Lisa Sterling | Santa Ana Divorce & Family Law Lawyer

They need to select a lawyer with whom they feel a connection. They need to find an attorney whom they can trust and who can look after their best interest. Clients need to remember that they are getting into a business relationship with the lawyer and just like in any relationship, you need to choose wisely, looking for qualities you admire in a person, such as honesty, intelligence, experience and humility. I say humility, because so often I see a lawyer's ego running the show, when wisdom and experience should be at the forefront.

Beyond measurement. Knowing the other attorneys and mindsets of the judges is incredibly valuable. Each case has a "flavor" based upon the opposing attorneys and judges involved. An attorney must "pitch" as case to the Judge in the way that will best reach that particular judge. If you've been in front of that judge many, many times, you know what will reach him or her.

I am happy to tell you what needs to be done on your matter, whether or not you actually need a lawyer, and how much it will cost you if you do need one, during our free consultation.

What is happening on your matter. What are your goals for your case.

I've been doing it for 25 years. I am in court nearly every day and have relationships with the other attorneys and judges. I also really care about the people I help. They become like family and I often do end up helping other family members and friends of my clients. I have children of my own, and when kids are involved, I treat your kids, like my own kids... we need to protect them. I have listened well to the testimony and reports from experts such as psychologists in my matters, and I try to apply all that I've learned to genuinely help the situation, with healing as the goal. I try to treat a case holistically and believe that just because a family is now living in separate homes, we still have mothers, and fathers and children. This is still a family (and sometimes extended family) and I try to assist in having the highest good for the most people involved, surface.

The people I assist. I don't really believe in accidents, and I have seen over and over that people who find me to help them, are meant to find me. I learn a lot from my clients as well. It is really rewarding to assist someone who is often at the lowest point in their lives, and to help them to find fairness, peace and to progress in healing finances, families and hearts.

Too many to list. I try to make the most of every moment.

Yes. I teach classes and give workshops on family law and domestic violence.

• Member, California State Bar Association