I am a 59 year old man and retained Lisa to represent me when my wife filed for divorce (my second her third). Making things more complicated were mental health issues and a teenage daughter. I chose Lisa after completing evaluative interviews with 11 other attorneys and completing a number of reference checks. Lisa's hourly rate was not inexpensive, but it was $100 an hour less than the attorney my wife hired.
Lisa is a very busy lawyer; but then again, all divorce lawyers are busy now, especially the really good ones. I believe her work as a mediator helped her to better represent me, especially given the fact that my wife's attorney had come to her to act as a mediator in the past. Lisa appears to have productive relationships with key figures in the process and was very familiar with the judge assigned to our case. While I wouldn't say she was cozy with opposing counsel, they did seem to be able to work effectively when client behavior became especially challenging. Clearly there was mutual respect. Most importantly, Lisa was able to take negotiations to the brink of going to trial and win major concessions from the opposing side that I thought would never be given. By not going to trial, we likely saved as much as $100k. Lisa presented a professional balance between encouraging me to settle while at the same time being ready and able to try the case.
In summary, here were the key aspects of my work with Lisa that I appreciated the most:
Outstanding "bedside manner" despite a very difficult adversary.
Reasonable hourly rates as well as efforts made to curtail hours billed/costs.
Good teamwork - oftentimes if I was not able to reach Lisa I would receive a response from her support staff who could either answer questions or give me an idea of when Lisa would be available. Their rates were reasonable and I never felt over-charged.
Good working relationships with other lawyers - I believe this led to a more fair final settlement and kept us from going to trial.
Experience as a mediator - This earned her the respect of opposing counsel and also allowed her to better represent me when we went to mediation.
Provided outstanding referrals to parent coaches, mortgage specialists, mediators, and therapists.
Appropriate level of urgency to keep the process going and finish it without a trial.
Good negotiation instincts.
Nice person - someone you enjoy talking to.
I would and have recommended Lisa to anyone who needs effective representation especially under very difficult circumstances. read more