The Spirit of the Family Law Attorney

Abstract

Lawyers labor in the context of human conflict. Yet when clients bear their most intimate brokenness and interpersonal struggles, the family law attorney must work with just a little more strength. Called to be an advocate for those who are at their lowest life moments, despairingly in distress, seeking guidance, needing consolation, possibly even hoping for miraculous curative measures, and likely navigating it all without a resolute compass, family law attorneys are not miracle workers, but the spirit from which they labor can often make a remarkable difference in the lives of those nearing utter despair. This article focuses on the courage, inspiration, energy, and care it takes to help those who are bereft and broken. A family law advocate must possess a motivation and a breadth of wisdom to help an individual or a family in pain. There are incredible opportunities for a good attorney to offer new hope to individuals, particularly in family law. And that calling can be rewarding and challenging. Because I teach future lawyers family law, mine is the perfect seat from which to boast about my colleagues in the family law bar throughout the Commonwealth. My goal is that you will see them with new eyes and be inspired. Here’s to the spirit of the family law attorney.

Keywords: family, family law, counselor, human conflict, heal, restore, restoration, advocate, brokenness, hope

JEL Classification: K1, K10, K19, K36, K3