Monica Mazzei is a Shareholder in Buchalter’s San Francisco office and the chair of the Firm’s Family Law group. Monica is a Certified Family Law Specialist representing high net worth clients. She represents clients throughout California, with a concentration in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, as well as Los Angeles.

For over two decades, Monica has specialized in dissolution actions involving complicated valuation and financial matters, complex community property, support issues and international issues, and dissolutions of marriage matters involving hedge funds, private equity, venture capital and privately held businesses. She also drafts and negotiates cohabitation agreements, pre-marital and post-marital agreements.

Monica takes a modern approach to the practice of family law – addressing various needs for her clients related and unrelated to their family law case. Monica has relationships with top professionals such as forensic accountants, mental health professionals, real estate agents, financial advisors and business valuation experts. She also works closely with estate planning attorneys to offer creative solutions for her clients and ensure their agreements reflect their current objectives.

Monica is a frequent lecturer and speaker on family law matters. She is a staunch advocate against domestic abuse in her pro bono work.

Awards and Honors

  • Named Top 10 Best Family Lawyers by the National Academy of Family Lawyers, 2024
  • Included in Marquis Who’s Who of Family Law, 2024
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers, 2025
  • Best Lawyers in America, Family Law, 2024 & 2025
  • Vogue Magazine’s Influential Women of San Francisco, Winter 2024
  • Top Women Attorneys in Northern California, The American Registry, 2024
  • California Super Lawyer, 2015-2023
  • International Chambers High Net Worth, Family/Matrimonial Law, 2017-2020
  • 10 Best Attorneys in California, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2016 and 2017
  • Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40 in California, The American Society of Legal Advocates, 2013-2017
  • Outstanding Volunteer Award for Public Service, the Justice and Diversity Center of the San Francisco Bar Association, 2008, 2011, and 2015
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2011-2014
  • Top 40 National Trial Lawyers Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers, 2014

Professional Involvement

  • Member, Lawyers of Distinction.
  • Member, Family Law and the International Law sections of the American Bar Association.
  • Member, San Francisco Bar Association.
  • Member, Beverly Hills Bar Association Family Law section.
  • Member, Marin County Bar Association.
  • Member, San Mateo County Bar Association.
  • Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers.
  • Member, National Italian American Bar Association.
  • Past Co-Chair, San Francisco Bar Association, Barristers Family Law Section.

Additional Specialties

Family Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution