Alissa Kempton
Partner
Education
University of California College of Law, San Francisco
J.D. 2003 (formerly University of California Hastings College of the Law) Member: UC Law San Francisco International and Comparative Law Journal
Bucknell University
Cum laude, B.A., Political Science
Admissions
California Bar, 2003
Certification
Certified in Collaborative Practice
Affiliations
- Collaborative Practice of San Mateo County
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- San Mateo and Santa Clara Bar Association
Recognition
Northern California Super Lawyers (2017-2024)
As a family law attorney since 2003, Alissa Kempton has helped her clients move through one of the worst experiences in their lives to a more positive space. Alissa is highly experienced in litigation, mediation, collaborative practice, and acting as consulting counsel to reach closure in divorces and related financial and child custody disputes.
The welfare of children in the divorce process is a focal point for Alissa—she believes that the court system is not the ideal forum to best serve a child’s needs. She has seen how the court process can increase conflict between parents, which in turn can have a negative impact on the children.
When children are part of a divorce, Alissa pursues every avenue possible to keep the case from going to court. However, should any matter require litigation, she is a tested trial strategist known for her courtroom readiness. Alissa is a certified practitioner of collaborative practice. She served as chair and co-chair of the San Mateo Collaborative Practice Group and is a member of the Collaborative Practice of San Mateo County and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). Collaborative practice agreements rely on effective communication, and Alissa is skilled at utilizing the techniques and emotional and psychological resources that support a collaborative team approach. She volunteers for San Mateo and Santa Clara Superior Court as a mediator and has built a productive network of relationships in the family law community.
Alissa is a proponent of mediation, collaborative practice and negotiated settlement as a more civil and optimal way for parties to drive what happens in their lives, keep information flowing freely and ultimately achieve a more enduring agreement. Alissa’s compassionate and holistic handling of clients’ cases includes empowering her clients to understand the issues, make decisions and effectively navigate the divorce process.
In her spare time, Alissa enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, pilates, dancing, running and reading.
Community Involvement
- Chair of San Mateo Collaborative Practice Group (2020 and 2021)
- Co-chair of San Mateo Collaborative Practice Group (2018 and 2019)
- Board Member for Art in Action (2020-2022)
- Member of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) (2021-2025)
- Member of the National Charity League (NCL) (2022-2027)