Approach to the practice? Here are the rules I follow:The idea is to solve problems, not simply try cases or make motions or draft pleadings. Litigation is usually not the answer to most problems, though no one in the firm is afraid of the courtroom. A courtroom is, under most circumstances, a bad place to resolve complex human problems.Alternative dispute resolution (mediation and, sometimes, arbitration) is a valid, viable alternative to trials and should be exploited if appropriate.The children come first, but parents almost always know what is in their child’s best interest.Nastiness does not equate with effectiveness.I tell the whole truth and expect my clients to do the same. The firm will only make complete and full disclosure. We are not interested in game-playing, half-truths or in "hiding the ball." A half-truth is a whole lie. We will not abide being lied to by our own clients.Be judicious about the litigation process. Cost is an important factor–you can put your kids through college…or mine. Some, often much, of the cost of a divorce is in your control.I want to determine what is fair in any particular case and seek to reach agreement in that range; if that is not possible, the case should be tried after exploring mediation.It is our job to get the case over with as quickly and inexpensively as possible, consistent with a fair result for my client. A divorce effectively brings life to a halt and the time it takes to resolve a case should be as short as possible.

Course Director

2007 New Frontiers in Marital Property, Memphis, TN2002 Advanced Family Law Course, Dallas, TX2000 Marriage Dissolution Institute, Fort Worth, TXTexas Academy of Family Law Specialists 13th Annual Trial Institute (1999), Las Vegas, NV Assistant Course Director, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists 11th and 12th Annual Trial Institutes (1997, 1998), New Orleans, LA