About Us
Get to Know Us
Seaside Family Law, APC serves the San Diego area with measurable success. We pride ourselves on a deep tradition of excellence, ensuring only the highest quality service. We understand the challenges and pressure that come with every case and are here for you, every step of the way. Dependable, calm, and empathetic, our team of legal professionals add the personal touch our clients deserve while approaching each new case with the attention it needs. We believe that a good outcome starts with compassion and personalized service, so that you can put your trust in our skill and experience. Get in touch with us today.
Lauren Schmidt,
Esq., CLS-F
Attorney & Certified Legal Specialist in Family Law
Lauren is the owner of Seaside Family Law and a Board certified expert in Family Law matters (CLS-F). Lauren has been assisting clients in family law matters for over a decade. Lauren is empathetic, yet strong, in her approach and abilities. Whether litigating matters in the courtroom, or working toward an amicable resolution, she works hard to protect the interests and rights of her clients in each family law matter. She is acutely aware that these proceedings have significant impacts on the families she represents and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome in each case. Lauren will work with you to provide a customized legal strategy based on your individual needs and will do so with compassion, care, and intellect.
More About Lauren
Education
Lauren earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law, graduating with honors with a Concentration in International Legal Studies and a Certificate in International Mediation. She was an Associate Editor for the California Western Law Review, California Western International Law Journal. Lauren also served as a member of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Team, competing in various nationwide Moot Court Competitions. She served as the International Law Society Philanthropy Chair. Lauren was recognized for her excellence in International Legal Studies, she was on the Dean’s List, and also received an Academic Achievement Award while in law school.
Prior to law school, Lauren graduated cum laude from Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Legal Studies Option and a Minor in Sociology. While completing her undergraduate studies, Lauren played on the Virginia Tech Women's Rugby team and served as the team's President. She was also a player on the U-23 All Star Team.
Experience
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​Before opening Seaside Family Law, Attorney Schmidt was a Partner at a large Family Law firm and also worked as an associate attorney in civil litigation. During law school, Lauren was honored to serve as a Judicial Extern for the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, and an intern for the U.S. Department of Justice.
Mediation and Cross-Cultural Negotiation Experience
Throughout her undergraduate and law school career, Lauren was fortunate enough to study abroad in Italy, England and the Czech Republic. During these travels, Lauren obtained a Certificate in International Mediation. During law school, she also served as a law clerk to Bridge Mediation, researching and editing articles and a manual for a Cross-Cultural Negotiations course. This experience furthered her training in international mediation and negotiation. These skills provide Lauren with the assets necessary to negotiate a fair and amicable resolution for her family law clients.
Professional Affiliations & Accolades
State Bar of California, Active Member
Super Lawyers, Top Rated Attorney - Selected to Super Lawyers 2022-2023; Rising Stars 2019
Certified Legal Specialist, Family Law
Member, American Bar Association
Member, San Diego County Bar Association
Member, San Diego Family Law Bar Association
Member, Orange County Bar Association
Barrister and Team Leader, J. Clifford Wallace Inn of Court
Public Trust Security Clearance through U.S. Department of Justice
​Community Involvement
J. Clifford Wallace Inn of Court, Barrister, 2014 to the present. Team leader for Continuing Legal Education presentation; Winner of “Wally Award” for best CLE presentation two consecutive years. Work collaboratively with legal professionals and judiciary to strengthen skills and promote professionalism and ethics.
Include Autism (fka Community Coaching Center), Volunteer (2006 – 2016) & Member of the Board of Directors (2013 – 2016). Assistance with managing non-profit social behavior development and inclusion program for adolescents and teens diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as fundraising and event planning.
Street Law San Diego, Administrative Coordinator & Teacher, 2006 – 2009. Selected student teachers and secured schools to participate in the program. Organized a mock trial competition and contacted local judges to participate. Taught a legal concepts course to “at-risk” high school students. Prepared select students for annual high school mock trial competition.
The Benefits of Representation by a Certified Family Law Specialist
The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization sets rigorous standards to certify the attorney as a State Certified Specialist in the State of California. In order to qualify for certification in Family Law, an attorney must have taken and passed a written examination in Family Law. Additionally, an attorney must have demonstrated a high level of expertise in Family Law, both inside and outside of the courtroom, complete ongoing educational requirements, and receive favorable peer reviews from both attorneys and judges who confirm the attorney's abilities and competence in the field. A limited number of Family Law attorneys earn the distinction of becoming a Certified Specialist.
Publications
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Multifaceted Tool to Avoid Alien Tort Claims Act Litigation While Simultaneously Building a Better Business Reputation, 40 Cal. W. Int’l L.J. 55 (2009).
From Dollars to Pesos: A Comparison of the United States and Colombian Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives from an International Perspective, 38 Cal. W. Int’l L.J. 419 (2008)