About Deborah H.

Deborah H. Wald is the founder and managing partner of The Wald Law Group, P.C., a full-service family law firm located in San Francisco, California. Established with a focus on family law, the firm has become a prominent resource for clients navigating complex family dynamics. Since 1993, Ms. Wald has been a Certified Family Law Specialist, a designation awarded by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This certification shows her expertise in a field that encompasses a range of sensitive issues, including family formation, egg and sperm donation, surrogacy, adoption, and parentage and custody litigation. Her educational background is solid.

Ms. Wald earned her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 1987, following her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts in 1983. After being admitted to the State Bar of California on December 11, 1987, she quickly established herself as a knowledgeable advocate for families. Additionally, she is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, adding to her legal reach. In her practice, Ms. Wald handles both consensual and contested guardianships, providing guidance to clients facing challenging family situations.

Her commitment to the field is recognized; she has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer every year since 2015. This accolade reflects her dedication and skill in family law, as well as her ability to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients. Beyond her practice, Ms. Wald plays a significant role in shaping family law legislation in California. She has been actively involved in litigation that clarifies the law related to assisted reproduction and LGBTQ+ parentage. As the President-Elect of the Academy of California Adoption/Assisted Reproduction Lawyers, she contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding family law in the state. Additionally, she serves as the Chair of the National Family Law Advisory Council for the National Center for Lesbian Rights and is an active member of the Family Law Institute of the National LGBT Bar Association.

Ms. Wald also shares her knowledge with the next generation of legal professionals as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law, where she teaches an upper-level family law seminar. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys a fulfilling personal life in San Francisco with her partner of over 40 years and their dog, Gracie. Each morning, she prioritizes a walk, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining a balanced lifestyle despite a busy schedule.

Education

Univ of Massachusetts, MA

Undergraduate Degree

Northeastern Univ School of Law

Law Degree

Languages

English (Spoken, Written) Spanish (Spoken, Written)

Accepted Jurisdictions

California

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court · Admitted 1987

Types of Cases Handled

Family formation Parentage disputes Custody matters Guardianships Assisted reproduction Adoptions

Legal Services Scope

Family law litigation Family law mediation Family law appeals

Professional Associations

The Executive Committee of the Family Law Section State Bar of CA (FLEXCOM)

has membership 2012 - Current

American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Lawyers (AAARTA)

Fellow 2010 - Current

National Family Law Advisory Council (NFLAC)

Chair 2006 - Current

Academy of California Adoption Lawyers and Academy of California Family Formation Lawyers (ACAL/ACFFL)

has membership 2005 - Current

Family Law Section American Bar Association

has membership 2003 - Current

National LGBT Bar Association

has membership 2003 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 88 Kearny Suite 1475 San Francisco CA 94108

Sources

Information is accurate as of February 17, 2026. For the most current details, please refer to the provided sources.