Gordon D. Cruse, ADR Attorney in San Diego, California
focused on ADR and Family Law
San Diego, CA
Trusted adr attorney serving San Diego.
- 1
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Are you Gordon D. Cruse?
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Quick answer
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.
Gordon D. Cruse APLC
402 West Broadway, Suite 900
San Diego, California 92101
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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