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What’s your philosophy regarding fam- ily law?
Every family law case should ultimately settle. If it does not settle, it usually means that someone is being unreasonable. My philosophy is to tell clients what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. This can be challenging when dealing with high- profile types who are accustomed to being in charge, but I would be doing them a dis- service if I didn’t tell them the realities of the case. This is how I can look in the mir- ror and know I did the best job for my cli- ent. I talk to clients the way I would want to be spoken to if I were going through their difficult situation. My job is to properly set and align expectations.
Tell us about “A Cup Of Coffee With 10 Of The Top Divorce Attorneys In The United States.”
Divorce can be a scary thing. It’s unchar- tered and emotional territory for most peo- ple. I wanted to be part of a compilation of attorneys from some of the country’s lead- ing family law attorneys covering different aspects of divorce, from which process to use (collaborative, mediation or litiga- tion), to issues surrounding child custody, alimony, prenuptial agreements and post divorce issues. My chapter is on how to find the best attorney to represent an individual, which is a critical decision point.
Divorce can be one of the most life changing events that a person will ever ex- perience, and the decisions made during the divorce proceedings affect an individ-
ual and his or her children long after the divorce is final. If we can help pave the way for better decisions and educate about what to expect through publication of this book, we’ll all be better for it.
“I talk to clients the way I would want to be spoken to if I were going through their difficult situation. My job is to properly set and align expectations.”
What sparked your interest in family law?
My family was a major influence. My grandparents emigrated from Eastern Eu- rope to Cuba to find a better life. Each of my parent’s family in turn emigrated to Puerto Rico in 1960 when they lost every- thing after Fidel Castro. They had to start from scratch for the second time in their lives. My father was a salesman and only achieved a high school education. Al- though he developed a successful business as a manufacturer’s representative, he dis- couraged each of his four sons from “car- rying a suitcase full of merchandise” for
a living and touted the law as a laudable profession. Being good sons, all four of us complied and became attorneys. One of my brothers practices in-house in Puerto Rico, one is an immigration attorney in Miami and the other practices immigra- tion in Atlanta.
Both of my parents and grandparents also instilled in us the value of a work ethic, and I try to pass this on to my children. I always tell anyone who is willing to listen that there is no substitute for hard work, and the fact that both my grandparents and parents had to start over from scratch twice in their lives taught me this. My motto is “do today what you can do tomorrow.”
How would people describe you?
Good question. I think my colleagues at the firm would label me as intense. My clients would describe me as accessible and prepared, and opposing counsel would say I am reasonable and level-headed. A good family law attorney understands that you can be representing the other side in the next case so you need to be reasonable in your daily dealings. Being professional in family law is one of the most important characteristics an attorney can have and I strive to achieve that on a daily basis.
How do you unwind?
Family is important. I have two children, son Aaron, 14, and daughter Amanda, 12, with my wife, Kerry. When I’m not with them or working, I’m what people would call a sports freak, whether participating or watching. I enjoy running, tennis and golf,
Next Generation Special Issue Attorney at Law Magazine® Atlanta | 25
Paralegals Diane Lederman and Bruni Langford and attorneys Michael Deeb, Lindsay Dodson, Rachel Shockley, Karine Burney and Marvin Solomiany.
Bill Adler Photography