Staff Profiles
Vera A. Livingstone
Attorney, Owner
Elena Smolina
Senior Attorney
Matt Ryan, Paralegal
-
Matt obtained a Paralegal Certificate from U.C.S.D. in 2012 and has worked in Family Law for the past decade. He loves being a Paralegal and a member of the Livingstone Law legal team and views his work as helping people through a difficult time so they can get back to enjoying the good things in life. In his off time, Matt likes spending time with his family and friends, surfing and snorkeling at the beautiful beaches in San Diego, and growing vegetables in his garden. Matt lives in North County San Diego with his daughter and their dog.
Elaine Graze, Paralegal
-
Elaine has more than 35 years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, and office manager. She has been an essential part of legals teams for family law, business, and civil law offices. She is originally from Los Angeles but has called San Diego her home for more than 30 years. Elaine is a huge asset for Livingstone Law, APC.
John Barnes, Paralegal
-
Mr. Barnes has been a paralegal for 34 years. He started his profession as a volunteer Domestic Violence Advocate for the YWCA and San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program. In 1995, he ended his Navy Service and worked in Family Law for Seattle and San Diego law firms.
In 2002, Mr. Barnes accepted a position with the San Diego District Attorney's Office, Family Protection Unit, specializing in prosecuting cases for child abuse, child neglect, child abduction, and domestic violence.
In 2014, Mr. Barnes worked for the Department of Defense in Administrative Law and worked in the self-help family law clinics for service members.
In 2022, Mr. Barnes joined Livingstone Law.
His interest include traveling with his wife, woodworking, sailing, and real estate.
Hear from Our Happy Clients
-
![]()
“She is truly worth her weight in gold”
She handled my dissolution case with class. She allowed me to be free of worries and stress by dealing with all the paperwork. She is truly worth her weight in gold. She is an excellent lawyer, and pushes for what is best for you and family. Amazing work and amazing legal team. Thank you!
– Kristabel
-
![]()
“We highly recommend her service”
Vera is awesome! Even though we are located out of the area, she was still able to provide us with crucial information and took the time out of her hectic schedule to review our concerns. Her vast knowledge of family situations in the courtroom really gave us a clear perspective on what could happen and what to be prepared for! We highly recommend her service.
- Previous Client
-
![]()
“Above & Beyond”
This woman went above and beyond in my time of need she provided me with my rights to help calm me down. When dealing with crazy people trying to grasp onto your child by taking you to court is heartbreaking. She took time out of her 10 hour day work schedule to help. For free.
- Previous Client
-
![]()
“Very Knowledgeable”
On November 30, 2012 I contacted Vera for a consultation. She was very friendly and professional. She made me feel comfortable and at ease as though I had known her for years. She was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my questions and welcomed me to give her a call back if needed. I would definitely recommend her as a lawyer.
- Previous Client
-
![]()
“I would recommend her to anyone that needed a great lawyer”
Great person and lawyer to use. Vera took over my case from another lawyer, fixed everything that wasn't right, and did everything needed to win my case. I would recommend her to anyone that needed a great lawyer.
- John
