I have always operated in my profession with a simple rule: Treat others the way I would want to be treated. That’s the basis for respect. Everyone involved in the law - and in particular, divorce law, where emotions can be especially intense - responds well to being treated with respect.

I was drawn to matrimonial law early in my career, and it really has been my focus for the last 21 years. It’s a practice area for problem-solvers, and that’s how I and my colleagues approach every case. We can take the offensive when we need to, but most of the cases we handle can and should settle without extended litigation. To some extent, litigation tends to be the result of unrealistic expectations. I will always tell clients the truth, and if they have expectations that are unreasonable I tell them so.

Everyone wants to ensure that the right thing is done, especially for the children involved in a case. If clients are pleased with your services and your effort, they will refer their friends to you. We’ve built our firm through word-of-mouth, and we’re proud of that.

I have always made it a point to be involved and to get my whole law firm involved in helping people and organizations in our community. One of the most satisfying things about being part of a successful firm is to be able to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I organized our firm to give a holiday party and collected 150 gifts for disadvantaged local children. I also organized our firm to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for 200 Michigan reservists stationed at a local Air Force base on Thanksgiving Day.

I’m proud of what we do. We are solving problems at a key time in our client’s lives, and that’s very gratifying.