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Scott Lantry

Scott J. Lantry

Partner

Scott Lantry

Scott J. Lantry

Partner

“Clients often ask how we achieve our results. Imagine that, in one hand, I hold an olive branch, representing our commitment to amicable settlement. And in the other hand, I hold a sword, symbolizing our readiness and ability to litigate. With this two-pronged approach, even the most complicated and difficult cases can be resolved on terms favorable to our client.”

Scott J. Lantry

Scott J. Lantry is a Certified Specialist in the field of Family Law and is a Partner with the law firm Whiting, Ross, Abel & Campbell, LLP. Mr. Lantry exclusively practices family law and is committed to empowering his clients to resolve disputed issues on terms most favorable to the client and the children, either by mutual agreement or by focused and efficient family court litigation.

Continuously since 2017, Mr. Lantry has been selected for inclusion in the Northern California Super Lawyers® Rising Stars List. Less than 2.5% of attorneys in Northern California are named to Rising Stars.

Mr. Lantry acted as lead trial counsel in Superior Court proceedings that led to the published appellate decision In re Marriage of MacIlwaine, a case that made new law in California regarding the treatment of extraordinary income from stock option compensation that may exceed the needs of the minor children. (In re Marriage of MacIlwaine (2018) 26 Cal.App.5th 514.) Mr. Lantry has since gone on to represent and advise both support payors and support recipients in cases where the payor’s income arguably exceeds the children’s needs under section 4057(b)(3), and where the support obligation is based on income from all forms of equity compensation.

Mr. Lantry has been qualified to testify as an expert in the field of California Family Law.

Mr. Lantry joined Whiting, Ross, Abel & Campbell, LLP in 2004, working as a File Room Clerk. When he passed the California Bar in 2008, he became a member of the team of family law attorneys at the firm. From 2012 through 2014, he represented airlines and aerospace companies in civil litigation primarily in the United States District Courts of California. Mr. Lantry draws on that experience when representing clients in all phases of family law litigation and alternative dispute resolution (mediation and private judging).

Education

  • University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D., 2008
  • Grove City College, B.A., cum laude, 2005

Admission

  • 2012, United States District Court for the Central District of California
  • 2012, United States District Court for the Southern District of California
  • 2012, United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • 2008, United States District Court for the Northern District of California
  • 2008, California State Bar

Reported Cases

  • In re Marriage of MacIlwaine (2018) 26 Cal.App.5th 514
  • In Banga v. Gundumolgula, Mr. Lantry successfully defended a foreign airline in Federal District Court by obtaining a dismissal of a consumer protection lawsuit. Banga v. Gundumolgula, 2013 WL 3804046 (United States District Court, Eastern District of California).

Articles and Publications

  • Author: “Thanks for the Settlement! But Must I Share It With My Spouse?: Division of Tort Recoveries Upon Divorce” – The Verdict Magazine, Spring, 2020
  • Author: “Deficient Discovery Responses and Disclosures in Family Law Cases: Causes and Alternatives” – Contra Costa Lawyer, April 2010

Speaking Engagements

  • Presenter: Don’t Forget the Other Fiduciary: Where Elder Abuse and Family Law Meet, Contra Costa County Family Law Section and Alameda Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association, August, 2023
  • Presenter: “We Lost It All Because My Spouse Did Not Diversify!” – An Overview of All (or Most) Issues You Face in an Equity Compensation Case During a Bear Market, Contra Costa Bar Association, Family Law Section, September, 2022
  • Presenter: Elle Woods Says “I Object!” – Direct and Cross Examination, Contra Costa Bar Association, Litigation Section, April, 2022
  • Presenter: Litigating Child Vaccination in Family Court, Robert G. McGrath American Inn of Court, November, 2021
  • Presenter: Division of Community Property Upon Divorce, University of San Francisco School of Law, April, 2021
  • Presenter: Updates to MacIlwaine – Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS), January 2021
  • Presenter: “Extraordinary Wealth, Extraordinary Needs? Or Gold Plated Diapers: Equity Compensation and Child Support.” – Alameda contra Costa Trial Lawyers’ Association (ACCTLA), October 2020
  • Presenter: “Characterizing and Dividing Employee Stock Options” – American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Annual Symposium in Napa, California, June 2016
  • Presenter: “The Intersection of Extraordinary High Earner and the Vesting of Stock Options in Determining Child Support” – American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Spring Symposium, June 2016

Awards

  • 1st Place, G.S. Rich National Moot Court Competition, Western Region

Professional Affiliations

  • Board Member, Family Law Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association (2022 – present)
  • Board Member, Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association (2017-present)
  • Board Member, Litigation Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association (2014-2020)
  • Neutral Volunteer, Self-Represented Litigant Settlement Conference, Contra Costa County Superior Court (2017-present)

Other Associations and Accomplishments

  • Coach, Pleasant Hill Baseball Association
  • Iron Butt Association: Member
  • Hole-in-one: Lincoln Park Golf Course, January 6, 2007, Hole No. 8, 163 yards, 8 iron.

Contact Whiting, Ross, Abel & Campbell, LLP to discover more about how our expert California divorce attorneys can help you in all matters of divorce and family law.

California Family Law Specialists
California Family Law Specialists
Scott J. Lantry Rising Star Super Lawyer
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