Julia S. Ferguson

As a Certified Family Law Specialist, Julia S. Ferguson is an expert credentialed with one of the most rigorous legal qualifications in California family law. She has extensive experience representing clients, including engineers and technology specialists, in their divorce by litigation, mediation, or as consulting counsel. She serves as a volunteer settlement officer in Santa Clara Superior Court and volunteer attorney assistant for status conferences in San Mateo Superior Court.

Julia is a strong proponent of negotiated settlements to achieve the best outcome in family law matters. When settlement is not possible, Julia is courtroom ready and experienced in advocating for her clients’ rights in disputes over dissolution of marriage, custody, support, nullities, property division and post-judgment set-asides. She considers each case unique and favors tailored strategies over formulaic, cookie-cutter litigation approaches as the best way to protect and advocate for her clients.

Julia views children as unwitting participants who should be the top priority in cases where parents are divorcing. She seeks to minimize the negative effects to children throughout all divorce proceedings whether she represents the parent in litigation, represents the child’s best interests as minor’s counsel, or serves as parenting coordinator to facilitate empathic and efficient dispute resolution of child-related matters.

“In one of my first court appearances in San Mateo, a family law judge said, ‘Children learn how to love based on how their parents treat each other.’ This deeply resonated with me and still does. Whenever possible, children deserve to have safe, loving and positive relationships with both of their parents.”

Because divorce and family law litigation can be stressful and emotional, Julia invests in establishing a productive and communicative relationship with her clients from the start. During the initial client interview, both Julia and the prospective client can use the opportunity to determine whether they are a good fit. Julia is known for her honest and self-effacing approach—she encourages potential clients to interview at least three family law attorneys prior to engagement. Julia will not hesitate to refer a potential client to another attorney if she believes a client would be better served.

A graduate of the University of Colorado Law School at Boulder, Julia began her legal career practicing in the areas of intellectual property and commercial litigation with the local San Jose law firm of Skjerven Morrill LLP and, later, with the international law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. She was a founding member of Robin, Ferguson & Kempton, LLP and is a founding member of Kempton Ferguson, LLP.

When Julia is not practicing law, she enjoys listening to Giants’ games on the radio, reading fiction, attempting to improve her chess game, hiking Bay Area trails and spending time with her grown daughter.