Each client is free to choose his or her own lawyer. It is important that collaborative family lawyers who work with me have committed to follow the same model for collaborative representation shared by me, and who have made the effort to become trained as effective collaborative lawyers.
Research has shown that one of the best predictors of a good divorce process and outcome is the selection by divorcing spouses of two lawyers who respect one another and have a good track record of settling cases together. Not all collaborative lawyers are equally good at this demanding new dispute resolution process. Anyone selecting collaborative counsel should investigate and choose carefully. Find out:
-Whether the lawyer specializes in family law, and how long he or she has practiced.
-What training the lawyer has received in collaborative law and in mediation.
-Whether the lawyer is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners.
-Whether the lawyer is a member of Practice Group.
-How long the lawyer has been practicing collaborative law.
-How many collaborative cases the lawyer has handled that resulted in complete agreements being signed.
-How many collaborative cases the lawyer has handled that did not result in complete agreements being signed.
-Whether the lawyer has done any writing or training on the subject of collaborative practice.
-Whether the lawyer has worked collaboratively with your spouse's lawyer before, and if so, how successfully.
Interview several collaborative lawyers and choose the one you have most confidence in. Seek out the best.