Eric Shapiro | Atlanta Divorce & Family Law Lawyers | Georgia

• State Bar of Georgia

One case that comes to mind is a recent custody dispute that I handled. This was the third time my client's ex-wife had pulled him back into court and this time he wanted to fight for a change of custody. I had not represented him prior to this matter. He was worried because he felt his Ex's attorney in the previous matters had been very effective in clouding the waters and that his Ex-wife could be very effective and convincing on the stand. We mapped out a strategy that focused on three specific issues and chose to ignore all other issues thrown up by defense counsel. By keeping him focused on the stand and hammering away and the three salient points we identified, the court ruled in our favor and he now has custody of the minor children.

Building successful practice is a combination of all the factors yo listed, but responsiveness and problem solving are probably the most important in my experience.

No lawyer can be everything to every client. Different clients need different skill sets or personalities. Generally though, a lawyer who listens and is not ready to tell you the answers until he or she has taken in a good deal of what the client is say, and sometimes what the client is leaving out.

Local knowledge can be important in certain cases, but I've handled matters all over Georiga (20 counties, and counting) and I think that the idea of getting "home cooked" is not as prevalent as many think. Sometimes, I've even felt I've gotten a better result from a judge because I was the new face in the Courtroom.

I tend to provide about 10-15 free consultations a week and spend most of the time listening. The information I provide usually centers around the possibilities for settlement that I am leaning toward and our fee structure.

The information I normally seek revolves around the four (4) conflict points that tend to exist in divorces. a. Custody b. Child Support c. Splitting assets and liabilities and d. Alimony. Not every case has conflict in these areas but it is an easy way to focus the points of conflict.

I think lawyers generally have similar backgrounds and experience comes over time. After 14 years practicing in Georiga and 19 years since I was originally admitted in New York, I tend to feel that the major points of differentiation revolve around personality. Being able to asses what problems your client is facing and what actual settlement terms would work well for them. This often comes from being able to listen and to empathize with their plight.

When I receive a referral from a past client. It means I did something well for the old client.

Cooking and entertaining. Coaching and being involved in youth sports.

I'm involved in the various youth sports organizations that my kids play in