Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP has received the 2026 ELA Award for Best Family Law Firm, presented by Expert Law Attorneys. The award recognizes the San Francisco, California firm for guiding families through divorce, custody, and other family law matters.
About the 2026 ELA Awards
The 2026 ELA Awards highlight law firms that deliver for the people they represent. The program recognizes firms across a wide range of practice areas for their experience, their reputation with clients, their professional conduct, and their service to their communities.
Why Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP Earned the Recognition
Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP is a California family law firm representing clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices in San Francisco, Oakland and San Mateo and clients in Marin County, Palo Alto and San Jose. The firm’s partners, Alex Cardwell, Michelle Steigerwald, Charlie Young and Suzanne Ahlport Tong, handle divorce, legal separation, child custody, child and spousal support, property and retirement division, restraining orders, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and post-judgment matters, including high net worth, LGBTQ and military divorce. Alex Cardwell, Charlie Young and Suzanne Tong are Certified Family Law Specialists by the California Board of Legal Specialization, and Michelle Steigerwald, Charlie Young and Suzanne Tong have been recognized by Super Lawyers.
The team brings more than 50 years of combined legal experience to matters ranging from straightforward divorces to complex cases involving tech sector clients. The firm takes a team approach, bringing in forensic accountants and other experts as needed, and favors negotiated or mediated results while litigating in court when necessary.
What the Award Means for Clients
For anyone dealing with a family law matter, the ELA Award is a helpful signal when comparing firms. It reflects the experience, client service, and professionalism Cardwell Steigerwald Young LLP brings to each matter. The best next step is always a conversation with the attorney about your specific situation.