Gardner, Michael A.

After returning from Peace Corps service in Latin America, I taught fifth grade students at an elementary school in California's Central Valley. After one year, I decided to enter law school. (Law school was a breeze when compared to dealing with thirty fifth-graders every day.) After admission to the Bar, I've devoted most of my time to family law matters. I've conducted clinics on divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and related matters in both Alameda and Contra Costa counties. I periodically sit as a Judge Pro Tem in Oakland, Hayward, Pleasanton and Martinez.

I graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a B.A. in philosophy. After teaching, I obtained my Juris Doctor at Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. I am a member of the Family Law Sections of the Alameda and Contra Costa Bar Associations and the American Trial Lawyers Association.

I grew up in New York and moved West immediately after my Peace Corps service and marriage. As a father, I appreciate the need to minimize the impact of divorce on you and your family.

In my spare time, I love to read, travel and cook.