You could say there is a social worker in me – it’s one of the reasons I was drawn to family law. I truly listen, and I am sympathetic of what my clients go through. But I also will always give my honest opinion. After all, I am their advocate -- I am there first and foremost to look out for the interests of my client.

I think our firm is the right size, and has the appropriate resources and expertise, to make us one of the most effective family-law practices in the Philadelphia area. A lot of Center City firms promote their many departments and armies of lawyers – well, more is not necessarily better. And having worked on Market Street, I can say that the quality – and value – of our service are right there with the largest firms. We consult with our other legal departments whenever it’s appropriate.

We are of course best known in Montgomery County and Norristown, but our practice really takes us throughout the five-county area.

Mary Cushing Doherty has been a great mentor to me – I was drawn to the firm because of her, and her sensible approach to handling difficult, contentious cases. We care about families, and the impact on children, in every case. Our recommendations and perspectives reflect those values. We take a team approach to our cases, so those values really permeate to everything we do.

I’m a positive person – I make every effort to be friendly and collegial, even with opposing counsel. At the same time, I recognize and value my credibility – my friendliness can be disarming, because others know I am capable of being hard-nosed. I have never hesitated in bringing a contested matter before a judge. That’s the role we play, as advocates.

The tough economic times have certainly changed lives, and put new stresses on families. It’s even impacted the process of divorce – for starters, there are fewer assets to identify and divide. To solve problems I think there is a lot more creative lawyering going on. As lawyers we can never use a mechanical approach.

High Swartz is a unique and special place. We promote one another’s success – so our clients always know they are getting top-notch service. Not all professional practices are like that.

I very much like what I do. I feel good about it. I help my clients get to the next chapter of their lives, with as few scars as possible for everyone involved. For me that’s very rewarding.