Leading With Heart In San Jose: Rachel McKenzie On Advocacy, Innovation & Client-Centered Law

Modern Family Law proudly serves families throughout the Bay Area, with dedicated offices in San Jose, Oakland, and Palo Alto. At the heart of our South Bay practice is Managing Attorney Rachel McKenzie, a seasoned advocate with over two decades of experience guiding individuals through some of life’s most challenging transitions. In this interview with Marketing & Communications Manager Caroline Germano, Rachel shares her journey into family law, her vision for the San Jose office, and her perspective on the unique needs of Bay Area families navigating divorce, custody, and other legal matters. Whether you’re just beginning the process or seeking clarity on your next step, Rachel’s insights offer both reassurance and practical guidance from a local expert who truly understands this community.

Rachel’s Journey Into Family Law

Caroline Germano: Can you tell me a little about your background and what led you to work in family law?

Rachel McKenzie: I was born and raised in the area and have spent my whole life here. I went to law school to help people in my community during times of crisis and need. As I went through law school, I realized that criminal law was not the right fit for me. I did not want my work to be about keeping guilty people out of jail or sending innocent people to jail. Instead, I was drawn to family law because it allows me to build real connections with individuals and families. I enjoy being able to support people directly in such important areas of their lives.

Caroline Germano: Great. How long have you been practicing law? Did you choose this path right after college, or did it come later?

Rachel McKenzie: Straight out of law school, I went directly into family law. My first position was with a family law firm, and I have remained in this field throughout my entire career. I have worked for the courts and in legal aid, where I spent eight years working almost exclusively with victims of domestic violence. Those cases often involved divorce, custody battles, or the need for protection, situations where people were in crisis. Over the past 20 years, I have worked with individuals in many different circumstances, and being able to provide help in those moments has been very rewarding.

Stepping Into Leadership At Modern Family Law

Caroline Germano: What led you to take on the role of Managing Attorney for our San Jose office?

Rachel McKenzie: I love this question. When I came to Modern Family Law, I already knew the firm was progressive and treated its clients differently. I had colleagues who worked here and shared those experiences with me. During my onboarding, I immediately felt embraced by the team. My colleagues genuinely wanted me to be here, and I really appreciate that. That sense of belonging carries into the work we do. We are encouraged to view things from the client’s perspective rather than just the firm’s, which is something I had never experienced in my career before. It has been both refreshing and exactly what I hoped to find here.

Caroline Germano: As Managing Attorney, what are your priorities for the San Jose office in the coming year?

Rachel McKenzie: I am really looking forward to bringing Modern Family Law back to the South Bay. We have been absent for a while, and I think the way we embrace both clients and new staff is unique. For clients, it means asking, ‘What do you want to achieve, and how can we best assist you?’ That client-centered perspective is something I believe other firms in the San Jose area often lack. Many seem focused on the firm’s interests rather than what is truly best for the client.

On the other side, I am excited about building a strong team to bring that culture to life. At Modern Family Law, junior attorneys are welcomed and given substantive work early on. They have the opportunity to take on cases right away, rather than spending years only on tasks like discovery. While that kind of work has its place, it is not why most of us wanted to practice law. By giving attorneys real responsibility and supporting them, we create a culture where both clients and staff feel valued. I look forward to helping foster that culture and making it cohesive in our San Jose office.

Caroline Germano: That is exciting, and it leads to my next question. How do you plan to balance leading a team of attorneys while also managing your own clients?

Rachel McKenzie: That is a great question, because there are only so many hours in the day, and there is always more work to be done. The two most important skills are prioritization and time management. Beyond that, I believe it comes down to enjoying the work. If you genuinely enjoy what you do, you are engaged, motivated, and eager to find solutions.

What excites me most is the collaborative nature of this work. Whether it is brainstorming solutions for a client alongside attorneys, paralegals, and the client themselves, or working behind the scenes with colleagues at the firm, it is always a team effort. My goal is to bring that collaborative spirit to San Jose, creating a strong, supportive environment where the community can trust us to help them find successful solutions.

Innovation & Opportunity In San Jose Family Law

Caroline Germano: It sounds like you have a clear plan, which is great. What opportunities for growth or innovation do you see in family law practice in San Jose?

Rachel McKenzie: There are quite a few opportunities right now. I feel like we are on the cusp of major changes, especially with the role of AI. Our firm is very tech-centric, we embrace remote work, and we are already training and learning how to integrate AI into our practice. That is a big innovation on the horizon.

At the same time, San Jose is a large market with many people who need support, and what excites me most is the chance to put clients’ needs first. Too often in this profession, firms prioritize their own interests, but at Modern Family Law, the focus is truly on the client. That approach is forward-thinking, and I believe it is the future of practicing law in California.

Part of my role will be helping new attorneys embrace that culture. It is a game-changer, and it sets us apart from other firms. Between our commitment to client-centered practice and our openness to technological innovation, we are well-positioned to lead in this market. And I am excited to see how AI continues to shape the future.

What Sets Modern Family Law Apart In California

Caroline Germano: I completely agree about the importance of putting the client first.

Rachel McKenzie: Absolutely. At the end of the day, we are working for the client to help them through a crisis, a difficult situation, or a custody issue. People do not come to us because they are having a good day; they come because they are facing something life-changing. That is a serious responsibility. If we can support them in a client-centered way, that is what defines great customer service, a successful lawyer, and a strong advocate.

Caroline Germano: How do you see Modern Family Law’s values and approach benefiting clients in California?

Rachel McKenzie: Modern Family Law reflects what I believe are the values of our community. San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for being diverse and inclusive, and I see those same qualities in our firm. We embrace diversity, prioritize inclusion, and help people move through crisis in a way that is both efficient and thoughtful, reducing stress while still achieving their goals. These are values the community has consistently voiced as important, and they align closely with what Modern Family Law stands for. It makes for a strong partnership between the firm and the community.

Caroline Germano: You have touched on this a few times, but in your opinion, what sets Modern Family Law apart from other family law firms in the Bay Area?

Rachel McKenzie: Many of the points I have already mentioned apply here, but one thing I have not talked about, which I think is important, is how we handle that very first contact with a potential client. When someone calls Modern Family Law, they are going to speak with an attorney, not just a receptionist scheduling an appointment. I really value that approach because it is something people do not always expect, but they absolutely should.

If someone calls and I answer, they can expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes talking with me. Whether or not they choose to hire me is up to them, but I want them to end that call with helpful information and a sense of direction, not just an appointment or a sales pitch. If they cannot afford an attorney, I can still provide resources, guidance, and answers to their questions. That commitment to helping people, regardless of their circumstances, is what I believe truly sets Modern Family Law apart.

Divorce Parenting & Co-Parenting Challenges

Caroline Germano: My next question is: In California family law, are there any specific challenges or trends you have noticed compared to other states?

Rachel McKenzie: Because of the current political climate, this is a bit of a loaded question. I think courts and the legal system as a whole are facing challenges right now. That said, California family law is both similar to and very different from other states in important ways.

California is generally more progressive compared to much of the country. For example, while most states say that decisions should be made in the ‘best interest of the child,’ California interprets that more broadly. Here, the courts recognize that a child’s best interest often means spending meaningful time with both parents, to move toward a 50-50 arrangement if it works for the family. In many other states, there is still a presumption that children will primarily live with their mother and only spend limited time with their father.

Another key difference is how California courts value and encourage co-parenting and agreements between parents. The reasoning is simple: judges and the law do not know the child or the family the way the parents do. When parents can work together to reach agreements, it is almost always better for the child. In contrast, many courts in other states are quicker to impose orders, which may not serve the family’s or the child’s best interests. That kind of forward thinking is something we are fortunate to have in California. It reflects a respect for families and their ability to shape their own solutions, and it is something we should really embrace.

Caroline Germano: How do you see family law evolving in California over the next few years?

Rachel McKenzie: We are very fortunate in California. It was not that long ago, in the 1970s and even into the 1980s in some cases, that women did not have full property rights or spousal support rights. Some states still lag in these areas. California has also led the way on issues like same-sex marriage, gender identity rights for both parents and children, and fathers’ rights. While we may take these protections for granted here, they remain remarkably progressive compared to much of the country.

I believe California will continue to lead in developing policies that support individuals, no matter how they identify or how they view themselves and the world. That respect for individuality within the law is vital to preserving our rights. In California, the law is not about limiting or controlling families but about protecting their rights, and I expect that forward movement to continue in the years ahead.

Advice for Those Just Starting the Family Law Process

Caroline Germano: If someone in San Jose is at the very beginning of a divorce, custody matter, or any other family law issue, what advice would you give them?

Rachel McKenzie: First, I think it is important to validate that anyone coming to me is likely experiencing a time of crisis or difficulty. My role is to help make the process less stressful and more manageable. A good attorney can guide you through both the business and emotional aspects of divorce or custody. Knowing that your attorney is handling the business side allows you the space to work through the emotional side.

I also want clients to understand the process. When courts make decisions about children, their focus is always on what is in the best interest of the child. At the same time, they also consider what is in the best interest of each parent. That perspective helps both the individual and the family move toward a new future.

It is important to remember that the law is not against you. It is designed to help you move forward. Yes, the process can be confusing and at times overwhelming, but that is why I am here: to guide you through it and help maintain perspective. Step by step, we will get to the other side.

With custody and visitation, especially, it is an evolving puzzle. Over time, circumstances change, children grow, and new solutions are needed. Ideally, parents will eventually reach a point where they can work together to resolve issues without always needing a lawyer. That is something to look forward to.

Keeping that balance in mind from the beginning can make the process healthier and less daunting.

Caroline Germano: These are all great points, and I think the most important thing is knowing you have the best advocate by your side during such a scary and emotional time in your life.

Rachel McKenzie: That is right. With 20 years of experience, particularly in supporting victims, I have been through some incredibly emotional and challenging situations. I believe my clients have come through those times healthier, more secure, and ready to move forward. My role is to guide them through that dark period. I may not be able to flip on the light switch immediately, but I do have a flashlight, and together we can find the switch and bring light back into the room.

Looking Ahead

Caroline Germano: What excites you most about your future at Modern Family Law?

Rachel McKenzie: I touched on this earlier, but what excites me most is the team here; it is truly incredible. Even though we work remotely and I have met only about 75% of the team so far, I have been amazed by how supportive and collaborative everyone is. I have not experienced any personality conflicts, which is rare, and I feel genuinely valued and supported every day.

That has not always been the case in other places I have worked, even if I thought it was at the time. Here, the working relationships are consistently positive, and that energy carries over into everything we do, our teamwork, our interactions with clients, and the solutions we provide. It is inspiring to be part of a culture where everyone is committed to helping and finding the best path forward for the people we serve.

Conclusion

Rachel’s leadership reflects the core values that define Modern Family Law: empathy, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to the client’s well-being. With her at the helm of the San Jose office, families in the South Bay can expect legal representation that is not only strategic and informed, but deeply human. Whether you are facing divorce, custody concerns, or seeking guidance on your next step, Rachel’s message is clear: you do not have to navigate it alone, there is a path forward, and the right advocate can help you find it.