The Law Offices of Mary McNeill
A family law firm serving Bay Area clients for over 25 years

Philosophy of Practice

For clients in relationship transitions, those transitions can mean radically different things.  Some breakups are unexpected and agonizingly painful, while others may result from a planned, mutually agreed upon process that leads to positive steps forward. 

Either way, relationship changes are challenging for parents and children alike.  Mary McNeill seeks to understand the meaning of that relationship change for each client, and address that client’s particular needs. With over 25 years’ experience in family law matters, Mary brings a nuanced understanding of the complex psychological, emotional, and legal issues that attend each case, and attempts to apply that understanding to ensure that her clients’ needs, and those of their children, if any, are addressed through her efforts.

Clients Served

Mary’s clients have been diverse over the years. Representing men and women in equal proportions, Mary’s clients have ranged the gamut – from poor to affluent, from vulnerable battering victims to high ranking police officers and public officials, and from homemakers to professionals, business owners, other family law attorneys and judges. Regardless of her client’s profession or station in life, Mary tailors her services to suit her clients’ needs, support them in making positive steps forward, and ensure that their rights are fully pursued.

Education, Experience, and Background

A graduate of U.C. Berkeley where she was named a Regents’ Scholar, and of University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, Mary has served as a Judge Pro Tempore in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and as court appointed counsel for minor children in Contra Costa County.  Named a SuperLawyer over 15 different years by Northern California SuperLawyers magazine, Mary has been recognized as being among the top 5% of attorneys in her field.  She has served as trial counsel in cases which have had statewide impact on California law and published several scholarly works on family law related matters.  Mary has been certified as a family law specialist by the State Bar of California since 1999.

As the founding coordinator of the Family Violence Project Victim Services Unit in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office before attending law school, and as a P.O.S.T. certified instructor at the San Francisco Police Academy for over 10 years, Mary has extensive experience with the courts, the criminal justice system, and in working with clients having a wide array of needs.

Contact/Referrals

The Law Offices of Mary McNeill has found its clients from the best referral sources – former clients and other attorneys.  To contact Mary, call (510) 528-3200. Email is actively used in Mary’s caseload, but phone is preferred for initial contact. We look forward to meeting you.