Katie Padilla, CFLS
Founder
Hi! I’m Katie. I provide counsel that’s empathetic, pragmatic and extremely tailored.
I am passionate about my craft. I am constantly reflecting to identify ways I can refine my practice, lead from my heart and be of service to my community. I am a trained coach, which taught me how to incorporate a socratic approach to my counsel so that my clients can also create space to self-reflect. I pride myself on utilizing creative settlement-oriented tools in my everyday practice to ensure the best possible outcome for my clients, and I strive to ensure that my clients understand the various stages of the process as much as possible to give them a sense of control during an already emotionally turbulent time.
I co-founded a family law firm in Oakland in 2017 and ran a successful, multi-attorney LLP for many years. During this time, litigation was a large part of my practice. I spent many years participating, observing and learning from the family court system, both good and bad. These experiences solidified my commitment to provide legal access and support to my clients wholly outside of the court system in a comprehensive and holistic way.
I love the academic setting and am currently an adjunct faculty member at Golden Gate University School of Law. I previously created curricula and taught paralegal courses at both San Francisco State University and Skyline Community College. I am also a board member of CASA of Monterey County where I am proud to be able to support those who directly support foster youth.
My past legal experience includes representing both parents and children in the foster care system and clerking for the Hon. Donald J. Sullivan of the San Francisco Superior Court. I have worked at various child advocacy organizations, including an NGO in Bangalore, India and have volunteered my time with RAICES and East Bay Sanctuary Covenant by providing pro bono legal services for asylum seekers in both affirmative and defensive asylum proceedings. Additionally, through the Alameda County Family Justice Center, I ran a family law clinic and supervised law students as they provided pro bono services for domestic violence survivors.
Certifications:
Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California
Memberships:
Collaborative Practice East Bay
Alameda County Bar Association
Recognitions:
Super Lawyer Rising Star, 2019-2023