R. Mark Patterson

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R. Mark Patterson, Esq.

Senior Family Law Attorney | Judge Pro Tem | Mediator

Over 30 years of experience handling complex family law cases, including high-profile, multi-million dollar matters
Former U.S. Navy servicemember with top-secret clearance on submarine nuclear reactors, bringing discipline and precision to his legal practice
Serves as Judge Pro Tem, mediator, and legal educator, with a strong record of pro bono advocacy and community engagement

With over 30 years of experience in complex family law litigation, R. Mark Patterson brings exceptional depth, discipline, and insight to every case he handles. His career has been shaped by years at some of San Diego’s most respected family law firms, where he managed a wide range of high-stakes cases—including multi-million dollar estates and high-profile disputes.

Before entering the legal profession, Mr. Patterson served in the U.S. Navy, performing top-secret work on submarine nuclear reactors—an experience that sharpened his problem-solving skills, attention to detail and instilled a commitment to excellence that carries into his legal practice today.

He earned his Juris Doctor from Western State University in 1994 and has contributed to the legal field as an educator, speaker, and mentor. In addition to his litigation work, Mr. Patterson serves as a Judge Pro Tem and mediator for the Family Law division of the San Diego Superior Court. His dedication to service also includes extensive pro bono work in domestic violence cases and appointments as minor’s counsel.

When he’s not in court or the classroom, Mark enjoys time with his family and his three beloved huskies.

I am writing this review as today was the final judgment in my divorce case. I am officially divorced! Thank You to Mr. Mark Patterson. hands down the best Attorney. Mr. Mark as I like to call him is professional, always on time, and knows family law inside and out. When I was looking for an attorney in December of 2021, with my hearing a week out, I interviewed several law firms and not one attorney was willing to take my case with a week’s notice. I called PLBK Law Firm and Mark Patterson returned my call. I didn’t hesitate to retain Mr. Mark as he called with a plan to tackle the first of many hearings in my divorce case. Three years worth to be exact, because of Mr. Mark I walked away from court appearances with tears of joy not once but each and every time. His organizational skills and knowledge of the law is superior and is the reason why I RECEIVED EVERYTHING I WANTED. I highly recommend Mark Patterson
Sabrina R.
Mark Patterson is the only attorney I trust. He is the most ethical, honest, compassionate, caring, and understanding attorney that one can hope for. This was evident from the first time I met Mark and I knew that I wasn't just another case on his calendar. I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done and I know that I wouldn't be where I am today without him. Mark has represented me since 2017 on more than one case, including divorce, custody, and out of state move with a minor child. As family court cases are often filled with tremendous amounts of stress, mine included, Mark was never too busy to: answer my questions, explain the law and what it means to my case, and most of all he was always honest with me and never tried to sell me the best outcome. For all that Mark has done over the years, I cannot put into words my gratitude for his dedication to my case. Even though I moved out of state, I will not have it transferred to my state of residence (minor child) because I will not have anyone else represent me other than Mark.
Dorota M.
MARK IS THE BEST!!!!! I was in a horrible situation where it looked like I would get completely screwed. I realized about 2 weeks before my court date I could no longer handle this myself and needed an attorney desperately. I interviewed about 10 attorneys and not 1 of them would give me any information or look over my paperwork until I put them on retainer. When I contacted Mark, he never even mentioned the retainer until he spoke to me and got a good feeling about my case and then once he understood it and reviewed my paperwork then he mentioned it. Mark is down to earth, understanding, and most of all he truly cares. He completely changed my life and my kid's life for the better. He's well versed in family matters and it is like watching a movie when he's representing you the way he speaks and carries himself. Its poetry in motion. I can't thank Mark enough.
William W.