About Paula Michele
Paula Michele Lawhon is a dedicated family law mediator based in San Rafael, California — Since 1999, she has been practicing law, focusing primarily on family law mediation. Her expertise includes divorce, pre-marital and post-nuptial agreements, and cohabitation agreements. Recognized for her proficiency, she is a certified specialist in family law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization—a distinction that highlights her commitment to excellence in this field. In 1996, Ms. Lawhon graduated cum laude from the University of California, Irvine, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law, and Society. This educational foundation paved the way for her legal career.
She furthered her studies at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 1999. During her time at Hastings, she was honored as a Public Interest Scholar, reflecting her dedication to serving the community through legal avenues. Before founding Lawhon Law & Mediation, P.C. in 2005, Ms. Lawhon worked as an investigator in both criminal and civil matters. Her background in civil and family litigation gave her a knowledge of the legal field, enhancing her mediation skills.
Over the years, she has conducted more than a thousand mediations and has completed over 200 hours of specialized mediation training—demonstrating her commitment to effective conflict resolution. Ms. Lawhon is actively involved in the legal community. She is a member of the San Francisco Bar Association, where she contributes to both the Family Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution sections. Her expertise has led her to serve as a panel mediator for the San Francisco Superior Court's family law Bench Bar Settlement Conferences, as well as the Marin County Superior Court's family law Bench Bar Settlement Conferences. These roles underscore her influence in promoting amicable resolutions in family law disputes.
In addition to her mediation practice, Ms. Lawhon is a published author. She contributed a chapter titled "The Role of Mediation in Today's Family Law Cases" to the book "Inside the Minds: Strategies for Family Law in California 2013 ed.," published by Thomson Reuters Westlaw. This publication highlights her insights into the evolving landscape of family law and mediation. Her office is located at 4040 Civic Center Drive, Suite 200, San Rafael, CA 94903 — For consultations, she can be reached by phone at 415-398-3400.
