Kathryn Schlepphorst began practicing Family Law in 1994, and Julie Emede joined her practice in 1997, after a short time in business litigation practice. In 2001, Kathryn and Julie formed Schlepphorst & Emede, P.C. The Firm is now a well-established Family Law firm, with four attorneys and an exceptional staff handling clients' family law needs with compassion, aggressiveness and dedication.

We understand that Family Law disputes are personally painful and costly. We focus on achieving the best result for every client who entrusts their case to us, taking into consideration both the tangibles and intangibles of their unique circumstances. We support negotiated settlements when they achieve the best overall result for the client. We are also ready to take cases to trial where litigation is the best means to put forth the client's case.

The Firm is also committed to public service because we believe lawyers are in a unique position to contribute to the community. We provide pro bono services, handling case referrals from Legal Advocates for Children and Youth (LACY) and other agencies. We were honored to receive the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley's Founder's Award for Distinguished Community Service in 2002. We also serve the local Superior Court as court-appointed counsel for children.

In addition, we dedicate time to our profession, as shown by many years of volunteer service in the Santa Clara County Bar Association (SCCBA) and the State Bar of California. We are proud that Kathryn Schlepphorst is a past SCCBA Family Law Executive Committee Chair and is currently finishing a three-year term on the State Bar's Family Law Executive Committee. We are also proud that, after serving as the Association's Secretary, Treasurer and President-Elect, Julie Emede served as the 3600-member SCCBA's President in 2005.