I knew early in my career that family law would be my life's work. Because my family is most important to me, it is the area of the law in which I felt I could make a difference in people's lives. I'm passionate about it, and I know my clients can sense that.

After doing this for more than 20 years, I know how important it is not to give unrealistic expectations. I make a great effort to set reasonable expectations from the start. There are plenty of lawyers who will make promises to lure a client. The fact is that most of my clients are fairly sophisticated - they want effective representation, and they want to properly understand the process. The law has its share of legalese, and unnecessarily complex terminology. I try to keep every step of the process clear and understandable to everyone involved.

I'm well known as a "mediation-friendly" lawyer. I believe in getting everyone under the same roof, in the same conference room. I'm famous for "four-way meetings" where the clients and the attorneys can work together to negotiate an agreement. Often times I use "shuttle diplomacy" over several hours to get the job done. I'm committed to sitting down and trying to work on a deal - that is fair, and that will last. We'll often bring in forensic accountants to review assets and business valuators to conduct business valuations. The goal is to reach an agreement, and stay out of Court, if we can, so that people can move on with their lives.

The fact is, that person in the black robe, as smart and well-intentioned as they may be, does not know your family or situation - he or she should really not be making the decision about your future, especially when your children are involved. That is not to say every case can be negotiated. We are ready and willing to go to Court and litigate when necessary.

I feel very strongly that life shouldn't be lived looking in a rear-view mirror - you don't dwell on the past. Every moment looking back is time spent away from looking forward. I must say that I've lived by that, and I've told my clients that, for years now.

We have a great office. Most of my staff has been with me from the start, and they truly are a central part of taking care of our clients. We pride ourselves in the attention we give to each and every client. We recognize this is the most stressful time in their lives and make a commitment when we take their case to give them the time, attention and service they deserve. Phone calls are returned the day we get them, and strategy meetings to keep them involved in the process is what I pride myself on. We work hard, but even if it's late in the day, anytime, our clients get our best. They deserve that.

I heard Cal Ripken say there are "the three P's of life" - Passion, Perseverance and being a good Person. I agree with his philosophy. The only way to be good at anything is to have a passion for it, persevere and do it with dignity. Family law is my passion. I love it.