How can I keep my legal expenses down?

By Abigail Green | January 9, 2020

Many people wonder why attorney's fees are so high. Please keep in mind that in addition to their own compensation, attorneys have many overhead expenses, including rent, management software, malpractice insurance, continuing legal education, bar association dues, and employee salaries. Attorney's fees take all of those expenses into account. Keeping this in mind, there are many strategies that one can employ to keep their…

What questions should I ask a potential divorce attorney?

By Abigail Green | January 9, 2020

How long have you been practicing family law? Is there a particular area you focus on? What percentage of your practice is family law? What other types of law do you practice? What is your style as an attorney? Are you familiar with the Judge that will be assigned to my case? Are you familiar with the other attorney(s) involved in my case? In…

Why do I have to pay a retainer? What is it for and how does it work?

By Abigail Green | November 11, 2019

Attorneys use retainers as advance payment for their services. Family law cases are unpredictable. Sometimes, parties have minimal conflict and quickly resolve all issues in their case. Other times, parties have to endure extensive litigation before they reach a resolution. For that reason, attorneys charge an hourly rate for their services and require payment before service. The hourly rate is generally based on the…

My Reaction to Criticism of Judge Olu Stevens

By Abigail Green | April 17, 2015

While working at the Public Defender’s office, many of my adult circuit cases landed in Circuit Division 6, presided over by Judge Olu Stevens. I still remember my first time in Judge Stevens’ courtroom. He had his deputy sheriff come over to me and ask for my name so that he could avoid having to ask who I was in front of my client.…

What to Expect in the Jefferson County Court System

By Abigail Green | October 2, 2014

As an attorney who practices in Jefferson County, I often forget how intimidating a trip to the courthouse can be to newcomers. I think people experience anxiety because they aren’t sure exactly what to expect in our local court system. I’ve decided to create a series of blog posts letting people know what to expect in Jefferson County based on my experience. I plan…

Should Gender Be a Factor When Selecting a Divorce Attorney?

By Abigail Green | September 24, 2014

We frequently get calls from potential clients seeking a female divorce attorney. When asked why they are seeking a female divorce attorney, potential clients offer a variety of answers ranging from: “family court is a female realm”, “the family court judges prefer female attorneys”, and my favorite, “I’ve heard female attorneys will fight more aggressively”. Which begs the question—should gender be a factor when…

Adopt the “Long View” in Divorce

By Abigail Green | May 18, 2014

This weekend, my family and I watched my youngest sister graduate from college. It was a wonderful day and I am so proud of her accomplishment. The commencement speaker, Matthew Kelly, is a motivational speaker who discussed adopting the “long view” with the recent graduates. He discussed how as individuals and as a society, we are increasingly focused on the here and now when…

Inadequate Jail Conditions — A Reflection of the Louisville Community?

By Abigail Green | April 23, 2014

While representing incarcerated individuals, I frequently find frustration in the treatment of people at Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC). Pope John Paul II, among others, has said that a society is judged on how it treats its weakest members. Traditionally, we think of children and the elderly as being the weakest among us. Yet, we often overlook the prison population. Inmates in our…

“Wow, that’s a firm handshake” — Challenges of a Female Criminal Defense Attorney

By Abigail Green | April 6, 2014

My friend and colleague, Leslie Smith, posed a great question this morning on Facebook. She asked: “Female criminal defense attorneys: does anyone know why there aren't that many of us?” While there are female attorneys working as prosecutors and public defenders, there are few female criminal defense attorneys in the private bar. There are even fewer that focus solely on criminal law. A discussion…

How Waterfront Park Can Lead to Positive Change

By Abigail Green | April 2, 2014

Droves of criminal teenagers swarming Louisville like the zombie mobs in the Walking Dead. Media portrayals of teen mobs at Waterfront Park brought those images to my mind. Our community is rightfully concerned about safety as well as what led teenagers to engage in such behavior. People are talking about carrying weapons in case of a teenager attack. At the office, we’ve joked that…