Yes, I am a divorce lawyer but foremost my mission to help others achieve positive change. The area of family law is replete with opportunities to turn challenges into learning experiences and to provide a catalyst for a better life.
I was once in the position many of my clients are in. My husband was an alcoholic who was drunk before I came home every day from work. As a result I was stressed, scared of being able to make it financially, and ashamed of what my parents and friends would say about me. Leaving this relationship was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I remember standing in my closet while my husband threw shoes at me because he was angry about the Bar review course I wanted to attend. I felt small and afraid. I know from personal experience the clients I serve need a lot more than the documents we prepare.
They need a confidant, an adviser, an encourager, and an advocate.
Having positive change as my mantra means it is not winning but rather finding a solution or litigating a case to obtain a resolution that will take you to the next level.
I will never forget my first year of practice when I was cautioned by a much more experienced attorney that I would never be successful with my attitude.
I have thought of this many times over the last eighteen years of my practice. She wanted a win for herself. Many times what can go on a scorecard as a win for an attorney can be devastating to a family. Ego shouldn’t be the governing force in divining results.
There have been times when my integrity has been tested by potential clients who come in ready to file suit with checkbooks in hand. I have been given the advice, “Someone else will take the case.” But again, this is not the philosophy I live by. Filing a useless lawsuit to pad my pocketbook will only further more animosity between the parties and will cost both a bundle of money for nothing other than selfish gain on my part. Telling people what they need to hear whether they like it or not is part of practicing from a standpoint of positive change.
Choosing an attorney can be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Sometimes people want to save money by going with a cut- rate attorney who will serve up documents but that’s not who I am.
I give my client’s personal attention, my thoughts, my energy, and my positive outlook to their situation. They are not merely a file folder or a notch in my belt. The needs they have can’t be quantified by wins or how much or little it cost.
Instead the quality of their life and getting them through this dark time to the next one is why clients choose me.
