×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔
James Morris Ratzer
Pro

James Morris Ratzer

4.9
18 reviews

505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite 130, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Family Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Child Custody and 27 more

About James Morris Ratzer

Certified Legal Specialist, Family Law, The California Board of Legal Specialization of The State Bar of California, 2007—. Judge Pro Tem, San Diego Count Superior Court-Family Law Settlements and Small Claims Court, 2005—. Volunteer Lawyer-San Diego County Volunteer Lawyer Program, 2006—. Instructor, Mira Costa College, "What Men Need To Know About Divorce" Adult Education Class, 2008—. Speaker, "Second Saturday - What Women Need To Know About Divorce" Adult Education Class, Mira Costa College. Instructor, High Conflict Diverson Program, "Strategies For Communication and Negotiating High Conflict Divorce, 2007—. Judge, University of San Diego School of Law, Appellate Moot Court Board, Paul A, McLennon Honors Moot Court Competition, 2007—. Judge, University of San Diego, Appellate Moot Court Board, National Criminal Procedure Competition, 2009—. Chair, San Diego Family Law Bar Association 2016 Summer Seminar "The Impact of Bankruptcy On Your Divorce Case"; Speaker, San Diego Family Law Bar Association 2015 Winter Seminar, Judicial Panel Moderator; Speaker, San Diego County Bar Association Certified Legal Specialist's 2011 Winter Seminar, Case and Statute Updates; Speaker, San Diego County Bar Association Certified Legal Specialist's 2008 Winter Seminar, Case and Statute Updates. Speaker - University of San Diego's Fifth Annual Nonprofit Governance Symposium, I Write the Songs: The Role of Founder," January 2009. Member, Board of Directors, "ARTS" A Reason To Survive, 2005—. Board Chair, "ARTS" A Reason To Survive, 2007-2009. Committee Member, City of Solana Beach, California, View Assessment Committee, 2004-2008. Member, USA Hockey. Coach, Solana Beach Soccer Club.

 

James Morris Ratzer (Solana Beach, California) View website

Awards

Client Reviewed
This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by a past client.
Champion Badge Reviewed
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

James Morris Ratzer got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for James

Have you consulted or hired this lawyer?

Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
4.9
See All Reviews
18
5.0
Lawyers.com
2
4.8
Martindale
10
5.0
Avvo
6
Showing 1-2 of 2 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
100%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
July 13, 2011
Hired Attorney

I would highly recommend Jim. He got the job done and didn't over charge. He actually cares about his clients, not like most divorce lawyers who are in it for the money and then leave you high and dry.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
October 19, 2015
Hired Attorney

For 1 1/2 year Jim Ratzer and firm helped us through numerous obstacles in Family Court, and my husband ultimately won primary custody of his Son. We hired Jim Ratzer after firing our first two ineffectual attorneys. Jim Ratzer and Morgan Dobis were straight-talking, no BS, and a conviction to fight for what was right. We battled for 18 months and attacked from every angle. Jim Ratzer, and attorney Morgan Dobis were stars. In the end my husband had primary custody and protection for the future.

 
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 7
    • Child Custody
    • Visitation Rights
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Paternity
    • Premarital Agreements
    • Spousal Support
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution 1
    • Mediation
  • Domestic Violence
  • Restraining Orders
  • Other 18
    • Cohabitation Agreements
    • Community Property Law
    • Asset Evaluation
    • Asset Division
    • Contempt of Court
    • Enforce Your Judgment
    • Grandparents Visitation Rights
    • Marvin Litigation
    • Name Changes
    • Palimony
    • Post Divorce Modification
    • Postnuptial Agreements
    • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
    • Separate Property
    • Separation Agreements
    • Alimony
    • Trial Visitation
    • Solana Beach Family Law Attorney

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1990, California
    1991, Illinois
    Memberships
    San Diego County (Member, San Diego County Bar Association Family Law Certified Specialists Committee, 2007—, Member, San Diego County Bar Association Family Law Certified Specialists Executive Committee, 2012- 2014
    Member, Lawyer Referral and Information Services)
    North San Diego County Bar Association (Member, Family Law Certified Specialists Committee, 2007—, President, North County Bar Association Certified Family Law Specialists Committee, 2013-2015. Memeber, San Diego Family Law Bar Association, 2012 -.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
    Class of 1990
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Iowa
    Class of 1985
    B.B.A.
    Legal Certifications
    Certified Specialist, Family Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Email James Morris Ratzer

Case type is required.
A valid zip code is required.
A valid city is required.
State is required.
Country is required.
Outside the US or Canada?
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

Contact Information

First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
City:
State:
Country:
Case Description:
Contact Information
First Name:
Last Name:
Email:
Phone Number:
Return to Profile

Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    James Morris Ratzer was admitted in 1990 to the State of California.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, James Morris Ratzer has a 4.8 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, James Morris Ratzer has a 5.0 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney accept major credit cards?
    Yes, James Morris Ratzer will accept American Express and MasterCard.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    James Morris Ratzer attended University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon information the lawyer has included on their profile, in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

These FAQs include information about a lawyer's background, but do not evaluate their knowledge of the law, past performance on individual cases, personality, or communication skills.

It is solely the responsibility of lawyers and law firms to ensure that any information they provide complies with all applicable laws and rules of professional conduct.

You should be aware that the information we rely upon may not be comprehensive, or frequently updated.

Always research the lawyer further to get a better understanding of their license credentials, disciplinary status, background, and experience.

Related Lawyers Near You

Lawyers.com Client Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Ratings™ display reviews submitted by individuals who have either hired or consulted the lawyers or law firms.

The Client Review Rating score is determined through the aggregation of validated responses. People who submit reviews are either individuals who consulted with the lawyer/law firm or who hired the lawyer/law firm and want to share their experience of that lawyer or law firm with other potential clients. Reviewers can be anyone who consults or hires a lawyer including in-house counsel, corporate executives, small business owners, and private individuals.

Martindale-Hubbell validates that a reviewer is a person with a valid email address. As part of the review process, respondents must affirm that they have had an initial consultation, are currently a client or have been a client of the lawyer or law firm identified, although Martindale-Hubbell cannot confirm the lawyer/client relationship as it is often confidential. The content of the responses is entirely from reviewers.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome and Martindale-Hubbell accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of any review. For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Client Review Ratings, please visit our Client Review Page

Martindale Peer Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ are the gold standard in attorney ratings, and have been for more than a century. These ratings indicate attorneys who are widely respected by their peers for their ethical standards and legal expertise in a specific area of practice.

The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings process is the gold standard due to its objectivity and comprehensiveness. Lawyers solicited for peer reviews include both those selected by the attorney being reviewed and lawyers independently selected by Martindale-Hubbell. All reviewers are verified as attorneys through Martindale-Hubbell’s extensive attorney database. Only attorneys practicing at least three years and receiving a sufficient number of reviews from non-affiliated attorneys are eligible to receive a Rating.

What are the different Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings?*

• AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

• Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Lawyers who have received peer reviews after 2009 will display more detailed information, including practice areas, summary ratings, detailed numeric ratings and written feedback (if available). Details for individual reviews received before 2009 are not displayed.

Attorneys that receive reviews from their peers, but not a sufficient number to establish a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, will have those reviews display on our websites.

For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings™, please visit our Ratings Page on Martindale.com and our Frequently Asked Questions

Avvo Client Reviews

Ratings and reviews are feedback from people who have either consulted an attorney about an issue (but may not have hired the attorney) or people who hired an attorney as a current or former client and provided their feedback to our sister site, Avvo.com.