Laura Chickering

Clients turn to Laura when the stakes are high, the finances are complex, and the human dynamics are intense. As Managing Attorney at Fenchel Family Law PC, she leads the firm’s most sophisticated cases—representing executives, founders, and professionals navigating high-asset divorces and high-conflict custody disputes that demand precision, discretion, and steady command under pressure.

Laura’s background in corporate and intellectual-property law sets her apart from most family lawyers. She brings exceptional fluency in business valuation, stock-based compensation, and financial tracing, routinely collaborating with forensic accountants and expert witnesses to uncover, analyze, and negotiate multimillion-dollar marital estates.

Partnered with a forensic accountant to overcome an opposing Pereira claim and secure a $1.5M+ business valuation settlement.

Won $112,000+ in sanctions and attorney’s fees for litigation misconduct.

Defeated a fraudulent domestic-violence restraining order, obtaining a court finding that it was filed for an impermissible purpose.

Secured a three-year restraining order after hearing—based solely on emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and coercive control—protecting both the client and minor children, and obtaining sole legal and physical custody for the client in a case with no physical abuse.

Achieved retroactive and ongoing support awards through detailed forensic reconstruction of complex business transactions.

Laura also brings equal mastery to high-conflict custody disputes, including relocation, parental alienation, and complex psychological evaluations. Her approach combines strategic rigor with emotional intelligence, grounding even the most volatile cases in evidence and clarity.

As Managing Attorney, Laura is known for her strategic leadership, courtroom excellence, and mentorship of emerging attorneys. She sets a standard of professionalism and compassion that defines Fenchel Family Law PC’s white-glove service model. Clients describe her as clear-spoken, unflappable, and relentlessly effective—a trusted advocate who delivers direction that is both strategic and deeply human.

Laura is a member of the San Francisco and Alameda Bar Associations where she volunteers her time to low-income litigants via the Access to Justice and Shriver Custody programs.

A Super Lawyers Rising Star (2020–2025) and 10/10 Avvo-rated attorney, Laura earned her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award, and her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

She is active in the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, San Francisco Bar Association, and Alameda County Bar Association, and volunteers with both the Shriver Custody Program and the Justice & Diversity Center.