I have been practicing law since 1991.  I recognize that people who seek my services are in a difficult situation.  They would not come to me unless there was a serious issue to be addressed.  I try to treat everyone who seeks out my advice with respect and dignity.  I listen to their story and seek to give timely, practical advice.  Sometimes I have to be brutally honest, but it is important that each client truly understands the situation he or she is facing.  I also know that the practice of law requires diligence.  We must prepare cases as if they are going forward to trial.  This allows us to negotiate settlement from a position of strength and give the best fight possible if the matter is not otherwise not settled before trial.