Cathleen Lockhart | San Antonio Family Law Lawyer

A physician that was sued for back retirement pay due to a misinterpretation of the final decree of Divoce DFAS was not withholding the correct amount. The ex-wife wanted over $400,000.00 is back retirement pay. After a trial to a judge, the court ruled that she was limited to four years the award was a fraction of what was asked in the lawsuit. No attorney fees were awarded.

Building a reputation for only taking cases that have merit and working with the best recognized experts in the field. Being honest with the judiciary, my clients and having the nursing background that allows me to critically analyze the subject and focus on the details of a case.

Honesty. Interview the attorney and ask about their successes. Read your contract and make sure the lawyer is not charging you for time spent by other staff that is not identified in your contract. Hourly fee agreement should set out paralegal time if the lawyer has a paralegal. If you only deal with a paralegal, you should not be charged with a higher rate for an attorney time. Contingency fee agreement should set out exactly what will be costs to litigate the case and the percentage that the attorney will earn.

Local attorneys know local attorneys who have professional relationships with the courthouse. You want a local attorney that knows the judges, knows the local risks and knows the opposing counsel. Will opposing counsel always settle the case, or will they prepare and take it all the way. Preparing a case for trial from the first moment it one of the most important steps in litigation.

In a short telephone conversation I can usually identify the issues and if I will be able to help solve the legal problem and I would also know if the client and I will be able to communicate. Communication is key to any relationship.

Facts. Many times the client does not have all the facts, but I am able to steer them in the direction to gather facts.

My nursing background has been a tremendous asset to every case, divorces, probate litigation, or nursing home abuse. Nurses are compassionate individuals that like to help and I want to help.

The smile on a child's face and the relief evident in the parents face when a difficult divorce is final or when a family realizes that the negligent party is held accountable. Time heals, but the scars of battle only fade.

Family. Having been through a difficult divorce and several tragic deaths, I appreciate my health and my children and grandchildren's health and happiness.

As I have aged I have been more involved in the local and state politics since I have seen such an impact on people's lives when new laws are passed.

• State Bar of Texas, Litigation Law Section
  American Bar Association
  San Antonio Bar Association
  Texas Trial Lawyers Association
  Trial Lawyers College, Dubois, Wyoming
  Texas Bar Association, District 10 Grievance Committee Member, 2013
  Federal Bar Association
  San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association
  Licensed in U.S. District Court Western District of Texas

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