marnie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR cases in San Diego, California
Marnie takes adr 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 Marnie agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in San Diego, California
Marnie 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 Marnie agrees to represent you.
Biography
Marnie Smith, adr attorney serving San Diego
Marnie Smith is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Currently practicing at Marnie Smith APC. Marnie works from San Diego, California and takes on adr matters across the region.
Marnie Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation.
Marnie, who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marnie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Marnie's approach to adr cases
Marnie Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Marnie, who practices law in San Diego, California, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marnie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
The kind of cases Marnie takes
Marnie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr and family law matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Marnie studied and practices
University of the Pacific
J.D. · 1996
Marnie studied at J.D. in University of the Pacific.
Law school and academic background
Marnie completed J.D. in University of the Pacific. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Marnie runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Marnie's legal honors and published work
Marnie has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation (2026).
Locations
Marnie Smith's office in San Diego
Marnie's primary office is at 2445 Fifth Avenue, Suite 350, San Diego, California, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Marnie Smith APC
2445 Fifth Avenue, Suite 350
San Diego, California 92101
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Marnie Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Marnie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Marnie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marnie'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; Marnie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Marnie
Marnie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Marnie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Marnie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Marnie Smith
How much does it cost to hire Marnie for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Marnie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Marnie offer a free consultation?
Marnie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marnie's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Marnie's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr 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. Marnie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Marnie take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Marnie 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 — Marnie 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 Marnie?
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. Marnie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Marnie accepting new adr clients right now?
Marnie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Marnie handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr 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
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in California
If Marnie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




