Robert J. Rathmell

Robert J. Rathmell teamed up with Laughlin Legal, PC as partner in April 2025 to represent diverse Bay Area clients in the most challenging family law matters. Mr. Rathmell brings know-how to a full range of family law issues including domestic violence prevention, complex child custody and visitation issues with special needs, mental health, substance abuse, domestic and international child relocation cases. He untangles the complexities of spousal support, child support, reimbursements, and executive compensation; he divides assets and debts with thorough attention to detail and big picture sensibility. 

Mr. Rathmell is a plain dealer with clients, a patient listener, and a seasoned advisor with the communication skills to lessen conflict and promote resolutions. Mr. Rathmell has represented clients in litigation throughout Northern California, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Marin, Sonoma, and Contra Costa counties. Before joining Laughlin Legal, PC, Robert had a law partnership in San Francisco and went on to work as senior counsel in family law at three San Francisco law firms.

Music making, especially at the piano, remains front and center in Mr. Rathmell’s life outside of the practice of law. Before law school, Mr. Rathmell lectured in music theory and taught composition and piano at universities in the upper Midwest. Both he and his wife play music from Bach to Messiaen and lots in between. Mr. Rathmell enjoys writing about San Francisco – its quirks, discoverable places, and one-of-a-kind beauty.