More and more, our area of the law has come to resemble complex commercial litigation. It is the kind of work in which a good lawyer makes a profound difference.

Every attorney faces similar challenges: You're simply irresponsible if you don't give realistic expectations to a client. A client will say "The kids are mine." That's not what a court or a settlement will necessarily provide for. That's a very difficult thing for some people to accept. Also, experienced attorneys will have a good sense of the costs and benefits underlying a case. After all, it makes no sense to spend 10 dollars to try to make five.

One of the most significant developments in the law is technology proliferation - and the effect is double-edged. Technology has put tremendous new pressures on attorneys to move as quickly as possible, sometimes unreasonably. Yet, technology has made hiding assets more difficult - and that's a plus for attorneys and their clients. The hiding of assets - even titles to boats or airplanes - once was routine. Today we can retrieve a broad range of meaningful information on the Internet.

We are working with people at their most raw emotional state. We always want to assist, but we have to know when to draw the line, when the role of attorney ends and the role of therapist or social worker begins.

The stresses of litigation are as great as ever - I am surprised, and a little disappointed, honestly, that people are as intent as ever to litigate their disputes, rather than seek a settlement. That all said, I've been very fortunate. Our area of the law has grown more interesting and challenging over the years.