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 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.

Leslie was also featured as one of the Best Divorce Attorneys in San Diego of 2024 by Forbes Advisor.