As I tell my clients, I've always brought a certain competitiveness to my work. I don't like to lose, so I work hard and prepare hard, for every case and every situation. At the same time, I'm also a bottom-line-oriented practitioner. You have to do the calculus - is the time and expenditure worth the result? Or even the potential result? In our work, that cost-benefit analysis goes on every day.

I know most of the judges and lawyers in our specialty, in our community, and that gives me certain insights on how any case may play out. I've always been pretty good at understanding how personalities impact the process, even if we never step foot in a courtroom. Believe me, it only takes one of the four - two spouses and their lawyers - to disrupt the course to a constructive resolution.

Our work involves helping our clients move on with their lives - and helping keep them whole, reassuring everyone that they will survive. I spend a lot of time determining what my client is entitled to, in a range. We must set and focus on realistic expectations, and focus on what our client should expect under the law.

We don't get pre-occupied with fault, about what and who got you to my office. Marital fault might have played a role 20 or 30 years ago - but no more.

I'm an experienced litigator and I know the court system well - the courts aren't perfect, though. I currently have three major trials - involving issues over custody of minor children - and those cases can last for weeks, even months, since the court docket doesn't schedule trial days successively. Weeks can go by before the next day in court takes place, and the judges have to re-acquaint themselves with the case all over again. The good news, though, is that there is an effort afoot to change the current scheduling protocols, so things are likely to change in that regard.

Still, it's important for any client to understand the value of a negotiated out-of-court resolution. I've never been afraid of going to court. But I am a very good negotiator, and work effectively in a closed-door conference room. That's where a solid resolution can be crafted. But as a lawyer, to be effective, it's important not to get stuck in a position. New facts can emerge, and circumstances can change, like a relocation or job loss.

People ask me all the time what it's like joining the practice of my ex-husband. I know, it's a good story. But I give the same answer - it was a practical decision. For one thing, we get along, and we respect each other professionally - and we're parents, after all. In a way I feel as though we are sending a positive message, to everyone.

And I do enjoy and take a lot of satisfaction from my work. And Doylestown has always been home to me. I'm a part of the community of Bucks County. I can't imagine living and working anywhere else.