Peacemaker Signature: Compassion

by Alisa Peskin-Shepherd | Sep 23, 2019 | Collaborative Divorce

This blog on compassion is part of a series focused on my peacemaker signature, to share with the public how we at Transitions Legal, and how I specifically, practice family law. Check out an earlier blog on balance here.

The word compassionate is all over my website.

Compassion is an important trait for a client because divorce can be so emotional. You want somebody who will understand your feelings, hear what you’re saying, and know how that translates for their case.

Photo by Toimetaja tõlkebüroo on Unsplash

Some clients claim they don’t want emotion to enter into the case. A compassionate attorney can gently bring to light that emotion is a natural part of the process and in fact, hiding from the natural flow of emotion might make it hard for us to achieve the right outcome in the case.

When we bring compassion to a case, we help our clients see what they need to see. Here’s a great article about compassionate divorce.

Compassion means I see the person in the case, not just the billable hours or revenue generated.

Compassion goes both ways, of course. Having compassion doesn’t mean I can be taken advantage of. I don’t Google my clients. I am honest, transparent, and straight with them – and I expect the same in return, if I am to be effective for them.

I will not carry a client who can’t pay my bill. I will not make exceptions for unreasonable requests. I have to have compassion for myself as much as for my clients. I’m compassionate enough to speak up when a situation is not as it should be.

Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

Compassion coupled with determination makes a great pairing. I’ve had Collaborative cases where I persist and persist and persist until I get the information I need.

When I feel something is necessary or right, I stay on it. I’m determined to compassionately represent my client, as far as I need to go to do so.