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Jillian Duggan-Herd

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Jillian Duggan-Herd

About Jillian

Experience & Education

For over a decade, trial lawyer Jillian Duggan-Herd has represented clients throughout San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. For her entire career, Jillian has exclusively practiced family law. Jillian has been certified by the State Bar of California as a Family Law Specialist.

Jillian received her B.A. with honors in Sociology with from U.C. San Diego. She received her juris doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law, where she participated on the National Moot Court Team, was in leadership positions with the Moot Court Honors Council, GSA Outlaws, and served as a practicing intern/extern with a private family law attorney, the Spokane Public Defender, and the Hon. Neal Q. Reilly.

Areas of Specialization

Jillian is well-known by the bench and the bar for her exceptional litigation skills. Her almost daily advocacy for clients in court gives Jillian a unique perspective in strategic planning and settlement positioning. Jillian’s thoughtful "no nonsense" approach to family law often results in the efficient and effective resolution of her cases.

Jillian is a member of the San Diego Family Law Bar Association, the North County of San Diego Certified Family Law Specialists, and Lawyers Club. In January 2023, she commences a three-year term on the San Diego Family Law Bar Association Board of Directors. Her recent publication in the ACFLS Family Law Specialist, Journal of the California Association of Certified Family Law Specialists focuses on trial preparation, considerations, and strategies.

In The Community

Throughout 10 years of rugby playing, Jillian represented the USA Under-23 national team and was a player for two national club championship teams. Although she can no longer sustain the tackles, she loves staying active and plays any sport she can with her family. She also loves to joke around and enjoys all things culinary.

Speaking Engagements

  • New Attorney Academy - Riverside Superior Court, Riverside County Bar Association, January 2016
  • "Demystifying E-Filing & Choosing the Right Vendor," SDFLBA Spring Seminar, February 2020
  • "Do This, Not That": A Year-End Review of 2022 Family Law Cases & Statutes*, SDFLBA Winter Seminar, December 2022
  • “Elevate! National Conference for Divorce Real Estate Professionals” Ilumni Institute - Panelist, September 2023
  • “Technology Corner: Part I-III” ACFLS 2024 Spring Seminar – Data Collection in the Modern Era and Artificial Intelligence, March 2024
  • “Intro and Practical Guide to Using AI and Tech in Family Law” Riverside County Bar Association – Family Law Section, June 2024
  • “Artificial Intelligence in the Law” Attorney’s BriefCase on-demand Webinar, June 2024
  • “Intro and Practical Guide to Using AI and Tech in Family Law” California Lawyers Association – Family Law Section Webinar, July 2024
  • “Artificial Intelligence in the Law” Managing Partner’s RoundTable Webinar, September 2024
  • “LIF Family Law InFocus: How to gain a competitive edge with AI” Legal Innovation Forum Webinar, September 2024
  • “Practical Guide to Using AI and Tech in Family Law” Marin County Bar Association – Family Law Section Webinar, September 2024
  • “Practical Guide to Using AI and Tech in Family Law” AAML - Southern California Chapter, October 2024
  • “Elevate! National Conference for Divorce Real Estate Professionals” Ilumni Institute - Panelist, October 2024
  • “Artificial Intelligence in the Law” Ilumni Institute Webinar October 2024
  • “The Rise of Generative AI and its use (and misuse) in Family Law” San Diego Family Law Bar Association - Winter Seminar, December 2024
  • “Off with their Heads: Tips and Tricks to Navigate the 3044 Presumptions” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Southern California Trial Insititute – January 2025
  • “The Looking Glass of E-Discovery and AI” American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Southern California Trial Insititute – January 2025
  • “Artificial Intelligence in Family Law Practice: Exploring the Applications, Ethical Considerations, Risk Management” Strafford – A BARBRI Company – Webinar, February 2025
  • “Embracing AI: AI for the Reluctant Lawyer - No Code, No Jargon, No Panic” - Beverly Hills Bar Association – Webinar, March 2025
  • "Intro and Practical Guide to Using AI and Tech in Family Law" -Bar Association of San Francisco – Webinar, April 2025
  • "The Rise of Generative AI and its Use and Misuse in Practice" - Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association, May 2025.

Published Articles

  • Author: Upcoming Trial and Out of Time. ACFLS Family Law Specialist, Journal of the California Association of Certified Family Law Specialists. Fall 2022, No. 2
  • Co-author: A New Era of Legal Representation: AI and Technology in Your Family Law Practice. ACFLS Family Law Specialist, Journal of the California Association of Certified Family Law Specialists. Summer 2024, No. 3
  • Co-author: Substance Abuse and Custody Decisions: California Considerations and Best Practices. American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Bi-monthly Newsletter, Spring 2025
  • Author: Navigating the Ethical Landscape: Integrating AI Into Family Law Practice. American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Bi-monthly Newsletter, Summer 2025

Licenses & Certifications

Honors & Awards

  • Various awards & Honors, Inland Empire Magazine, 2013–2017
  • Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®️️, 2014–2015, 2017, 2019
  • The National Advocates Top 40 Under 40!, 2016
  • Avvo "Client’s Choice" Award, 2017–2019
  • Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" Award, 2022–2023
  • Best Lawyers "One to Watch" – Family Law, 2023–2024
  • Super Lawyers, 2024–2025
  • Daily Journal - Top Family Law Attorneys, 2025

Education

  • U.C. San Diego
  • Gonzaga University School of Law

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • Member, San Diego County Bar Association, 2011-2012
  • Member, Riverside County Bar Association, 2012-2019
  • Member, Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court, 2015-2017
  • Member, San Diego Family Law Bar Association, 2018-present
  • Member, North County of San Diego Certified Family Law Specialists, 2021-present
  • Member, California Lawyers Association, 2022 - present
  • Board of Directors, San Diego Family Law Bar Association, 2023 - 2026
  • President, San Diego Family Law Bar Association, 2024, 2025

Languages Spoken

English

Services Offered

Child Support

Make sure your child gets the financial support they need — whether you're requesting, modifying, or enforcing a support order.
Child Support

Child Custody

Protect your child’s well-being with help resolving custody disputes, modifying agreements, or handling move-away cases.
Child Custody

Divorce

Navigate the complex legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce with experienced, strategic representation.
Divorce

Post-Judgment Modifications

Make adjustments after your case ends. Modify child custody, child support, or spousal support orders and more.
Post-Judgment Modifications

Domestic Violence

Our team of seasoned domestic violence attorneys can help you take legal action with confidence, find clarity, and move forward.
Domestic Violence

Restraining Orders

Get help securing or defending against a domestic violence (DVRO) or civil harassment restraining order (CHRO).
Restraining Orders

LGBTQ+ Family Law

Empowering LGBTQ+ families with expert legal guidance, from adoption to marriage and gender marker changes.
LGBTQ+ Family Law

Spousal Support

Secure fair spousal support outcomes whether establishing, mediating, or modifying spousal support.
Spousal Support

Paternity Actions

Establish or challenge legal parenthood to protect your rights and your child’s future.
Paternity Actions

Locations Served

San Diego, CA
Sunset view of waves washing against a sandy beach at the base of cliffs in San Diego, California.
San Diego, CA
Jillian Duggan-Herd

Client Testimonials

This review is long over due. I cannot say enough nice things about Jillian Duggan-Herd. Over the past several years, Jillian has helped me with multiple family law issues. Every single time, Jillian was able to help clear up the issues with integrity, honesty and a high standard of ethics. Jillian is a professional of the highest standards. Without the help of Jillian, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. Jillian will stand by your requests and will guide you through what is sometimes a very stressful and lengthy process. Though there were MANY difficult challenges for Jillian in my personal cases, she did not falter. Not once... Thank you Jillian for the dedication, professionalism, honesty and integrity. Your hard work has allowed many smiles within our family and we are extremely grateful. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are an 11. Keep up the amazing work!

James Dougherty

Jaime and Jill are superb! Cage & Miles helped with my MSA over two years ago and recently with post judgment work. I had an incredibly challenging situation and Jaime and Jill helped guide me every step of the way so I was informed and always proactive in resolving the issues at hand. In the end, we succeeded in having the court support my requests because of Cage & Miles honest approach to advocating on my behalf

Jose Arzate

Jillian helped our family - she is extremely knowledgable, thorough, personable and patient, and she made the whole process very smooth for us. She and the rest of the Cage & Miles team are outstanding.

Marea Blue

As an attorney myself, I feel uniquely qualified to critique the services I received as a client of Cage and Miles. I can say, without eqivocation, that the members of the firm in general, and attorneys Liz Brown and Jillian Duggan-Herd in particular, were exemplary in skill, knowledge, client concern and over-all professionalism in every way. Personal thanks to all!

Michael Smoger

Jillian Duggan-Herd and her team are exceptional! They helped me through an extremely difficult time with compassion, empathy, and professionalism. They were always available for questions and would respond in a timely manner. I have no hesitation in recommending her or utilizing her again if I ever have the need.

Melanie Borg

I would give 1000 stars if I could! Jillian Duggan-Herd is the BEST! She and her firm handled my child custody matter with determination, fierceness and FOUGHT for me and my kids. The empathy for her clients is top notch and the knowledge she and the staff have was unmatched in the courtroom. I retained her firm twice and will do so again if need be. I had retained 2 lawyers prior to her and I wish I found Jillian sooner!!! Her firm is the ONLY one I trust. Thank you Jillian!!!

Bethany Schiffmacher

I was involved in a highly complex and exhaustive family law case over the last couple years. Jillian Dugan-Herd was my 2nd attorney and thanks to her it's finally over! She is honest, fair, intelligent, professional, kind, unbelievably fierce and highly respected not only by the judge but also her colleagues (I saw that 1st hand). She's quite simply a bad-ass. Other attorneys were coming out of the attorney room telling me how hard she was fighting for me. I was humbled by and grateful for her intense dedication to my case and her incredible ability to argue on my behalf. She never gave up! I was wholly represented and no words will ever fully express my gratitude! My case was not an easy one and the results she got me were fair but also life changing. I know I would not have gotten the results I got with any other attorney. Listen to her, she will not steer you in the wrong direction. She has your & your children's best interest at heart.

Brandee D

Cage & Miles provided the best service for my divorce. Not only did counsel, Jillian- Duggan Herd help me with a very difficult ex-husband, she was successful in navigating his narcassitic tactics. The support LaTosha, Robert, and Andrea are proficient in what they do. I can express my gratitude for having such a knowleable and understanding team. Defiantly recommend Cage & Miles for your legal needs.

Blonks Von Epps

I am highly appreciative of Ms. Duggan-Herd's representation in my child custody case. With thoroughness and empathy, she tackled negotiations that were overwhelming and upsetting. Thank you, Jillian, for your work!

Caourtney Maynard

Jillian was incredibly helpful and thorough. She always responded quickly and helped me make informed decisions. I felt cared for and supported through the entire process. It is so helpful to have an outside perspective that is not emotionally based. I got wise counsel and excellent representation.

en Jackson

Jillian was fantastic with my very toxic custody case and represented me through some of my toughest times. She still is the only attorney i have hugged it was our thing! ;-) i was awarded 50% custody thanks to her conviction and tireless counter argument skills she is the best i fully recommend if you have custody issues.

Evans Dad

I highly recommend the services of Cage & Miles, LLP. Jillian Duggan-Herd has been representing me for years and I trust her sincerely. She was recommended by another attorney in San Diego who referred to her as "the best."

Jackie S

Jillian Duggan-Herd guided me through a very stressful and contentious process with a level of care and expertise that far exceeded my expectations. During some very dark times, when I feared for the safety of my child, Jillian’s steady counsel was a source of comfort and hope. She handled my crisis with efficiency and professionalism, and I could not have asked for a better outcome! Jillian has fought hard for me at every turn. Her knowledge and experience enabled us to navigate the obstacles that threatened to derail the process, including situations involving returning my child from another state. Throughout the entire trying ordeal, Jillian and her team kept me well-informed and well-prepared.

Jay Zhou

I had a very difficult divorce, Jillian was very professional and guided me through step by step. Definitely would recommend her to anyone who needs legal assistance on a divorce case!

Iola Xiao

I wanted to hire them but I couldn't because of a conflict of interest but I am well aware of a certain case that one of their lawyers is working on. I am close with her client (hence the conflict of interest). Jillian is an absolute beast and I totally wish I could hire her to take on my case! But she fights for her clients! She does her work and then some! She is on top of everything! She knows what she's doing and she is one of the best lawyers I've ever seen. If you're looking for a Trial/Family Law lawyer, she is the woman for you! She took my "friend's" case on and now his case is literally 180 from what it was before! Trust me, she is worth every penny!

Katey Figueroa

I highly recommend Jillian Duggan-Herd, Certified Family Law Specialist, Chelsea E. Flamenco, Paralegal and the entire team at Cage & Miles, LLP. I hired Jillian Duggan-Herd to represent me in my divorce. Jillian was ethical, provided outstanding advice through this trying time, and I found her to always be better prepared than opposing counsel. Jillian’s knowledge of the law and judicial system was outstanding. After my divorce proceedings I reached out to Jillian, she provided guidance for how to manage the issues that pop up post-divorce, inspires me to be a better person and standing up for myself -- which has been crucial in helping my son and I move on from the process. Again, I highly recommend Jillian Duggan-Herd, Certified Family Law Specialist, as well as Chelsea E. Flamenco, Paralegal and the entire team at Cage & Miles, LLP.

Kellyanne Ingles

I have been with Cage and Miles for a few year and I do highly recommend this law firm! I just finished a 7 day trial and was represented by Jillian Duggan-Herd and Maria Spear. Both attorneys are phenomenal! I have been represented by Jillian Duggan-Herd for over 7 years. Jillian is professional, knowledgeable, sharp, reliable and tenacious when necessary. Nothing can compare to the comfort of knowing you have an attorney like Jillian in your corner!

Nancy Emma

Jillian Duggan-Herd is an incredibly smart and proactive attorney and I would have never been able to handle all the stress of a rather messy divorce if I didn't have her and Cage & Miles, LLP represent me. It made a difficult and sad time a little bit more doable.

Nancy Jones

I moved my case from a big firm in Newport to keep Jillian as my attorney. Superlatives do not begin to capture her attention to detail, effective communication and ownership of the process. She is one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. If you're looking for a Family Practice attorney, she is the attorney for you. I have absolutely no reservation referring her to friends and associates. Nobody wants to go through a divorce but if you find yourself in that position this firm is the place to go to get it done.

Theodore Martin
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