All of the wealth that our area enjoys really doesn't change how people fundamentally are. People who live in our area may take more trips, or have more expensive cars or homes. But they want the same things for their children, and have the same concerns and fears, as everyone else.

Clients today are much more knowledgeable and sophisticated than when I started. They understand the process of looking for an attorney, looking for someone who fits their needs and situation. Most understand we will not take every case.

We stress client involvement. And we make every effort to practice what we preach. We provide every client with a legal team, which follows through and works directly and consistently with the client. By the end of the case, we want to help the client be ready to face life as a single adult.

In that respect I think we are unique. We take fewer cases than probably any firm specializing in divorce work in the state. I personally will handle only 5 or 6 cases at a time, and certainly no more than 10. Most are referred to us by other lawyers, happy clients, or the spouse of a happy client.

Ours is not a field for the weak spirited or weak minded. The practice has grown only more challenging - the number of disciplines the divorce lawyer encounters is surprisingly diverse. We must have the experience of a Dr. Spock in developmental issues. We must address issues in business valuation, employee benefits such as stock options and other forensic financial analysis. There is much to know, identify and value.

I've always placed much emphasis on mentoring and continuing legal education and love to help new lawyers. With all the complexity and demand for expertise today, that function is more important than ever. We spend a great deal of time training and teaching our associates.

Rather intentionally we want to keep our practice small. Our clients are better served with dedicated teams responding to them. For us it's fairly simple. People can have the same backgrounds, have the same assets. But every client believes their situation is unique - and it is. That's how I've always approached my work.