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Elena V. Smolina

Senior Associate Attorney

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At Fair Cadora, we understand that family law cases can be overwhelming and stressful. The attorney you choose can make or break your case. That’s why we offer a paid strategy session to all potential clients. We want you to have the chance to connect with us and gain your trust while receiving valuable advice and insight about your situation. During a strategy session, we will review the details of your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options. The quality of our work and advice during a strategy session will allow you to make an informed decision about the next steps in your case and assess if it feels like a fit for us to work together. The first step is to request a case evaluation.

Elena has experience litigating cases from inception to resolution through settlement, mediation or trial. Her current focus includes cases involving high asset divorce, child and spousal support, high conflict child custody, move away requests, domestic violence restraining orders, paternity actions, mediation and post-judgment modifications.

Prior to joining Fair Cadora, Elena worked in the family law and civil litigation arena having practiced in state and federal courts throughout the Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial, and San Francisco counties. 

Elena is passionate about family law and is committed to making a meaningful difference in her clients’ lives through her work. Her diverse legal background and analytical skills enable her to think outside the box and offer simple and elegant solutions for complex issues. Elena has a successful track record in litigating and resolving high stakes matters in her clients’ favor. She is a thorough, compassionate and zealous advocate for her clients.

In her free time, Elena volunteers as a pro-bono attorney for San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program on domestic violence and guardianship cases, as well as a pro-bono interpreter and translator for Casa Cornelia Law Center, victims of crime program, and Catholic Charities. She contributed over 150 hours in legal work as a pro-bono attorney helping clients who could not afford to pay for legal representation. Her contribution was recognized by the Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services.

Elena has two children, a Bernie doodle, and two cats. She paints, and has a goal to hold an art exhibition by the year 2025. 


A Few Words from Elena on… 

WHAT CLIENTS LOVE ABOUT HER:

My clients describe me as honest, effective, compassionate, knowledgeable and thorough. I take pride in helping them navigate through the most difficult times of their life and to protect them when they are most vulnerable.

WHY SHE CHOOSES TO WORK IN FAMILY LAW:

I enjoyed working in corporate law before, but it did not bring me a sense of purpose. In my first family law case, I helped a grandparent obtain guardianship of her grandson so he could grow up with his family and get the services he needed. My work made a huge difference in my clients’ lives, and I felt that. Ever since, I feel connected to my clients, and it brings me satisfaction when I help them fight for what’s theirs.


Languages Spoken:

  • English
  • Russian