Dealing with Opposing Counsel

I don't know what was in the air last month, but I managed to make a few attorney's angry.  All attorney's guard their integrity closely.  As they should.  But some have limited memory of what they say in judges chambers.  I actually had an attorney aggrieved with me because they believed I called them a liar in front of the judge.  I didn't.  Didn't even come close.

Further, another attorney was upset because his/her client told him/her that I was speaking terrible things about him/her.  And without double checking with me, I was brandished as someone that was out there gossiping and talking smack.

Peyton's Place.  This profession is a den of gossip, and a bunch of divas.

My advice:  When you find out that opposing counsel has been offended, don't always ignore it.  Take the time to straighten it out and let the other side know that your intent was not to do as they thought you did.  That 2 minute conversation will garner you a lot of appreciation and respect.  Remember, you are going to have many more cases with that person.  Make it work.

Ups and Downs...

I started my own firm and my practice area is mainly family law.  This has been an interesting venture for me, but one that is starting to pay off.  I started this firm back in mid- December, when someone I knew contacting me wanting representation on a modification of custody.

January found my adding two more clients, February even more, and the beginning of this month saw me adding even more clients.  To the point that I am now pretty busy.

I had my first contested hearing against a well known firm this week as well. That was interesting to prepare for and to conduct.

I wake up every morning thinking that I love my job.  I really do.  I have no complaints and instead, when that alarm goes off at 5:30 am, I am jumping out of bed, eager to get to the office.

The great thing about starting your own firm is you control your overhead.  My overhead is really low right now. My family's business has given me some temporary space to use for now and sometimes I even work from home.  I have my eye on the perfect office share situation, but I figure I need a few more steady clients before I can justify that expense.  Though the location is just a block from the courthouse.

So far there has been little drama, lots of growing, and love of my job and what I do.  There have been some other surprises along the way though.  When your client cries, what do you do?  The pro se litigant that calls you and screams at you --- how do you handle that one.  Other attorney's treating you like a moron because they can see by your bar number you are a newbie.  But all those challenges are exciting for now.  They are, but a rite of passage.