Expert Background Tailored for High Stakes Divorce and Custody Matters
Kiana’s unique background enables her to understand complex business issues, the un-spoken emotions behind them, and find productive, creative solutions in the division of marital estates. She has established a professional reputation for discreetness, thoroughness, strategic thinking, loyalty, and dedication to client service. She has been consistently included as one of Northern California’s “Super Lawyers” since 2010.
Experienced and Knowledgeable Family Law Litigator and Negotiator
Kiana handles cases that range from complex financial issues and extensive marital estates to high-conflict custody matters. Adept at negotiating resolutions and aggressively pursuing litigated outcomes, she also handles straightforward family law cases, pre-and post-marital agreements, and mediated settlements as consulting counsel.
Kiana has expertise in working with employees and entrepreneurs of companies of all sizes, from early-stage through IPO. She has ample experience with all types of assets including founders’ shares, restricted stock, stock options, carried interest, general and limited and partnership interests, real estate developments, professional practices, real estate developments, restaurants, bars, and intellectual property such as royalties.
Kiana also specializes in contested custody disputes. She has also obtained several successful results for her clients in move-away/relocation disputes. She also represents clients in pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Additionally, she will act as consulting counsel to divorce mediation.
Choosing the Right Forum and Bringing in the Best Team
With each case, Kiana finds it essential to determine the most advantageous forum for the client, whether it is through out-of-court settlement, consulting counsel in mediation, private judges, or strategic litigation. When appropriate, she strategizes with her tailored network of outside consultants including forensic accountants, wealth managers, estate planners, corporate counsel, custody experts, therapists, and others. Kiana aims not only to help her clients achieve favorable results in their divorce, she is committed to setting them up for their happier lives post-divorce.
While she is not traveling much these days, Kiana has been to about 50 countries, and loves learning about new cultures. These days, when not working, she spends her time with her family, friends, and beloved dog.
Cornell Law School, Juris Doctorate, Concentration in Business Law and Regulation, 2002
University of California, Berkeley, Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, Psychology, 1999
Harvard Law School, Advanced Negotiation Workshop, 2017
Multiple other negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law trainings
December 2016-2022 Top Women Attorneys, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015-2024 Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2010-2014 Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
U.S. News and Best Lawyers recognition in family law in San Francisco
Family Law Research Associate for Dean of Cornell Law School, 2001-2002
State Bar of California
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
U.S. District, Central District of California
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Bar Association of San Francisco – Family Law (Chair of Barristers Section, 2011-2013)
Bar Associations of Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo – Family Law
Member, Jewish Bar Association of San Francisco
Advisor, Rainbowbetter.org
UBS Private Wealth Management, Family Law Basics for Financial Professionals
Andersen Tax, Family Law Basics for Financial Professionals
Bar Association of San Francisco, Family Law Solo Practice: Starting And Making It Last
Bar Association, Goodwill in the Legal and Medical Profession: How This Asset Can Be Divided And Valued In Your Divorce
Google, Family Law Issues in the LGBT Community
Second Saturday Divorce Workshop, San Mateo
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