About Matthew James
Matthew James Long is an attorney based in Santa Barbara, California, specializing in various areas of law, including criminal law, family law, divorce, estate planning, and arbitration and mediation. Since his admission to the California State Bar in 1990, he has dedicated over three decades to serving clients in need of legal assistance. Mr. Long earned his Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He graduated Order of the Coif, placing in the top 10% of his class. His academic achievements also include receiving the American Jurisprudence Award in Contracts and being a member of the prestigious Traynor Honor Society.
Before establishing his own practice, Mr. Long gained experience in family and civil law. His practical knowledge was further enhanced by serving as a Small Claims Judge Pro Tempore for 11 years. Additionally, he acted as a Settlement Master for Family Law, Civil, and Unlawful Detainer cases for 12 years. This hands-on experience gave him the skills necessary to handle complex family law matters, such as custody disputes, support issues, contempt cases, and domestic violence situations. In recognition of his commitment to community service, Mr.
Long was honored as the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by the Santa Barbara Superior Court in 2016. His dedication to helping those in need extends beyond individual cases; he has played an active role in various professional organizations. For a decade, he served as President of the Santa Barbara Collaborative Law Group, promoting collaborative approaches to family law. Furthermore, he was a member of the Board of Directors for Santa Barbara Family Education, Inc. (Children in the Middle) for two years, focusing on educational resources for families in transition. Mr.
Long's practice emphasizes divorce mediation and collaborative divorce — This gives dignified and efficient alternatives to traditional court proceedings. He understands that navigating family law issues can be emotionally taxing, and his approach aims to minimize conflict while achieving fair outcomes. To accommodate clients, he offers online mediation services for California divorces, along with in-person appointments in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. His office is conveniently located at 1114 State Street, Suite 222, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. For consultations, potential clients can reach him at (805) 254-4878 or via email at matthew@matthewjlong.com. With a strong commitment to legal excellence and community service, Matthew James Long continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those he represents.
