When I first thought about law school, I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to practice law. Psychology was the other path I considered, and I spent a lot of time going back and forth between the two. I’ve always been drawn to helping people: listening, offering guidance, being the person others come to when they need advice. Psychology seemed like a natural fit for that part of me. But I also knew I wanted a career that allowed me to advocate, to stand up for people when they couldn’t stand up for themselves. That’s what drew me toward law.
Family law became the bridge between the two. It gave me the chance to use my legal training while still drawing on that innate pull toward empathy and human connection. In this field, I get to counsel people who are at one of the worst times in their lives, and I have the opportunity to help them, their children, and their families move forward. It’s not abstract work. It affects people’s homes, their children, their financial futures, and their sense of stability. That intentional choice, to focus on family law, has guided everything I’ve done in my career.
Why Communication Matters
Very early on, my mentors taught me something that stuck: communication with clients is everything. I still remember hearing, “You could be the worst attorney in the world, but if you’re in touch with your client, telling them what’s going on and fighting for them, they’ll be happy.” That advice shaped the way I practice. I never leave a client waiting to hear what happened in court. I respond to emails, even if it’s just to say I’ll address it the next day. Silence breeds anxiety—and my clients already have enough of that.
Too often, I meet people who come to me after working with another lawyer who went quiet. They tell me, “Court was a week and a half ago and I still don’t know what happened.” That’s unacceptable. A divorce or custody battle is stressful enough. Your lawyer should never be the stressful part of the process.
The Weight of the Unknown
One of the hardest parts for clients is dealing with the unknown. The legal process is a marathon, not a sprint. Clients wonder: Where will I live? How will I buy groceries? How much money will I have to care for my kids? I can’t always give answers right away—judges have wide discretion and no two cases are ever the same. What I can do is be honest, explain what’s likely, and prepare my clients for different outcomes. That reassurance, even without guarantees, makes a real difference.
Honesty Over Promises
I’ve learned that honesty, even when it’s hard, builds trust. Sometimes in a consultation, I have to say: “You have a terrible case. These are not good facts for your situation.” As painful as it is to say, people hire me anyway because they know I’m not going to sugarcoat things or make promises I can’t keep. I’d rather they hear the truth from me and feel prepared than be blindsided later.
From the first meeting, I tell clients: hope for the best, prepare for the worst. That mindset helps when bad news does come. They may not like it, but at least they’re not shocked.
Communication is a Two-Way Street (Next Clip)
For communication to work, clients need to engage too. I always tell them: keep us updated. Even if you did something you’re worried about, I’d rather hear it from you than from the opposing attorney in court. Preparation is everything. When clients are open with me, I can build a stronger case, anticipate arguments, and fight more effectively. When they aren’t, it puts us all at a disadvantage.
Looking Ahead
Family law is changing, and technology is part of that shift. More people are doing their own research with AI tools and online resources. Some of that is helpful, but some of it is dangerous. I’ve already seen drafts from clients that are clearly generated by AI—full of mistakes and unusable in court. My role is to make sure clients know they can rely on me for accurate, strategic guidance. I don’t want them feeling like they have to turn to Google or ChatGPT for answers. That’s not where peace of mind comes from.
At the end of the day, my philosophy is simple: communicate openly, counsel honestly, and guide clients with compassion. Family law will never be easy, but with clarity and trust, it can be manageable. And that’s my goal for every person who walks into my office.
