Patrick O'Neil | San Jose Family Lawyer

• California State Bar Association | Member

I litigated a divorce case that involved breaches of fiduciary duties on the part of the opposing party as a result of years of infidelity. My client had breach claims of multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars as a result of community funds spent on affairs outside of the marriage. The case had elements of domestic violence, and I obtained a restraining order to protect my client. In this matter, both the judge and myself received veiled and not-so-veiled death threats from the opposing party before he ultimately fled the country. I was able to recover the assets still left in the United States and have them all awarded to my client as a result of the opposing party's breaches of fiduciary duties.

Being responsive to my client's needs - both substantively and in terms of timeliness - is one of the most important aspects of legal representation. It is one thing that is entirely within my control as the attorney in the relationship.

Communication, realistic goals and a comprehensive understanding of the issues in the client's case. Often times a client will interview with a partner at a firm and have minimal contact with them after that as they are passed off to a junior associate. This is pretty standard practice at larger firms and sometimes it's a non-issue, however, it can feel like a bait-and-switch and the client and associate may not work well together. Additionally, an attorney that educates their client on the realistic expectations of their case and displays good knowledge in anticipating the counterarguments of the opposing side is what a client should look for.

Local knowledge is important for any case. Different counties may have different filing deadlines or a judge may have specific courtroom procedures that need to be followed. While likely not dispositive of an overall outcome, an attorney never wants to show their client in a bad light before the court - an attorney unprepared because they lack knowledge of local rules and procedures is exactly how that might happen.

I can usually address all questions relating to any family law or estate planning question in a 60-minute consult. If there happens to be an issue of first impression for me I can always identify the issue and explain that I will follow-up with the client after I find the answer. Even if they choose not to retain my services, I pride myself on providing accurate information to all clients - potential and retained.

For a standard divorce consultation, I need background information about the parties' employment, any children, the major assets and debts they have and general vital statistics for both parties. Similarly, for an estate planning consultation I will need to know what assets a party has and to whom they would like to give them to have a meaningful discussion.

My attention to detail, legal analysis and empathy all combine to make me a unique attorney. I see many attorneys who are abrasive with their clients or generally put forth an attitude that tends to indicate they view their clients more as a dollar sign than as an individual in need of an advocate.

Fighting for equity. In the family law realm this is the pursuit of justice.

I enjoy getting outdoors. I am rock climber, having spent time honing my skills in Yosemite Valley, Joshua Tree and other awe-inspiring locations around the world. I like backpacking, camping and climbing because it provides valuable life perspective. When I can't make a longer trip, I'll stay local and play golf or chess with friends.

I am member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association.