Her Certified Family Law Specialist designation indicates that she has met the rigorous standards set by the California State Bar. She is also a former adjunct professor at a local law school, where she taught professional responsibility to future lawyers. She has worked in the field of family law for more than 30 years. As an acting settlement judge and mediator, Ms. Garwood sees each case from many different perspectives, including a judge’s perspective. Seeing the case through the eyes of a judge, she says, helps her plan cases to achieve the best possible results for her clients. As a Jewish family law attorney, she can offer keen insight and understanding to clients of the Jewish faith.
Admitted:
1981, California and U.S. District Court, Southern District of California; 1982, U.S. Tax Court; 1987, U.S. Supreme Court
Law School:
California Western School of Law, J.D., 1979
College:
Michigan State University, B.A., cum laude, 1973
Member:
San Diego County Bar Association (Member: Public Information and Relations Committee, 1983-1984; Membership Committee, 1986; Chair, Public Relations Committee, 1985; Chair, Blood Bank Committee, 1985-1999, Co-Chair and Chair; Chairperson, Family Law Committee, 1999-2001; Executive Committee, Family Law Specialists, 2000-2001, 2007-present) and American Bar Associations, 1981-present; State Bar of California, 1981-present; Lawyer’s Club of San Diego, Inc., 1981-present (Member: Newspaper Committee, 1983-1984; Board of Directors, 1983-1987; Secretary, 1983-1985; Chairperson, Employment Committee, 1983-1985); California Trial Lawyers Association; California Women Lawyers Association, 1981-present; San Diego Consumer Lawyers Association; Foothills Bar Association of San Diego County; National Academy of Family Law Attorneys.
Biography:
Super Lawyer 2009-2012; 2014-2024. Phi Alpha Delta. Member, Cardozo Society, 2000—. Instructor in Law, Grossmont College, 1984-1986. Adjunct Professor, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 1989-1991. General Contractor, California, 1981-present. Real Estate Broker, California, 1981-present. Member: California State Bar Board of Governors Acknowledgement and Commendation for Voluntary Legal Services, 1984-1987; California Western School of Law Alumni Association, 1981-present; Alumni Association of Michigan State University, 1981-present. San Diego Jewish Academy Board of Trustees, 1998-2000; Jewish Federation, Women’s Division, 1990—2005. Judge Pro Tem, Acting Settlement Judge. Court Appointed Minors Counsel, 1999-2010. (Certified Specialist, Domestic Relations – Family Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization), 1995—present.