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. Monica specializes in dissolution actions involving complicated valuation and financial matters, and complex community property and support issues, including international issues, dissolutions of marriage matters involving hedge funds, private equity, venture capital and privately held businesses. She drafts and negotiates cohabitation agreements, pre-marital and post-marital agreements. As a mediator for pre-marital agreements, Monica helps to identify the thoughts and concerns of both parties in a non-confrontational setting. Mediation helps clients discuss difficult topics, which allows Monica to create a financial structure that works for both parties. 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 to financial advisors and other professional groups. She is a staunch advocate against domestic abuse in her pro bono work. Monica is regularly recognized by top industry publications for her work. She has been named a California Super Lawyer from 2015-2023 and Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2011-2014. She was recognized in the International Chambers High Net Worth 2017-2020 guide for Family/Matrimonial Law. In 2008, 2011, and 2015 she received the “Outstanding Volunteer Award for Public Service” from the Justice and Diversity Center of the San Francisco Bar Association. She has been named one of the “10 Best Attorneys in California” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, in 2016 and 2017. In 2014, she was selected as one of the “Top 40 National Trial Lawyers Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers. From 2013-2017 she was selected as one of the Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40 in California by the American Society of Legal Advocates.

Amy H. McAuley brings a unique combination of skills and experience to her practice dedicated entirely to family law. This includes over ten years of litigation experience in the areas of Child and Family Law and in both public and private sectors, as well as ten years experience in the mental health and social service fields. Amy’s interest in the issues of children and families began after earning her degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University in 1989. Amy attended Loyola University Law School and graduated in 1999. Amy has spent the last seven years exclusively practicing Family Law. Amy continues to be inspired by making an important difference in the lives of her clients through zealous representation, compassionate counsel, and superior litigation skills. She continues to work to defend children and find solutions for families through her work as a Court Approved Child Representative/Guardian Ad Litem for Cook County and Lake County. Amy is also committed to social justice issues and provides pro bono legal representation for disadvantaged parents through organizations such as The Family Defense Center. She is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Lake County Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association.

While in college, he participated in and received a US Army ROTC commission and had various world-wide assignments. His favorite being an aide-de-camp for a Brigadier General in Munich Germany. He received 2 Army Commendation medals, one after serving during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. After being promoted to Major and being selected to attend the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, he decided to attend Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He excelled there and also participated in student government as a Senator. After graduating, the President of the law school gave him a job to set up a program that assisted students in preparation for the Bar Exam. After passing the Bar Exam, Don started his own law practice and has been a marital and family law attorney for over 25 years. He has a 5 Star rating and has aspirations of becoming a Circuit Court Judge.