Leslie A. Ryland, Family Law Attorney in San Diego, California
San Diego, CA
Trusted family law attorney serving San Diego.
Practices in
Are you Leslie A. Ryland?
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Quick answer
Leslie A. Ryland is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Schaffer Family Law Group APC.
- Based in
- San Diego, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from San Diego, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Leslie A. Ryland: Leslie A. Ryland is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Schaffer Family Law Group APC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Leslie takes on
Leslie concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Leslie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in San Diego, California
Leslie 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 Leslie agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Leslie A. Ryland — family law lawyer in San Diego
Leslie A. Ryland is an attorney based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Schaffer Family Law Group APC.
Leslie Ryland is a seasoned attorney who has spent the last three decades representing clients in all types of family law matters, with a special focus on custody issues. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist, a special designation from the State Bar of California reserved for attorneys who have “demonstrated a high level of experience in the specialty field, fulfilled ongoing education requirements and been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with their work.”
While she has successfully litigated all types of family law disputes, including complex financial matters and highly contested custody cases, she is also a skilled mediator. Leslie is always prepared to take a case to court if needed but prefers to work with both parties to either negotiate a mediated settlement or participate in a collaborative divorce.
Leslie began her legal career at a large San Diego law firm, working on a variety of litigation and transactional matters, in addition to handling some estate planning and bankruptcy work. A mother of five children, Leslie later found that she had a passion for family law and helping individuals and families resolve their issues as amicably as possible.
A leader in San Diego’s legal community, Leslie is the President-Elect of Collaborative Practice San Diego, an association of attorneys, mental health professionals and financial advisors working to promote collaborative processes and peaceful resolution of family law issues. She previously served as the organization’s Secretary and has also served on the Board of Directors of the North County Bar Association since 2018.
Leslie earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from the University of California San Diego, and her law degree from the University of California Los Angeles School of Law. She has been named to the Best Lawyers list every year since 2017 and was named a Super Lawyer in 2020.
Working with Leslie on a family law matter
Leslie Ryland is a seasoned attorney who has spent the last three decades representing clients in all types of family law matters, with a special focus on custody issues. She is a Certified Family Law Specialist, a special designation from the State Bar of California reserved for attorneys who have “demonstrated a high level of experience in the specialty field, fulfilled ongoing education…
Clients Leslie works with
Leslie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California Los Angeles
— · 1989
University of San Diego
— · 1985
Leslie studied at — in University of California Los Angeles and — in University of San Diego.
Law school and academic background
Leslie completed — in University of California Los Angeles and — in University of San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Leslie runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Leslie has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers (2026).
Locations
Leslie A. Ryland's office in San Diego
Leslie's primary office is at 12520 High Bluff Drive, Suite 350, San Diego, California, 12520. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Schaffer Family Law Group APC
12520 High Bluff Drive, Suite 350
San Diego, California 12520
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Leslie A. Ryland — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Leslie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Leslie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Leslie'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; Leslie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 Leslie
Leslie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law 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. Leslie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Leslie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Leslie A. Ryland
How much does it cost to hire Leslie for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Leslie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Leslie offer a free consultation?
Leslie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Leslie's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Leslie's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in California typically take?
Simple family law 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. Leslie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Leslie take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Leslie 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 — Leslie 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 Leslie?
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. Leslie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Leslie accepting new family law clients right now?
Leslie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Leslie handles family law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law 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
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in California
If Leslie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




