My approach to family law cases is based on the principle of karma. One of the principle tenets of karma is the belief that the consequences of "unskillful acts" are borne by the one who commits them. That is why you will never see me engage in mudslinging or name calling. It is my policy to be polite to everyone, no matter how rude or unpleasant they may be. It is never helpful for the family law practitioner to be judgmental or lose his/her composure. None of my colleagues in the Bay Area family law community have ever seen me angry. I don't write threatening "lawyer's letters". I have much more effective ways of dealing with the inappropriate tactics of opposing parties. My background in the martial arts has been very helpful in my career as it has helped me gain discipline and the ability to conduct myself respectfully in difficult situations.
Although I have a lot of courtroom experience, and I actually loved appearing in court when there was no other option, it is seldom in the interest of the parties and their children to litigate family law disputes. The best litigators are those who can settle difficult cases at the earliest possible stage.
In my 40 years of practicing family law I've never been involved in a fee arbitration with any client. It's pretty simple: Be positive. Be nice. Don't lie. Return calls quickly. I want everyone I work with to feel respected by me. I feel very fortunate. I love practicing family law. I can't wait to come to work every day.
