Maricarol Lacy
Divorce Law - Chicago, IL

Some of the first questions I will ask a client are, What are your priorities? And, what are you thinking? Because, of course, there are many feelings to be sorted out. Many people come to see me and say, "I should've made an appointment with you a long time ago."

Often I will start by writing an amicable letter to the other side, a letter with no contentious or threatening tone. It's straightforward. What can we resolve here? If that letter is met with hostility and there's no apparent interest in working toward an agreement, then of course we can and will prepare for another process. We have the experience and the resources - who ever we are dealing with. At the very least, initially we are finding out what attitudes and personalities will be driving the case.

I view this as a collaborative process with my client. I want you to tell me what I should implement on your behalf, after we have laid out as many options as possible. It's important that you never feel that "some lawyer made something happen to you." Being part of the process - of collecting facts, of preparing for negotiations and resolutions, reviewing letters and other written material - helps avoid any sense that a spouse has been victimized.

I receive a lot of referrals from people I have represented before. I've handled tough custody cases, including several that involve so-called 604(b) recommendations from psychologists on the best interests of the children. By that time the case is usually in front of a judge, who will be making decisions for you, decisions that the participants could easily have made themselves earlier in the process.

But the fact is, you can't fire or terminate a relationship with a father or any parent. I believe almost all cases should settle long before we have to bring in court-appointed experts and analysts.

I feel I've been very fortunate in my career, especially here working with our team today.

Nichole Onorato is a gifted writer. Her organization and writing skills really make all of us better. Karen Bowes is very good, especially in ad litem cases. And my partner Joe Phelps loves the law - and he too is an excellent lawyer. I consult with Joe on important details or matters of legal interpretation. Are we reading tea leaves right? That way we make sure there is no ambiguity in matter we handle for clients.

I certainly feel that the best lawyers practice with a set of personal values, which is reflected in their work every day. Bernie Rinella and all of us always respect that our clients are entrusting us with their personal situations, indeed, their futures.

It can be stressful. But in the end, as challenging as the process can be, it's very satisfying when my client comes back to me says, "You really helped me get through this."

Maricarol Lacy
"...as challenging as the process can be, it's very satisfying when my client comes back to me says, 'You really helped me get through this.'"