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 selecting a divorce attorney?

I pride myself on fostering trust with my clients. I believe that my personality and work ethic allow me to provide excellent representation in the family court realm. I draw on my background, life experiences, and legal experience to relate to my clients and help them choose the best course of action in their case. I understand that most people aren’t dealing with the court system on a day-to-day basis and therefore legal terms and concepts may seem foreign. I believe that my clients feel comfortable giving me a call or sending me an email any time with questions.

While I maintain a professional distance from my clients’ personal lives, I take their cases to heart. I genuinely care about the people that I represent and their families. When I am successful at a hearing or trial, when mediation is successful, or when my client and his or her spouse end up working things out, I am thrilled. There is absolutely no better feeling than working your butt off preparing for a case and achieving success. When things don’t turn out the way that I hoped, when my client is treated badly, or when a motion is overruled, I too feel defeated. To me, being a litigator is not just a job but a way of life. I think about my clients and their cases at home, on the weekends, and at the gym. Is this because I’m a woman? I think it’s more likely related to loving what I do. I know many male and female attorneys who feel the same.

The most important factor when selecting a divorce attorney is finding the right fit for your personality and goals. You are going to be sharing intimate details of your life and interacting closely with your attorney. Your attorney is going to be helping you make important decisions that will affect your family and your life. When looking for an attorney the focus should be on finding someone competent, knowledgeable, and hardworking.

When selecting a divorce lawyer, don’t focus on finding someone who fits a specific mold—male or female; old or young. Meet with a number of people and look for the professional who is the right fit for you and your needs.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.