Not a week goes by that I don't meet a person facing divorce who has unrealistic expectations of what the law can provide. At this point in my career if I know a client wants more than I can produce, I refer them to someone else. For one thing, it's unlikely they'll ever be happy with the outcome.

I am very hands-on with every case. There are clients who want to be bothered less and have the minimum done for them. But they generally are not my clients. I monitor my cases at every stage. My staff and I make sure my counterparts respond promptly, that we prepare thoroughly and move expeditiously. I'm a big believer in the idea that justice delayed is justice denied. If a client asks me, "Can't you be nastier?" I tell them - it's not my nature to play dirty. My response is this: You get more by simply being tenacious - I'd rather be viewed as tenacious and hard-working.

When I looked for my first job, I didn't want to call myself a divorce specialist. I came to recognize there are many layers of complexity in many divorce cases. When I needed to understand pensions, I learned about pensions. We handle real estate, business, tax, psychological, estate issues, etc. As the issues arise, you have to be willing to study and learn. That's how you keep growing in this profession.

You advocate for your client - with optimism, reaching for the best result. But you advise conservatively. I've seen a lot of lawyers engage in a different kind of advocacy - making a lot of promises - and the client is often disappointed. Every divorce is a process. Many good lawyers try to be control freaks, but you sometimes can't control the train that's coming down the tracks.

I am a Catholic divorce lawyer who cares about families. Long after the divorce, a couple needs to respect each other as parents. I am rarely conflicted over my chosen field. I resolve to work on behalf of my clients and their children.

I have tremendous empathy for clients who come to me emotionally dependent - feeling powerless and disenfranchised - after a separation. I try to empower all insecure clients. It's important to help them focus on building toward their future. Reaching out for support is an important part of the healing process.

Years ago, I tried to teach and realized that wasn't my calling. Now as a lawyer, I'm a natural teacher. I have very high energy. It helps to love what you're doing. And I do.