When divorces are complex, such as when there are multiple sophisticated issues in contest that may be interwoven with one another, I assure clients that no family law attorney I know is a “master of all.” We at Rubin Rudman are fortunate to have subject matter experts across a multitude of practice areas, which materially benefits our divorce clients. If there are trust or real estate issues involved in the divorce, my clients are reassured that my colleagues in our Trusts & Estates or Real Estate departments are here to jump in as a part of the client’s broader legal team. That is a tremendous benefit to my ability to effectively represent our clients. Similarly, if there are issues such as business valuation or complex equity compensation that require extra attention, I have longstanding relationships with expert witnesses who specialize in these areas and are available to consult with us.

My advice is to make sure you have a legal team that understands when additional expertise is needed and knows how to bring the right professionals to the table. Together, we can formulate a plan or strategy in the client’s best interest as we approach either negotiation or litigation.

Determining whether an appeal is viable following a disappointing decision is critically important when advising clients in the appellate space. I do not want a client’s hard-earned money spent on an appeal that is likely to be futile, and I do not take lightly the financial costs that come with hiring lawyers and pursuing litigation. I tell every client that, upon reviewing their case, I will advise them as to the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I will be honest and direct with them as they deserve that honesty. In order to provide that advice, I carefully review the trial record, including the trial transcripts, the exhibits introduced, and the judge’s judgment, findings, and rationale.

Teaching, in the general sense, has always been in my blood, as my mother spent her entire career in education. I find teaching – be it a law student, a young lawyer, or even a client – to be one of my favorite aspects of my career. I was fortunate enough to have been guided by several amazing law school professors and, later, mentors in my practice. I am lucky and thankful for that guidance, and I take very seriously the opportunity to serve as a mentor to others now in this phase of my career.

I look at your question in the opposite way of how you phrased it: I think my own work with clients has changed the way I teach other lawyers. My experiences (and there were many challenging experiences over the years) helped me become a better teacher and mentor. However, I certainly try to remind myself to “practice what I preach” and stay consistent!

What clients in family law undoubtedly need is an advocate who can internally screen out their natural emotions and heightened stress, with respect and a listening ear, so that,externally, they appear steady, objective, and reasonable. We family law attorneys all know that a percentage of our job is to be a bit of a therapist – it is unavoidable. I find that once you afford the client that opportunity to “vent,” they become increasingly open to following your legal advice when it comes to the “external” messaging – whether to the opposing attorney or the judge. That external messaging cannot risk being derogatory, salacious, irrational, or punitive. So, clients need me to listen, they need me to remain calm, and they need me to get them through the storm with one united, stable course.