"The law has always fascinated me. I told my parents when I was about 7 years old that I wanted to be an attorney and strived for that goal throughout school." Attorney Lena Ghianni is a native San Diegan. She was born and raised in East County, graduated from Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, and obtained her law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of San Diego School of Law. The only times Lena has lived outside San Diego County was while attending the University of Southern California for a bachelor's degree in Political Science and for her first job as a lawyer in Victorville, California. During her career, Lena gained experience in the areas of general civil, criminal, family law, and probate, including but not limited to issues of real estate, contract, child custody, dissolution of marriage, guardianship, conservatorship, petitions for administration, and estate planning. She was responsible for handling a heavy caseload including all aspects of the general practice such as preparation of pleadings, motions, writs, settlement negotiations, and trial and appellate briefs. Lena successfully argued cases at mediations, arbitrations, motions, and trials. For several years now, Lena's focus has been in the areas of family law and probate. Lena has helped her clients through the very difficult and emotional hurdles that accompany divorce, child custody, support, caring for ill or disabled family, and the death of a loved one. Since passing the bar in 2002, Lena has handled a wide range of cases, including real estate and business disputes, personal injury, and criminal cases.