There's an important balance that any good lawyer needs to achieve with clients - we must present all the possibilities of legal outcomes, but not lead anyone to believe they are going to secure something they're unlikely to get out of the process. I've found that the more I communicate with my clients, the better I create that balance. I certainly work hard at managing expectations.

There's no doubt communication is king, and central to being effective at what we do, but technology has been a mixed blessing. It's extended the practice beyond the office, a good thing for most of us. I pride myself on keeping the lines of communication open with my clients at all times. I know they are going through a difficult situation.

When friends ask me what they should do when facing divorce, my advice is pretty straightforward: Always try to reach a settlement out of court. I know there's plenty of temptation to have the court hear what you've been through, but in litigation rarely does anyone feel that they came out a winner. Especially when young children are involved - and there are matters of custody and co-parenting to settle. I know about these issues first-hand.

I've learned so much about the practice from my partners, especially Stephen Schlissel and Elena Karabatos. Steve has a great legal mind, always able to quickly analyze the essential issues of a case. He always thinks outside the box and encourages us to do so as well. And Elena, well, I don't know any experienced lawyer who's better at negotiating and writing agreements. She also possesses a litigation style that is both tough and reasonable. Today, I like to think that my own approach is a reflection of all of the people I practice with.

In some ways this has all been a little surreal for me: Here I am, doing the work I've always wanted to do, with the kind of people I've always wanted to work with. I love working for my clients, and I feel fortunate that I'm here. But there's nothing magic about it: We work hard, and we live up to the standards we set for ourselves, for one another - and especially for our clients. I know they recognize that.