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Gordon D. Cruse, ADR Attorney in San Diego, California

focused on ADR and Family Law

Trusted adr attorney serving San Diego.

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Gordon D. Cruse is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Currently practicing at Gordon D. Cruse APLC.

Based in
San Diego, CALIFORNIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
ADR · Family Law
  • Handles ADR and Family Law matters from San Diego, CALIFORNIA.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego) (2025).

About Gordon D. Cruse: Gordon D. Cruse is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Currently practicing at Gordon D. Cruse APLC.

Areas of practice

Gordon's practice areas in San Diego

Gordon concentrates on adr and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gordon handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in San Diego, California

Gordon takes adr matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gordon agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in San Diego, California

Gordon takes family law matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gordon agrees to represent you.

Biography

Gordon D. Cruse, adr attorney serving San Diego

Gordon D. Cruse is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Currently practicing at Gordon D. Cruse APLC. Gordon works from San Diego, California and takes on adr matters across the region.

This firm is devoted exclusively to the practice of family law. Mr. Cruse and his three support staff handle complex family law cases and child custody disputes. Mr. Cruse is in his 43rd year of the practice of law. His clients are business professionals, business owners, military officers, those with professional practices and the financially independent. Mr. Cruse is a recognized expert in electronic discovery.

Working with Gordon on a adr matter

This firm is devoted exclusively to the practice of family law. Mr. Cruse and his three support staff handle complex family law cases and child custody disputes. Mr. Cruse is in his 43rd year of the practice of law. His clients are business professionals, business owners, military officers, those with professional practices and the financially independent. Mr. Cruse is a recognized expert in…

Who Gordon represents

Gordon reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr and family law matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Gordon studied and practices

  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law

    — · 1982

Jurisdictions

Gordon's state bar admissions

  • California, The Stat

    ACTIVE

Gordon studied at — in Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

Law school and academic background

Gordon completed — in Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gordon runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Gordon's legal honors and published work

Gordon has received 11 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego)

    2025

  • Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego)

    2022

  • Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego)

    2017

  • Lawyer of the Year — Family Law (San Diego)

    2015

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Arbitration

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Wiley Manuel Award

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Norby Award

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — Family Law Mediation (San Diego) (2017). Lawyer of the Year — Family Law (San Diego) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation (2026).

Locations

Gordon D. Cruse's office in San Diego

Gordon's primary office is at 402 West Broadway, Suite 900, San Diego, California, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gordon D. Cruse APLC

402 West Broadway, Suite 900

San Diego, California 92101

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Gordon D. Cruse

Gordon has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Gordon D. Cruse — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gordon usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Gordon charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gordon's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Gordon will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in San Diego, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Gordon

Gordon discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Gordon confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Gordon's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Gordon D. Cruse

  • How much does it cost to hire Gordon for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gordon walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Gordon offer a free consultation?

    Gordon charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gordon's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Gordon's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in California typically take?

    Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Gordon gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Gordon take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

    Gordon is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Gordon will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Gordon?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Gordon will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Gordon accepting new adr clients right now?

    Gordon's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Gordon handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Gordon's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.