I've seen plenty of lawyers make plenty of promises to their clients (that they cannot keep) - those unrealistic expectations are one of the reasons people are so often unhappy with the results of their divorce. I've always been a social and outgoing person - that's who I am - but the fact is I believe that it is my character that primarily brings people to retain me, not my credentials or any of the accolades I have on my wall.

I know I can come across with a lot of intensity, and as a result I believe I have lost a client or two at the first consultation. But that's who I am, and overall it's served me well. My sincerity has always been my strength, my calling card if you will.

As a divorce attorney, I often have clients, or potential clients, make statements to me about what their spouse or friend said about alimony, child support, etc. Well, usually none of what they say is what the law says. The law and the facts of your case are what matter. And, of course, the facts of every case differ. I guarantee your friend's case will not look like your own. There are unique sets of facts, and based on those, the law - support guidelines, even rules of shared child custody - can and will apply different outcomes.

When I was attending law school at night I thought a lot about what kind of law I wanted to practice. I knew I wanted to be a litigator, but I couldn't see myself prosecuting - or defending - criminal cases. Growing up in Newark gave me a different perspective. Fact was I just didn't want to prosecute or defend in a criminal setting.

Family law is very different from any other area of the law. Other practice areas can be all paper - and no people. People are simply detached from what you do. In the beginning other lawyers told me it was very hard to get established in family law. But that's not what I discovered. I never had a problem getting cases. I like people - I want them to be personally satisfied, with me and my work. In our field we are front and center with people, and we can really make a difference for a client.

I'm a litigator above all - I have a skeptical view of alternative methods like mediation and collaborative law. The more powerful spouse, the spouse who is in financial and emotional control of the family, can easily get a better deal in mediation. The imbalance of power that exists in the marriage can be easily exploited in mediation. In most cases I don't say right off, "Let's mediate this" unless their attorneys are with them at mediation.

Sometimes clients are surprised that I give out my cell phone number. But I always do, to every client, since nowadays it's really the best way to keep the communication lines open. And that's essential. Email too. I make every effort to reply promptly - but if you want a thoughtful and reasoned reply, that can take time, a day or two. Sometimes I will respond with a short reply saying, "I'll get back to you within 24-48 hours or when can we meet in person?"

Paul Weiner is our managing partner and he's a great lawyer and leader - after meeting him, I joined the firm immediately. Three years later I'm fortunate to be building a family-law department at Weiner Lesniak. We have first-rate lawyers and a real sense of commitment to our clients.

A lot of people ask me how I got to where I am today - the fact is I just persevered. I could have easily accepted my lot in life, and remained at the post office. Many of my clients like to hear my story - it gives them inspiration to move ahead with the changes occurring in their lives. I am not done yet; I continue to learn, grow and improve myself every day.