Karen Smith

Karen Smith brings nearly two decades of experience practicing California family law, including 18 years as the founder and managing attorney of her own family law firm. She also spent five years as the managing attorney of a domestic violence legal center, where she developed extensive experience representing clients in domestic violence matters and complex, high-conflict custody disputes. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Karen has called Northern California home for more than 25 years.

Karen’s practice encompasses the full range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, property division, parentage, domestic violence, and post-judgment matters. Throughout her career, she has developed particular experience handling high-conflict divorce and custody cases, including matters involving difficult co-parenting dynamics, allegations of abuse, contested parenting arrangements, and parties who are unable to reach agreement without court intervention.

Having managed her own family law practice for nearly two decades, Karen brings a practical and strategic perspective to every case. She understands that no two families are alike and that effective representation begins with identifying what matters most to the client, evaluating the legal and practical issues, and developing a strategy designed around the client’s goals. She works toward negotiated solutions when they serve the client’s interests, while remaining prepared to advocate firmly in court when litigation is necessary.

Karen’s years representing survivors of domestic violence have given her particular insight into the power dynamics, safety concerns, and emotional complexities that can arise in divorce and custody proceedings. She recognizes that high-conflict family law cases often require more than knowledge of the law—they require careful judgment, thoughtful strategy, and the ability to distinguish issues that genuinely matter from those that can unnecessarily escalate conflict. Karen also believes strongly that clients should understand what is happening in their case and why. She places a high priority on keeping clients informed, explaining their options clearly, and helping them make educated decisions about both immediate issues and their longer-term goals.

Outside of the practice of law, Karen plays the drums, carves wood sculptures, and is writing a nonfiction book. She enjoys walking her two huskies on the beach and spending time with her son and his family.