Teresa McNamara

Associate Attorney

Teresa McNamara is an associate attorney with Hughes & Sullivan. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Chapman University, where she spent several semesters on the dean's list and was admitted to Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology. She wrote her senior thesis on the effects of divorce on children.

Ms. McNamara attended Western University for her Juris Doctor degree, graduating with scholastic merit honors. While at Western, she earned Witkin Awards for academic excellence in family law, constitutional law, and bankruptcy. She earned a certification for mediation as well as a medal of excellence from the American Bankruptcy Institute. Ms. McNamara spent a semester participating in Western's legal clinic, where she worked on adoption, custody, and paternity cases. She also took courses in domestic violence and juvenile law.

Ms. McNamara has a history working in family law. Her mother has been practicing family law for over twenty years. She worked with her mother for several years, learning about family law, meeting with clients, and preparing cases. While in law school, Ms. McNamara clerked for a year with another family law practitioner. There, she worked firsthand with clients and learned how to zealously advocate for her clients. Also during law school, Ms. McNamara was certified through the California Bar to work with attorneys directly on cases.

Ms. McNamara has had hands-on training both through the legal clinic and with her mother, as well as experience making court appearances, negotiating with clients, and making appearances in chambers to discuss issues with judges. She has a passion for family law and for protecting her clients' rights. "I believe that through compassion and education," she said, "I can help my clients understand the legal process as well as counsel them through a stressful and frustrating time."

Ms. McNamara volunteers through organizations that help recovering addicts and alcoholics start over and transition into a new life. She speaks on panels, works closely with recovery homes, and participates actively with those in programs who have a sincere desire to improve their lives and recover from addiction.

Ms. McNamara is a pet enthusiast with two dogs and a cat at home. She spends her free time playing with her pets, being with family and friends, and doing home renovation projects.