There should be a no-star review option. She is referred to as a "soup-sandwich" by respected family law attorneys, she can't prepare for a trial, makes numerous mistakes on critical legal documents, she doesn't respond to opposing counsel on critical issues, despite years of experience, she doesn't know how to process documents often required to protect assets etc in litigious cases. Not worth the time to list more details. I suspect any positive reviews are from people who needed a "mediator" and did not have a case with conflict. Simply put, do not hire her or her firm. read more

This law firm over promises and under delivers. The communication was poor and not timely.

I too like one of the other reviewers had a horrible experience with Marnie Smith. I found her dismissive, hostile and very disrespectful of me and my case. Her unprofessional and rude attitude made an already difficult time even worse. You know that good feeling you get when someone has your back? Well, you won't get it with Marnie. read more

I whole heartedly recommend Smith & Scatizzi without reservation. Rachel Scatizzi Thompson represented me in a divorce case and provided not only excellent legal advice but clear and concise answers to all of my questions. She was very responsive during the 13 months that I worked with her. While small legal practices offer some advantages, having a fully staffed office like Smith & Scatizzi is much better. There are many tasks which do not require the attention of an attorney and having those addressed by paralegals helps reduce costs. Ms Scatizzi Thompson is extremely well versed in family law and also understands what is important to "The Court". I was very impressed with her ability to read the judge's reactions to testimony, both mine and the other party's. Her impressions turned out to be spot on. I was referred to her by a friend and my only regret is that I was not referred earlier, I had started the case with a very personable younger attorney in solo practice. read more

I highly recommend Marnie Smith if you are in need of a knowledgeable, reliable and trustworthy divorce attorney in San Diego. Ms. Smith and her team were amazing when I was in the mist of my divorce. Ms. Smith was always patient, quick to respond to my calls and emails. She had my kids and my best interest first and knew the law. My divorce is finalized now but I still reach out to her with questions periodically and she is always responsive and helpful. read more

Ms. Smith acted as mediator for our divorce and we couldn't be happier. She was very clear and helpful with explanations and what the law would and would not allow. read more

My attorney was Rachel Scatizzi. I do not recommended her or this firm. It is my opinion that there is no consideration for what is right or in the best interests of the client. I suggest seeking legal representation elsewhere. read more

I cannot put into words how much I recommend this firm. From the amazing friendly, helpful staff to the personal treatment you get with the small firm, but big firm feel. I worked personally with Ms. Johnson for two years. During this difficult emotional time Ms. Johnson was always there for me. Answered emails and questions quick, I always knew what was going on. She was extremely professional dealing with my ex who was not easy to work with at all. Ms. Johnson put in the work and with her by my side we achieved exactly what was needed. I can't thank her enough for everything and helping to keep myself and my children safe. No matter the circumstances, Ms. Johnson will be by your side and there to help you through the most difficult time in your life. She is comforting, and caring, but she also has what it takes to achieve the result that you need. She is professional. She is always early to court, always there to answer questions. She listens, and remembers what you told her even years later. I am so impressed so honored that I got to go through this time with her representing me. She is always prepared. She is knowledgeable. If you are going through more than just a divorce and dealing with something such as domestic violence as well, please meet with Ms. Johnson, I can promise you that you won't regret it and you will have the best person by your side. The best choice I've made was choosing Ms. Johnson to represent me, when I needed help the most she was there and helped me pick up those pieces and led me on the way to a new, happier life. Thank you! read more

When I was facing the end of my marriage, it was a stressful and a very painful experience. I had been represented previously by someone who practically bullied me into making a decision at mediation and I walked out crying and more scared than ever. I called around because I had a mere few weeks before my court date...who would possibly take my case this late in the game? When I walked into the office of Smith and Scatizzi I practically begged them to take my case at such a late date and during the holidays, nonetheless. They were my life savers during one, if not the darkest times of my life. Divorce is really really tough and rarely are you 100% satisfied because that's just the nature of a divorce. But, I would recommend Smith and Scatizzi over and over again because here I stand on the other side and I am ok. Better than ok. I still have an outstanding issue but, I don't worry because I know we will get through that too when the time comes! read more

I was lucky enough to find Smith and Scatizzi through a mutual friend that had used Marissa Johnson in her own divorce. This wonderful firm and their incredible staff was amazing to me throughout my awful two year process divorcing my narcissist lawyer ex-husband. Marissa and her team were always professional and on point. I cannot recommend this firm highly enough. read more

Worst divorce representation imaginable. I would give zero stars if I could. I trusted Marnie Smith to represent my best interests in a very lengthy and contentious divorce/custody battle. Unfortunately, by the time I realized that I should have been sitting in a very different place than I I was in terms of the divorce, I had already signed an MSA with her as my attorney. My new (very competent) attorney could not believe what had happened in my case - and stated she had mishandled it at every turn and that I, in fact, had grounds to pursue a legal malpractice case against her. However, the thought of further legal wrangling was too much for me. I paid Marnie many many tens of thousands of dollars to essentially work alongside my ex's aggressive attorney and for his benefit. And when the statute for me to pursue legal action against her expired, she proceeded to continue to bill me many thousands more, and hire a collection attorney. It turns my stomach to think of all I paid her only to end up far from where I should have in the divorce. I hope to help other people avoid the same outcome. I could go on and on with the details, but will just say DO NOT use this firm. You will not have the outcome in your divorce to which you are entitled. Divorce is a stressful time under the very best of circumstances, and strong, competent, reliable legal representation should be what you are paying for (It is what I assumed and trusted I was paying for). Going through divorce, you are laying the foundation for rest of your life moving forward, and putting all that into your attorney's hands. Make sure you choose wisely. Do not waste your money with Smith and Scatizzi. read more

I can not say enough positive things about Smith and Scatizzi. Mrs. Scatizzi represented me during my mediation and enabled me to sleep well at night. She knows the law and enabled me to sleep at night. She was quick to respond to my phone calls and emails and helped me walk away from mediation feeling understood and in a decent position financially. She was my third lawyer that I worked with and I only wish I had known of her sooner. Going through mediation /divorce is the most stressful and emotional experience and Rachel Scatizzi made the process so much easier. She also cared about my emotional well being which really helped when I was feeling vulnerable . She was well prepared and knows most of the big players in San Diego and was able to predict and prepare for the worst case scenarios. I cant recommend her enough! read more