Lynda Sheridan’s journey into the legal profession began not in a courtroom or a law school classroom, but on a middle school playground. One day, during recess, she watched a group of students surround a classmate and verbally taunt him. He stood frozen—helpless, speechless—unable to defend himself. Sheridan, instinctively uncomfortable with the imbalance of power, stepped in. 

“I did not like what I saw, so I jumped in, stood with him, and spoke up for him against the crowd,” she recalls. “It was that experience that sparked the idea of being an advocate for others. I soon learned that attorneys do just that, so from that point forward, I always desired to have a career as an attorney.” 

That moment set her on a path that led to Southwestern Law School, where she developed the skills and knowledge to turn her natural advocacy into a profession. Now, decades later, as she joins Southwestern’s Board of Trustees, her journey has come full circle. 

A Southwestern Story of Determination and Growth 

Sheridan’s path through law school was anything but traditional. A single mother, she enrolled in Southwestern’s PLEAS program, designed to support students balancing family and academic commitments. But her ambition and drive pushed her to take on even more. 

“I really appreciated Dean Taylor because he was so supportive of my journey, which was a bit untraditional,” she says. “I started as a PLEAS student but soon transitioned to the three-year day program. This switch required that I take a heavier-than-usual class load, including every summer, to make up for the short units in my first year.” 

The challenge was immense, but Sheridan thrived. With discipline and determination, she completed her law degree and launched a career that would establish her as one of the most respected family law attorneys in California. 

“I hope to bring my unique perspective to the work through my committee contributions. The work of the Board is to continue to enhance the student experience, and I hope to make a meaningful impact.” 

A Career Defined by Advocacy and Leadership 

Over the years, Sheridan’s legal practice evolved into one of the most well-regarded family law firms in California, particularly for high-stakes cases involving business owners, complex financial matters, and intricate custody disputes. But the heart of her work remains the same as it was on that playground decades ago: standing up for people when they need it most. 

“After becoming licensed, many different opportunities came my way, but the ones that kept repeating and growing were representing persons facing legal family law matters—divorces, paternity actions,” she explains. “Over the years, my client base of family law clients grew and grew until it became me.” 

In high-asset divorce cases, Sheridan notes that one of the biggest challenges is helping clients navigate the legal process without letting their emotions derail their case. 

“I find the most challenging aspects of high-asset, complex financial matters to be coaching clients to control their emotions and submit to the process,” she says. “Highly intelligent business clients are used to setting the strategy in their own industries, so they often come to the legal arena wanting to do the same. But they truly don’t know the rules of the game, and sometimes they create self-inflicted roadblocks to their own best outcomes.” 

What has set Sheridan apart in her field is not just her tenacity in litigation but her honesty with clients—something she believes is essential in family law. 

“I do not overpromise results,” she says. “I fully explain risks, and I even reject clients who seek unattainable outcomes. That honesty allows me to maintain the confidence and trust of my clients, which is critical in this field.” 

A Commitment to Service and Mentorship 

Beyond the courtroom, Sheridan has remained committed to giving back. She serves on the board of the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law, a nonprofit that provides free legal assistance to low-income families. 

“It’s what keeps me sane and fulfilled,” she says. “My work is extremely stressful, and more often than not, I am managing the financial and emotional concerns of otherwise highly successful people. My volunteer work allows me to engage with like-minded, kind-hearted people without worrying about outcomes in court. My board work and community involvement are my social outlets.” 

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Southwestern’s Future 

Now, as a member of the Board of Trustees by virtue of her Alumni Association Board presidency, she is eager to give back to the institution that played such a critical role in her journey. 

“I am in awe of the Board of Trustees,” she says. “Most of us attended Southwestern, and we all love the school—otherwise, we wouldn’t be serving. I feel very aligned with the Board, and I hope to bring my unique perspective to the work through my committee contributions. The work of the Board is to continue to enhance the student experience, and I hope to make a meaningful impact.”