Founded in 2010, List Jacobson-Kwok Thorndal, LLP is a family law firm based in Oakland, California. We proudly serve clients in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Santa Clara and beyond. We are committed to providing each of our clients with top notch legal support, effective advice and compassion.
We approach every client with a focus on integrity, advocacy, and understanding. We work closely with you to carefully determine the best plan to effectuate your desired outcome, all while keeping you involved and informed. We are your team. Dependable, experienced and thoughtful, List Jacobson-Kwok Thorndal adds the personal touch our clients deserve whilst approaching each matter with the individual attention it needs.
We approach every client with a focus on integrity, advocacy, and understanding. We work closely with you to carefully determine the best plan to effectuate your desired outcome, all while keeping you involved and informed. We are your team. Dependable, experienced and thoughtful, List Jacobson-Kwok Thorndal adds the personal touch our clients deserve whilst approaching each matter with the individual attention it needs.
Services
Michelle Jacobson-Kwok is a founding partner of List Jacobson-Kwok Thorndal, LLP. Her practice focuses on family law litigation cases including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child and spousal support, division of property and domestic violence/civil harassment restraining orders (defense and prosecution).
Paul W. Thorndal is an experienced family law litigator and mediator who has practiced law in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1995. A senior litigation attorney with broad experience in both trial and appellate litigation, he has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts throughout California.
Reviews (20)
Michael S.
May 18, 2021
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My review is for Michelle Jacobson-Kwok of LJT Law Group. She represented me on a custodial/support case from 2018-2021. After researching several family law attorneys, I was fortunate to meet Michelle who took my case. She became a tireless advocate for my son and me at a very difficult time post-divorce. In a perfect world, former spouses would work together for the benefit of their children. But when that doesn't happen, you need an experienced attorney and advocate like Michelle.
Throughout it all, she was so patient with me and never promised false hope but laid out the facts and the
Throughout it all, she was so patient with me and never promised false hope but laid out the facts and the
Douglas T.
Oct 11, 2019
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This review is for Amanda List.
Amanda is an excellent attorney who I highly recommend to anyone, and especially anyone going through a high conflict divorce. Amanda helped me successfully conclude my divorce, with all important matters decided in ways acceptable to me. Before Amanda took over my divorce that did not seem like a likely outcome. As soon as she took over the case, first I stopped losing ground, and then I started winning.
For context, I had a different lawyer in this case before Amanda, and that lawyer was entirely competent as a lawyer, and wrote very well in all the court
Amanda is an excellent attorney who I highly recommend to anyone, and especially anyone going through a high conflict divorce. Amanda helped me successfully conclude my divorce, with all important matters decided in ways acceptable to me. Before Amanda took over my divorce that did not seem like a likely outcome. As soon as she took over the case, first I stopped losing ground, and then I started winning.
For context, I had a different lawyer in this case before Amanda, and that lawyer was entirely competent as a lawyer, and wrote very well in all the court
Kristi S.
Apr 12, 2019
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I kind of owe my life to Amanda (and my sanity). Trust. Value. She is worth her weight in gold! Sharp. Whip-smart (understatement). Reasonable. Fast. Trustworthy. Level-headed. She commands her presence. Even the most confident opposing attorneys fold under her powers. Why? Simple. She knows the law and doesn't hesitate to reveal that. I spent waaaaay more money with the 3 previous attorneys I hired that had a lower hourly rate. They made no progress!!! If you're lucky enough to find her with room in her schedule for you, don't hesitate. You WILL save money in the long run. I was
June W.
Apr 18, 2018
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I was extremely concerned about finding a good divorce attorney, as my ex was being very aggressive regarding our impending divorce. I was in a vulnerable financial situation,as well as a fragile mental state, to say the least. Enter Amanda List (sound the trumpets!). Amanda took care of everything, continually assured me that all would be well, was a bulldog when required, and was always on top of her game and the situation. This is an "A" type of gal, that likes to get things done and totally knows her profession. She does whatever she can to mitigate your expenses, and make you
Katie S.
Mar 13, 2018
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I originally didn't need counsel for my divorce as it was uncontested, but it quickly became contested with disgusting allegations of abuse and myself being unstable to care for my children. I quickly obtained Amanda as counsel. She was on my side every step of the way, told me like it was, offered up ways to save me money and in the end, I got more than what I even asked for. I honestly cannot explain how amazing Amanda was, and how knowledgable she was on every aspect of the divorce proceedings. My ex quickly realized that when it comes to lawyers at least in the divorce court, you get
Tee O.
Aug 25, 2017
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This review is of Michelle Jacobson-Kwok.
Michelle represented me in a fairly complicated custodial case from 2011-2012 and again in 2014-2015. I cannot emphasize how amazing she is! She was good in 2011-2012, but when she represented me again in 2014, it was obvious that her skill set had exponentially increased! Michelle was not only professional, but she was quick to respond to my questions and concerns, including on weekends when the firm was closed. I always felt like she cared about me personally and not only as a client. She definitely got the job done and was direct in her communication
Michelle represented me in a fairly complicated custodial case from 2011-2012 and again in 2014-2015. I cannot emphasize how amazing she is! She was good in 2011-2012, but when she represented me again in 2014, it was obvious that her skill set had exponentially increased! Michelle was not only professional, but she was quick to respond to my questions and concerns, including on weekends when the firm was closed. I always felt like she cared about me personally and not only as a client. She definitely got the job done and was direct in her communication
William Y.
Apr 20, 2017
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I am a gentleman that filed for divorce back in August of 2013. I immediately sought counsel from Amanda at LJT Law Group to get me through a nightmarish episode in life. "Nightmare" barely defines some of the hardships that were encountered: Drug and alcohol abuse, child custody, restraining orders, constant police intervention and brutal counter legal hurdles! If you want to describe "ugly," I was living it! Through the process and that arena, I was quite lucky that Amanda was on my team. She was my "quarterback" and she never flinched! We went to battle and
Sean G.
Aug 19, 2016
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Amanda List was my divorce attorney and she is fantastic. If your future former spouse is belligerent, evasive, slow to move on the case, and unwilling to accept reality, Amanda is the best attorney you can ask for. She is a consummate professional in interactions with the other side but can also be very tough when necessary. She was always forthright with me about my rights as well as responsibilities, and she has excellent command of the procedural pathways to get her clients their due. In negotiation she gave great advice about when to take a deal and when to push for more. She was always quick
T. M.
Dec 22, 2015
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I am so incredibly thankful for the wonderful support and representation I received from Amanda List. She was recommended by my financial advisor, as she had helped other people she knew. Amanda is brilliant, no-nonsense, and made a very difficult situation resolve quickly and (relatively) painlessly, after having had dragged on for years (years!!!) before seeing her. The settlement was fair, even-handed, protected my child, and freed me from being afraid of my ex. She got my ex "handled", he cooperated, and it all settled quickly. And her staff- Anjulee really is kind and angelic, and
Selma R.
Sep 12, 2015
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Amanda deserves a special yelp stars score on her own. She is in my opinion an incomparable leader in family law.
Amanda helped me get an excellent custody and settlement agreement under difficult circumstances even when my dealings with my ex got extremely complicated and in less than one year I was divorced .... She worked very hard to have all my previous attorney's mistakes corrected and thanks to her remarkable knowledge and efforts the settlement was reached before court date so that I could avoid the aggravation and expense of going to trial.
Throughout the entire process Amanda
Amanda helped me get an excellent custody and settlement agreement under difficult circumstances even when my dealings with my ex got extremely complicated and in less than one year I was divorced .... She worked very hard to have all my previous attorney's mistakes corrected and thanks to her remarkable knowledge and efforts the settlement was reached before court date so that I could avoid the aggravation and expense of going to trial.
Throughout the entire process Amanda
Dawn K.
Mar 10, 2015
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I am soooo lucky to have found Michelle. I was looking for a new divorce attorney after my retainer on the first one was virtually gone with nothing to show for it - no spousal support or child support four months after my ex had filed for divorce...and I was unemployed at the time! Fortunately, an inheritance helped me manage but I needed to save ever dime of that inheritance to try to buy my ex out of the family home. My ex made it clear that I had to buy him out or he would force the sale of the family home - even though our daughter had another three years to before graduating from high school
Rory S.
Jan 23, 2015
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I reached out to Michelle recently for advice on a potential child custody issue. My knowledge of the process was limited to some internet research and advice from friends. I called on a Monday afternoon and was assigned a 9 am appointment the next day. I met Michelle at her office and spent one hour where we covered just about every scenario I might encounter. I left so much smarter and confident that I wouldn't be steamrolled by the system. The advice I received proved critical in standing up for my rights and ultimately forcing a reconciliation with my partner who was threatening to move
A. S.
Apr 14, 2014
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Amanda List and everyone at LJK Law Group are exactly what is right and good in the legal profession. Amanda is direct, honest, and a fierce advocate for me. The office staff, Anjulee, is awesome, friendly, and always happy to answer my questions. Amanda takes control and gets things moving, even if they have been dragging on for years. And she always takes the time to explain the law and the options so I could make the right decision. She cleared my case like a dr cutting out a cancer. My only regret is not having found her sooner.
Kris C.
Mar 16, 2014
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Amanda List is the Angel of Mercy of Divorce and everyone at LJK Law Group are amazing! Amanda is exactly what my bully/alcoholic Narcissistic Ex needed! She was my personal mute button I needed for years. Amanda guided me, kept me calm, defended me and kept my son safe. I knew the minute I met her she was the ONLY lawyer for me. Her straight forward take no prisoners style was exactly what we needed and thanks to her I NEVER saw a courtroom, mediator or evaluator. We hammered out the settlement and the judge stamped it! Done deal thanks to her.
We got it done in 6 months and my ex was no picnic
We got it done in 6 months and my ex was no picnic
L. T.
Dec 04, 2013
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Life wasn't fair when it gave me an abusive husband or a long awful divorce. The only thing that was fair was that God gave me Michelle. Michelle Jacobson-Kwok handled my restraining order and divorce years ago when she worked for another company, although the company she worked for was nice Michelle was the gem. So, when my restraining order expired and the ex tried to contact me again, there was no hesitation on who to go to even though now Michelle opened up her own office. I knew I would go back to her no matter what. And I did. She was still quick at giving me options and plans on how
Tyson S.
Oct 07, 2013
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When the tail-end of custody negotiations with my son's mother began to go sour, I was referred to Michelle Jacobson-Kwok by my attorney who couldn't continue with my case because a personal health issue.
I'll spare the details of the case, but suffice to say, time was of the utmost essence. She took my call late on a Friday, and agreed to take my case with the stipulation that I'd be at her door Monday morning with my documents and retainer.
Being an anxious mess through the weekend, I took the opportunity to email her all of the .pdfs I had regarding the case, and was pleasantly
I'll spare the details of the case, but suffice to say, time was of the utmost essence. She took my call late on a Friday, and agreed to take my case with the stipulation that I'd be at her door Monday morning with my documents and retainer.
Being an anxious mess through the weekend, I took the opportunity to email her all of the .pdfs I had regarding the case, and was pleasantly
Grier C.
May 17, 2013
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I met with Amanda List for a custody modification case. I found her attitude to be condescending, flippant and completely unsympathetic. She didn't bother to read my court documents and after 15 minutes of discussion she told me I had no case (I have since been told by 2 other lawyers that I have a very strong case) then proceeded to try to sell me a $10,000 custody evaluation service provided by her professional associates. No other lawyers have suggested or discussed this type of service. I walked out of her office feeling demoralized and shocked at the treatment. If I could give her no
Joie L.
Sep 15, 2012
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Finding someone who you feel can confidently defend you in rocky, messy situations is not easy. I interviewed more than five attorneys before I met Michelle and I decided within two minutes of stepping into her office that she was going to represent me for my custsody proceedings.
Unfortunately, my situation was not so negotiable, so we had to go to court more than three times...but let me say, Michelle was up against a snarky, experienced(20+years), nasty, charicature of an attorney who had absolutely no scruples about saying inappropriate, nasty things about me or copiously spending my ex husband
Unfortunately, my situation was not so negotiable, so we had to go to court more than three times...but let me say, Michelle was up against a snarky, experienced(20+years), nasty, charicature of an attorney who had absolutely no scruples about saying inappropriate, nasty things about me or copiously spending my ex husband
Jeff W.
Aug 26, 2012
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This review is long overdue, and Michelle, if you are reading this, I apologize :)
I had another attorney prior to Michelle. I was extremely frustrated with my case dragging on and going no where, and had felt that I was being over-billed without a reasonable explanation. My divorce was already finalized after two long years (ridiculous since this was a long-term marriage with adult children). There were a few post-divorce issues such as 401K split and long-term spousal support (which I was challenging).
Ultimately, I came to the realization that I had hired a charlatan and it was time to fire
I had another attorney prior to Michelle. I was extremely frustrated with my case dragging on and going no where, and had felt that I was being over-billed without a reasonable explanation. My divorce was already finalized after two long years (ridiculous since this was a long-term marriage with adult children). There were a few post-divorce issues such as 401K split and long-term spousal support (which I was challenging).
Ultimately, I came to the realization that I had hired a charlatan and it was time to fire
Joy J.
Jun 23, 2011
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Amanda List from LJK is a ROCK STAR!
I have been battling my ex for 5 years now. We have been through hearings and full blown trials in two counties - Contra Costa and Alameda. I have seen him go through 3+ attorneys, and I have used and consulted with gosh...at least 6 of my own. I have sat in the court room and seen MANY attorneys fight their battles before 10+ different judges, and I have a number of divorced friends with their own attorney experiences. EVERY friend I have WISHES they had Amanda!
After 5 years of battling and going through numerous attorneys, I found Amanda! She has
I have been battling my ex for 5 years now. We have been through hearings and full blown trials in two counties - Contra Costa and Alameda. I have seen him go through 3+ attorneys, and I have used and consulted with gosh...at least 6 of my own. I have sat in the court room and seen MANY attorneys fight their battles before 10+ different judges, and I have a number of divorced friends with their own attorney experiences. EVERY friend I have WISHES they had Amanda!
After 5 years of battling and going through numerous attorneys, I found Amanda! She has
