I'm known for having a practical approach to the law - more than 90% of my cases are settled without extended litigation. I've always been good at working with people to separate the emotional and financial issues in their case, and to move their case along, to resolve it promptly and efficiently.

Collaborative Law has received much attention as a less expensive alternative to litigation. However, some of the most difficult, contentious cases I've seen are those stuck in the collaborative process, sometimes for months or even years. In my experience, Collaborative Law can cost significantly more than traditional litigation. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the entire process needs to start over from the beginning. Part of the problem is that some lawyers are claiming "different results" from Collaborative Law, and that phrase is interpreted by many people as "better results." Different does not necessarily mean better. As clients visit more and more lawyers before they decide to file for divorce, that's an important thing to understand.

Despite what some will tell you these days, litigation is not a horrible thing to be avoided. The horrible thing to be avoided is wasting clients' money. I regard myself as a traditional litigator. I believe in sensible litigation.

In the beginning, it's rather common for people to ask me: Should I get a divorce? That is not a question I can answer for someone. My role is to guide clients through the process and help them achieve their best possible outcome. In my first conversation with a prospective client, I outline the process the best I can. It is a kind of Divorce Law 101. I'll explain what's generally included in Community Property, and what's not, discuss support and custody issues, and provide an overall framework for how the process progresses.

Marin is a great place to be a family lawyer. For one thing, people here are intelligent and sophisticated, and generally understand the trade-offs they face. And there is not a lot of stigma attached to divorce these days.

My husband and I moved to Marin and built our lives here. I love our part of California. One reason is that many people here live healthy and directed lives - they make money not simply for sake of making money, but to do other things, healthy things with purpose and meaning.

Over the years the vast majority of my cases have come from referrals - word of mouth. Today's client will live down the block from a previous client, or even more flattering, from a client represented by opposing counsel. People in the community know me and my practice. I'm proud of that.