Kiana Katie Moradi

Partner

Known for her expert representation of California’s senior executives and their spouses, Kiana protects her clients in high asset divorces and contested custody cases so that they can transition to a more hopeful chapter in their lives.

Expert Background Tailored for High Stakes Divorce and Custody Matters

  • In her twenty two years of legal practice, Kiana has negotiated and litigated the full spectrum of disputes that occur in financially sophisticated divorces and contested custody cases.
  • Kiana graduated Cornell Law School with a concentration in business law.
  • Prior to finding her passion in family law, she was a business litigator at Reed Smith LLP one of the nation’s 20 largest global law firms.
  • She has a B.A in psychology from UC Berkeley and has taken countless negotiation trainings at Harvard Law School and other esteemed schools.
  • As a child of divorce herself, Kiana’s personal mission is to navigate clients towards their post-divorce lives with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Kiana’s unique background enables her to understand complex business issues, the un-spoken emotions behind them, and find productive, creative solutions in the division of marital estates. She has established a professional reputation for discreetness, thoroughness, strategic thinking, loyalty, and dedication to client service. She has been consistently included as one of Northern California’s “Super Lawyers” since 2010.

Experienced and Knowledgeable Family Law Litigator and Negotiator

Kiana handles cases that range from complex financial issues and extensive marital estates to high-conflict custody matters. Adept at negotiating resolutions and aggressively pursuing litigated outcomes, she also handles straightforward family law cases, pre-and post-marital agreements, and mediated settlements as consulting counsel.

Kiana has expertise in working with employees and entrepreneurs of companies of all sizes, from early-stage through IPO. She has ample experience with all types of assets including founders’ shares, restricted stock, stock options, carried interest, general and limited and partnership interests, real estate developments, professional practices, real estate developments, restaurants, bars, and intellectual property such as royalties.

Kiana also specializes in contested custody disputes. She has also obtained several successful results for her clients in move-away/relocation disputes. She also represents clients in pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Additionally, she will act as consulting counsel to divorce mediation.

Choosing the Right Forum and Bringing in the Best Team

With each case, Kiana finds it essential to determine the most advantageous forum for the client, whether it is through out-of-court settlement, consulting counsel in mediation, private judges, or strategic litigation. When appropriate, she strategizes with her tailored network of outside consultants including forensic accountants, wealth managers, estate planners, corporate counsel, custody experts, therapists, and others. Kiana aims not only to help her clients achieve favorable results in their divorce, she is committed to setting them up for their happier lives post-divorce.

While she is not traveling much these days, Kiana has been to about 50 countries, and loves learning about new cultures. These days, when not working, she spends her time with her family, friends, and beloved dog.

Education

Cornell Law School, Juris Doctorate, Concentration in Business Law and Regulation, 2002

University of California, Berkeley, Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, Psychology, 1999

Harvard Law School, Advanced Negotiation Workshop, 2017

Multiple other negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law trainings

Awards and Distinctions

December 2016-2022 Top Women Attorneys, Super Lawyers Magazine

2015-2024 Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2010-2014 Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

U.S. News and Best Lawyers recognition in family law in San Francisco

Family Law Research Associate for Dean of Cornell Law School, 2001-2002

Professional Associations and Memberships

State Bar of California

U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

U.S. District, Central District of California

U.S. District Court, Southern District of California

Bar Association of San Francisco – Family Law (Chair of Barristers Section, 2011-2013)

Bar Associations of Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo – Family Law

Member, Jewish Bar Association of San Francisco

Advisor, Rainbowbetter.org

Speaking Engagements

UBS Private Wealth Management, Family Law Basics for Financial Professionals

Andersen Tax, Family Law Basics for Financial Professionals

Bar Association of San Francisco, Family Law Solo Practice: Starting And Making It Last

Bar Association, Goodwill in the Legal and Medical Profession: How This Asset Can Be Divided And Valued In Your Divorce

Google, Family Law Issues in the LGBT Community

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop, San Mateo