What to expect:

• Respect for what is important to you:

Your lawyer has many roles to play in representing you, but one of the most foundational is taking the time to listen to your particular perspective, to hear the details of what is unique about your situation, and to learn what is most important to you as an individual.

The words of an applicable statute or the content of an important legal precedent may not change from one case to the next, but the representation of each client is unique.

Whether a case is handled under the collaborative model or through negotiation, mediation, and litigation, there is a focus on building a foundation of understanding what issues are important to you and how you view those issues .

• Communication:

Maintaining open communication with the client is an important part of a lawyer’s job. As a client, you will be able to call Daniel directly. When he is in a meeting or in court and cannot take your call, your call will be returned promptly.

It is understood that many clients will have obligations of their own during the traditional business hours, daytime Monday through Friday. Daniel is available to take calls or exchange e-mails during evening and weekend hours, not just for urgent matters, but routinely out of recognition that these will be the only hours readily available to many clients.

You have the opportunity to request the use of different means of communicating about your case, depending on what works for you. If you find in person discussions to be most helpful, most of your advice can be channeled into that forum. If you are comfortable with phone conferences and e-mailed advice letters, those can carry a significant part of the volume of information back and forth between you and your attorney.

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If you have questions about Daniel’s background, perspective, or policies, feel free to bring those questions to your initial consultation.

Your questions are welcomed and respected. Investing energy and attention in the process of choosing a family lawyer is seen as a sign that you are gearing up to invest energy and attention in the process of working with the attorney during the case. Active participation by the client is a necessary ingredient in most successful representations, whether in the collaborative process or in a conventional representation.