Jessica Dayton

Jessica Dayton is a Belmont, California, founding partner and Certified Family Law Specialist who represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her practice combines family law, tort litigation, civil litigation, and victim advocacy. She helps clients with restraining orders, custody matters, civil claims, and related legal issues that arise after abuse. Her work uses a trauma-centered approach to help clients pursue safety, accountability, and practical legal protection.

Dayton earned a J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law and received an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont. Her legal education supports a practice grounded in advocacy, writing, litigation strategy, and client counseling. During and after law school, she developed a focus on domestic violence law, survivor autonomy, and the connection between civil and criminal legal systems. That background supports careful preparation in sensitive and complex cases.

Dayton has extensive trial experience in high-stakes matters involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and survivor rights. She pursues civil remedies against individual perpetrators and entities that enabled abusive environments, including employers, schools, and organizations. Her work also includes anti-SLAPP motions used to challenge retaliatory lawsuits against survivors. Earlier in her career, she managed legal services at Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse, advocated for disability rights, and clerked for Judge Michael Farrell.

Jessica Dayton is active in public policy, legal education, and community advocacy for survivors. She has served as president of the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association and in advisory or board roles with survivor-focused legal organizations. She also trains pro bono and new attorneys and speaks on domestic violence, sexual assault, civil remedies, and victim rights. Dayton helps clients and legal communities address difficult cases with preparation, care, and strong advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, ADZ Law, LLP
• President, San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association
• Advisory Board Member, Family Violence Appellate Project
• Advisory Board Member, WOMEN-SV
• Former Board of Directors Member, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
• Former Chair, San Mateo County Legal Process Committee of the Domestic Violence Council
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Golden Gate University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Vermont
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges