Attorneys Included in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America in 2027

Reape-Rickett & Breddan, APC is proud to announce Partners Matthew J. Chung and Samantha M. Essayan are recognized in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America 2027 edition for Family Law. This year’s inclusion is Mr. Chung’s second consecutive selection and Ms. Essayan’s first Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America selection. Attorneys selected to the Ones to Watch^® list are recognized for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice early in their careers. Both Ms. Essayan and Mr. Chung are honored to receive this recognition for their family law experience.

Santa Clarita Divorce Lawyer Recognized by Best Lawyers®

Partner Matthew J. Chung, Esq. has helped countless families navigate divorce, paternity, child custody and visitation issues, post-judgment, and domestic violence matters with compassion and diligent advocacy since joining our firm in 2019. Mr. Chung collaborates with his clients closely to identify their concerns and needs allow him to provide results-based advice in helping his clients make informed decisions. His focus is on driving settlement whenever possible by exploring all reasonable options, which include conducting a thorough analysis of each family’s unique situation. When settlement is not a viable option, Mr. Chung is an experienced litigator appearing in family law courts across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Kern Counties. He works tirelessly to represent his clients to secure the best possible results in the courtroom. Mr. Chung has represented a diverse range of clients, from professionals and business owners to stay-at-home parents. He understands that every family situation has unique needs and there is no one-size-fits all solution to family law matters. His commitment to fighting for his client’s best interest while avoiding unnecessary conflict is a top priority.

In 2026 Mr. Chung received his first selection to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America in Family Law. In addition to receiving the Ones to Watch® recognition, Mr. Chung is a four-time Southern California Rising Stars selectee (2023-2026). The Super Lawyers Rising Stars selection is awarded to no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state.

Valencia Divorce Mediation Attorney Selected to Ones to Watch®

Samantha M. Essayan, Esq., Partner, brings a unique and valuable perspective to family law. She understands how deeply personal and emotional family law matters are, and that they not just legal transactions. Whether navigating complex asset division or sensitive custody arrangements, Ms. Essayan is dedicated to protecting what matters most: each family’s future and well-being. Samantha rejects a one-size-fits-all approach to resolution. Instead, she crafts tailored strategies designated to de-escalate conflict where possible and fiercely protect her client’s rights be it child custody and visitation, child and/or child support, equitable asset division, and beyond. Throughout her career, Ms. Essayan has represented a diverse range of clients, from stay-at-home parents to government employees, business owners, entrepreneurs and high-profile entertainers. Her goal remains the same, to find solutions while helping her clients through the most difficult times in their lives.

Los Angeles County Family Law and Divorce Lawyers

Reape-Rickett & Breddan, APC provides distinguished family law services and representation throughout Southern California. With offices in Valencia, Calabasas, and Westlake Village, our team of experienced and dedicated attorneys can help you navigate your family law matter with the support, expertise, and advocacy you need to move forward with clarity. If you are in need of family law representation, contact our offices today at (888) 851-1611 or contact us Here.

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

For over forty years Best Lawyers® has been regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Lawyers on the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. Best Lawyers® selects attorneys through their Purely Peer Review® methodology which begins with a nomination submitted by someone other than the attorney considered for the distinction.