Matrimonial law is fascinating - an attorney must develop strong skills across a broad range of disciplines, and that's really what attracted me to the field. You have to know much more than simply divorce law. Business, corporate, real estate, tax law, to name a few, are regularly part of matrimonial litigation.
The law is so fluid - every day there are new precedents established. Staying abreast of those changes is a huge challenge. That's one of the reasons I decided that I had to concentrate on one practice area.
I didn't go to law school until I was 30 - and frankly, at that time, my impression of lawyers wasn't all that positive.
I know that, as compared with most matrimonial attorneys, I have a unique background having worked in the Federal court and prison systems; few have the experience with the legal system that I've had. As a result when it came time for me to stand before a judge as an attorney in a courtroom, I was pretty relaxed.
Today I do have something of a standard consultation protocol when I meet clients for the first time. My primary objective during a consultation is to educate the client. First I'll ask a sequence of questions to develop a factual basis with which I can analyze the case. I next explain the divorce process, including all possible options such as litigation in the court system, alternate dispute resolution, etc.
I'll also take the time to discuss my personality with clients. I want them to understand who I am, and how I work. I know I can have a significant presence and I can be pretty intense.
Still, I try to guard against the process being all consuming. I also have a good sense of humor and I want the client to know that at times I employ that sense of humor to take the edge off of what can be a very emotionally trying time in their life. In short, I want people to know about me if they are going to work with me.
At the end of the day, I share with prospective clients what I consider to be a critical philosophy: While it is pleasing to find a lawyer you like, it is far more crucial that you find a lawyer you trust. I have often been told that I relate well to all types of people. I accept that observation as a great compliment.
Our firm is unique. It may sound like a cliche to say this but we are truly like a family. The people I work with are not only outstanding practitioners but also individuals of great character. We're in and out of each other's offices brainstorming about cases constantly. There's a lot of expertise up and down our halls and we take advantage of that. I believe that makes us a better firm and better advocates for our clients.
