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FCB Health vs Havas Health? (NY)
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I did exclusively family law for 3 yrs and about 80% family law for the next 3 yrs and I just quit to move in house. In my experience you're either a family law lifer or it will burn you out in a few years. I completely agree with the previous comment about mediating petty disputes. It's exhausting hearing people complain about OP being 15 minutes late to a custody exchange and not liking the ex's new boyfriend. I learned early on to screen out the trouble clients and not engage in the bickering. A handful of super high-conflict custody cases taught me that I hate litigating domestic cases and was only interested in collaborative law. But I know a ton of really successful attorneys who have practiced only family law for decades and love it, so it's certainly a different experience for each person.
Attorney 2... I am trying (and have been trying) to make the switch you made. How did you transition in house from family law? It seems extremely difficult. Would you be willing to connect with me?
Divorce attorney here getting out of the field! Many of my friends thought they wanted to do family, did it for a few years, then fled and went to civil. It’s a common theme. Family law is less law more therapy. If you want to negotiate petty arguments on a daily basis w no rhyme or reason (should mom have Tuesday or Wednesday overnights?, who gets the peloton?) then this is your calling. If you prefer logic and legal persuasion, then do not enter the field. So many senior family law attorneys advise me to get out while I can and I finally heeded their advice.
@A1 I’m in the process- winding down my cases while I start at my new firm doing plaintiff’s PI. Doubled my salary too 🤩 highly recommend During interviews play up your court experience, client interaction, and motion practice. All skills are transferable
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Yes. But if you do, remember this. No matter what the parties say. No matter their noble stances. No matter their assertion to put the kids first. No matter all of that, it is ALWAYS about the money. Not unlike other areas of litigation, but at least they are upfront about it.
I’m a family lawyer. What state are you in? I think there will be a lot of openings once this breaks. I’m absolutely swamped with work now
Yes, I’ve seen plenty of articles discussing COVID-19 & the expected rise divorce rates! I’m located in Georgia, wbu ??
I personally love family law. I think whether or not you are able to stick it out really comes down to whether you are able to handle high conflict situations and remain calm, how good you are at empathetic listening, and whether you can handle repetitive complaints from clients about their exes without getting annoyed. Also, I’ve noticed a lot of the best family law attorneys I know have a personal reason for entering the practice, so they really understand what their clients are going through. If you think you check the majority of the boxes I mentioned, I’d say go for it!
Yes. Run far far away.
It has its days but it’s rewarding af
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I’ve been practicing family law for 10 years. I like it, but I have to remind myself periodically that: 1. I don’t create the facts, I can only craft an argument around those facts. 2. I let my clients know whether their actually discussing a legal matter or something that they may want to discuss with a counselor. 3. You’re generally dealing with good people who are going through a really bad time in their life. 4. No one wakes in the morning and says, “ It’s a great day! I get to see/call/e-mail my family law attorney.”
It's really not bad. It's a new challenge every day.
I’m a child advocate attorney in Philly. We are GAL representing both the best interest and express wishes of children and youth. If you’re seeking litigation experience with social work input in a child welfare and family law setting, this may be a rewarding career for you.
There is a rare breed that likes family law. I have a good friend who was a high-powered family lawyer. She has retired. But most family lawyers do not like it. The best thing would be to try it out and also talk to other family lawyers and see how it is working for them. But be prepared to be in toxic environments most of the time with people fighting, children in the middle and lawyers being scapegoated
Yes.