One of the most respected and sought-after family law mediators in Northern California, Mr. Ford is a Fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and a Certified Family Law Specialist. 

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In 2026, San Francisco magazine and Super Lawyers magazine named Mr. Ford one of Northern California’s “Top 5 attorneys” in family law and one of Northern California's "Top 10 attorneys" across all fields of law.  In addition, Mr. Ford has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for excellence in family law every year since 2019.  In 2021, Mr. Ford was named "Lawyer of the Year" in family law in Oakland by Best Lawyers in America®.

 

Mr. Ford also holds Martindale Hubbell’s highest "AV Preeminent" ranking for legal ability and ethics, confirming that judges and other attorneys confirm Mr. Ford's “very high to preeminent” reputation in the field of family law.

 

Mr. Ford is active in many family law organizations and has served on the Boards of Directors for the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS), the Northern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, California (AFCC), the Alameda County Family Law Association (ACFLA), and the Eastern Alameda County Family Law Association (EACBA).  He is also a former associate member of the Earl Warren American Inn of Court.

 

Mr. Ford graduated cum laude from Illinois State University in 1990. He earned his law degree from Golden Gate University in May 1994 and was admitted to the State Bar of California in December 1994.