Demetria L. Graves

Demetria L. Graves founded The Graves Law Firm in 2005 at just 25 and only months out of law school. Now, she has offices both in Pasadena and Beverly Hills.

“In law school I always wanted to choose a field that allowed me to use my degree and skills to ‘help others,’” she said. “As I have grown in the profession, it is so fulfilling to assist our clients’ during one of the hardest times of their lives. It is not always easy, but it definitely warms my heart to be a part of such an important journey.”

Graves is a Certified Family Law Specialist and, more recently, has begun developing a niche practice of representing parents in move-away cases.

She noted she’s seen an increase in such cases because California’s cost of living continues to rise.

“My hardest cases are always the move away cases, because most times, there is not a right answer it is a close call,” Graves said. “In both cases that I handled this year, both clients’ were men and doubted their chances of winning because of their gender. However, because of their involvement with their children and commitment to be full time parents, the outcome was successful.”

She added that in any move away case, it is never easy to present facts that essentially support a child being away from any parent for an extended period of time.

“However, although most of these cases are very close to call, being able to present any client as a true committed and willing and capable parent is rewarding,” Graves said.

Graves is also an author, having written the book, “When Women Run The Firm: How to Successfully Launch and Manage Your Law Practice With Confidence.” She also hosts a podcast called “Legally Uncensored with Demetria L. Graves,” where she discusses family law-related topics.

She is the immediate past chair of the Family Law Executive Committee (FLEXCOM) with the California Lawyers Association and currently co-chairs the African American Alumni Association at Loyola Law School and is a mentor to several law students and young attorneys.