Scott F. Levin Esq.
Mediator, Family Lawyer & Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
MEET THE CHIEF PEACEKEEPER™
San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law is a San Diego divorce and family law firm led by celebrated San Diego lawyer Scott Levin, who is recognized as among the very best family law attorneys in San Diego County.
Mr. Levin’s financial prowess and business experience helps his work in divorce and Scott serves as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ in San Diego and its communities. This financial expertise helps clients dramatically.
Best Rated Mediator for Divorce Attorney: Hundreds of 5 Star Client Review
The more than 250 5-star client testimonials Scott Levin divorce services shed light on the positive impact for our San Diego California community through Scott Levin’s unique talents. So many families benefit and more importantly so do our children.
Scott became an attorney in 2004, and is a graduate of the top rated public law school in the United States – University of Virginia School of Law. He is a family law attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and the founding partner at San Diego Divorce Mediation and Family Law.
Scott had a successful career as a litigation attorney and has extensive courtroom experience. But he transitioned our practice so it does not involve representation as litigators in the courtroom. He was one of the first attorneys to reject litigation cases in San Diego and to totally dive into the niche practice of mediation for the betterment of our neighbors, community, friends and family.
Scott Levin took a stand in 2014, the year he converted our firm with its current family law mediation focus. He decided to put his clients first after years of experiencing the destructive legal structure facing divorcing couples.
With his extensive knowledge of law, business, mediation, and negotiation, Scott Levin is a top-rated family law attorney who could make hundreds of thousands of dollars if he wished to litigate divorce cases. However, with his dedication to mediation, attorney Levin’s clients benefit from his experience, legal knowledge, and unique care and compassion for San Diego’s divorced families.
By providing a controlled, safe, and respectful environment, he facilitates the crafting of tailored agreements to resolve disputes quickly and dignifiedly.
Scott also teaches law school students as an adjunct professor at Western Sierra Law School in Oceanside, California. The courses are family law-related and mainly about community property and asset division, which is a specialty of Scott’s as a CDFA divorce financial planner, given his finance background.
So why did a graduate of a top 5 law school with a great career as a litigator leave it all behind to focus on mediation? Good question, and Scott would prefer to answer it himself in his own
voice…
Best Rated Mediator for Divorce Attorney: Hundreds of 5 Star Client Review
The more than 250 5-star client testimonials Scott Levin divorce servies shed light on the positive impact for our San Diego California community through Scott Levin’s unique talents. So many families benefit and more importantly so do our children.
Scott became an attorney in 2004, and is a graduate of the top rated public law school in the United States – University of Virginia School of Law. He is a family law attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and the founding partner at San Diego Divorce Mediation and Family Law.
Scott had a successful career as a litigation attorney and extensive courtroom experience. However, he transitioned our practice so that it does not involve representation as litigators in the courtroom. He was one of the first attorneys to reject litigation cases in San Diego and totally dive into the niche practice of mediation for the betterment of our neighbors, community, friends, and family.
Scott Levin took a stand in 2014, the year he converted our firm with its current family law mediation focus. He decided to put his clients first after years of experiencing the destructive legal structure facing divorcing couples.
With his extensive knowledge of law, business, mediation, and negotiation, Scott Levin is a top-rated family law attorney who could make hundreds of thousands of dollars if he wished to litigate divorce cases. However, with his dedication to mediation, attorney Levin’s clients benefit from his experience, legal knowledge, and unique care and compassion for San Diego’s divorced families.
By providing a controlled, safe, and respectful environment, he facilitates the crafting of tailored agreements to resolve disputes quickly and dignifiedly.
Scott also teaches law school students as an adjunct professor at Western Sierra Law School in Oceanside, California. The courses are family law-related and mainly about community property and asset division, which is a specialty of Scott’s as a CDFA divorce financial planner, given his finance background.
So why did a graduate of a top 5 law school with a great career as a litigator leave it all behind to focus on mediation? Good question, and Scott would prefer to answer it himself in his own
voice…
In his own words
People often ask me why I chose family law and mediation as my path.
The answer is this: In divorce, no two cases are alike. Every case is like a snowflake or fingerprint in that every situation is different. Yes, I am and always have been good with numbers, finance and math. But my passion is creativity, human impact and family.
In my practice, I don’t simply check boxes and provide template agreements. As a mediator, I help people through one of the biggest changes of their lives. And that gives me the opportunity to have a real impact on people’s lives.
After years of litigating and experiencing the destructive legal structure facing divorcing couples, I decided it was ultimately more important to me to protect families and children. I wanted to save families the time, money and mental stress that comes with divorce.
The number one question I’m asked during consultations is: “What if we don’t agree?”
The reality is that most of my clients are not in initial agreement and have not even talked about what a divorce settlement looks like. I remind people that just because they’re mediating does not mean they’re in agreement. But that’s where I, as the mediator, come in to help them.
Mediation is a practice; it’s an art form. The mediation itself is not the answer. It’s the person doing the mediation.
So much of my work as a mediator is evaluating how I can help each person, each couple, each family. I don’t have a one-size-fits-all blueprint. I love coming up with creative financial solutions and unique agreements that work best for everyone in the family. I write every agreement using my extensive experience and legal knowledge.
My clients often thank me for not making them feel as if they’re just another case file on top of a stack. They appreciate that when they work with Scott Levin, they’re getting me. And I stand behind that commitment to each individual, couple, and family.
People often ask me why I chose family law and mediation as my path.
The answer is this: In divorce, no two cases are alike. Every case is like a snowflake or fingerprint in that every situation is different. Yes, I am and always have been good with numbers, finance and math. But my passion is creativity, human impact and family.
In my practice, I don’t simply check boxes and provide template agreements. As a mediator, I help people through one of the biggest changes of their lives. And that gives me the opportunity to have a real impact on people’s lives.
After years of litigating and experiencing the destructive legal structure facing divorcing couples, I decided it was ultimately more important to me to protect families and children. I wanted to save families the time, money and mental stress that comes with divorce.
The number one question I’m asked during consultations is: “What if we don’t agree?”
The reality is that most of my clients are not in initial agreement and have not even talked about what a divorce settlement looks like. I remind people that just because they’re mediating does not mean they’re in agreement. But that’s where I, as the mediator, come in to help them.
Mediation is a practice; it’s an art form. The mediation itself is not the answer. It’s the person doing the mediation.
So much of my work as a mediator is evaluating how I can help each person, each couple, each family. I don’t have a one-size-fits-all blueprint. I love coming up with creative financial solutions and unique agreements that work best for everyone in the family. I write every agreement using my extensive experience and legal knowledge.
My clients often thank me for not making them feel as if they’re just another case file on top of a stack. They appreciate that when they work with Scott Levin, they’re getting me. And I stand behind that commitment to each individual, couple, and family.
The Mediator matters most to a successful divorce without court process
Many attorneys litigate cases and claim to also perform mediation. Scott focuses on a collaborative, mediation divorce process and does not litigate in court anymore. He focused on mediation and trained with top professionals in the field, dedicating his life to this practice.
Choosing to practice as a mediator exclusively for family law matters, Scott calls this practice peacekeeping. The United States Trademark & Patent Office trademarked the term Chief PeaceKeeper™ in alignment with the values and ethics of his legal practice.
Scott believes that peacekeeping is not just about resolving legal disputes, but also about preserving relationships and promoting harmony within families.
Through his dedication to mediation and peacekeeping, Scott has earned a reputation as a
trusted and compassionate mediator in the field of family law. His commitment to helping
families find peaceful resolutions to their disputes has made him a sought-after mediator in his community.
Many attorneys litigate cases and claim to also perform mediation. Scott focuses on a collaborative, mediation divorce process and does not litigate in court anymore. He focused on mediation and trained with top professionals in the field, dedicating his life to this practice.
Choosing to practice as a mediator exclusively for family law matters, Scott calls this practice peacekeeping. The United States Trademark & Patent Office trademarked the term Chief PeaceKeeper™ in alignment with the values and ethics of his legal practice.
Scott believes that peacekeeping is not just about resolving legal disputes, but also about preserving relationships and promoting harmony within families.
Through his dedication to mediation and peacekeeping, Scott has earned a reputation as a
trusted and compassionate mediator in the field of family law. His commitment to helping
families find peaceful resolutions to their disputes has made him a sought-after mediator in his community.
Why clients choose Scott Levin for divorce mediation in San Diego
After years of litigating cases, Scott Levin became a family law mediator and now never litigates for his clients.
So many attorneys litigate cases and claim to also perform mediation. In reality, these litigators aren’t trained as mediators, don’t have extensive experience and lack the compassion and tone that is needed when communicating to couples as a mediator.
Why then do litigation attorneys take on mediation cases?
Because they want the money! That is the sad truth. Scott believes family law attorneys should pick one process or the other, and either represent clients in litigation court fights or dedicate their services in mediation.
His passion for mediation and peacekeeping shines through in every case he handles, making him a true advocate for peaceful resolutions in family law matters.
Community Involvement And Expertise
Scott became a member of the California State Bar in 2004 and is licensed to practice law in all of California and Federal Court.
Outside of his work at the firm, Scott is an adjunct professor teaching community property at Western Sierra Law School in Oceanside, CA.
Judges, litigating attorneys, and mediators throughout California have respect for Scott because of his ethics, honesty, and ability. Families share positive feedback about divorce mediation, saying it helped them go through divorce with less stress and more privacy. They feel grateful for the calm and collaborative approach of the process.
Scott is also a husband and hands-on father to my three sons (as of 2024 summer ages 12, 10 and 6). As the dad who coaches the sports teams, shows up to the parent-teacher conferences, and is no stranger to the school pick-up and drop-off lines, Scott relates to parents who seek out amicable separation to protect and love their kids.
Scott became a member of the California State Bar in 2004 and is licensed to practice law in all of California and Federal Court.
Outside of his work at the firm, Scott is an adjunct professor teaching community property at Western Sierra Law School in Oceanside, CA.
Judges, litigating attorneys, and mediators throughout California have respect for Scott because of his ethics, honesty, and ability. Families share positive feedback about divorce mediation, saying it helped them go through divorce with less stress and more privacy. They feel grateful for the calm and collaborative approach of the process.
Scott is also a husband and hands-on father to my three sons (as of 2024 summer ages 12, 10 and 6). As the dad who coaches the sports teams, shows up to the parent-teacher conferences, and is no stranger to the school pick-up and drop-off lines, Scott relates to parents who seek out amicable separation to protect and love their kids.
Education
- Juris Doctorate, University of Virginia School of Law
- Bachelor’s in arts, New York University
Licenses and Certification
- Licensed Attorney, California State Bar
- Licensed Attorney, United States District Court of California for the central, southern, eastern and northern districts
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts
- Certified Mediator, Academy of Professional Family Mediators
- Divorce Mediation Training, Mosten Mediation Training
- Basic Interdisciplinary Collaborative Training, Sacramento Collaborative Practice Group
- Peer Mediation Training, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc.
Awards and Affiliations
- Rated Super Lawyer For Family Law in California
- 2024 San Diego Business Journal Leader of Influence in Law Award
- Second Saturday Divorce Workshop Featured Monthly Presenter for Mediation Law
- Winner Best Attorney in San Diego, San Diego Metro Magazine
- Amicable Divorce Network
- Association of Professional Family Mediators
- Collaborative Practice San Diego
- Divorce Lending Association – Named Attorney Loan Expert
- East County Chamber of Commerce
- Echelon
- Encinitas Chamber of Commerce
- EOA San Diego
- La Jolla Village Merchants Association (member, board of directors)
- North San Diego Business Chamber
- Poway Chamber of Commerce (director, board of directors)
- ProVisors
- San Diego CAMFT
- Vesta: A New Vision for Divorce
Community Involvement and Support
- Fresh Start Surgical Gifts
- Jerabek Elementary
- Kids’ Turn San Diego
- Labs and More Dog Rescue
- Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
- Old Pros of Scripps Ranch
- San Diego Jewish Community Foundation
- Scripps Ranch 4th of July Fun Run
- University of San Diego
- University of Virginia School of Law
Podcasts
- Episode 11.24, Divorce Lending Association, LLC podcast, 2-20-24
- How to Divide a 401k During Divorce
- Mortgage Advice During Divorce with Sam Mehta
- I’ll Meet You There Podcast Interview: Transforming Conflict into Collaboration with “Team Us” with Scott Levin
- How to Mediate Divorce with a Narcissist? Scott Levin presents with Jill Kaufman
Entrepreneurship
- Founder, LiveSource, a fundraising startup that helps organizations maximize fundraising
through an online auction platform - Founder, San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law
