Facing a divorce or another family law matter? Naturally, you want the best representation possible. But here’s the key takeaway: a high hourly rate, a luxurious office, or even the attorney's age doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right fit for you. In fact, the age and experience of an attorney can sometimes work against them, depending on the situation. While I’ll admit there are better attorneys and firms than mine, I’d like to think those are few and far between.
The Google Experiment
Recently, I conducted an experiment expecting one result but discovered something entirely different. I Googled “top divorce lawyer Los Angeles.” Having worked in family law for seven years, I’m familiar with the most elite family law firms in Los Angeles. Yet, none of them appeared in the search results. Instead, I saw names and firms I had never encountered. The lesson? Things aren’t always what they seem.
The Real Elite Firms
Who are these elite firms? I hesitate to name them outright, but if you Google your favorite celebrity + divorce lawyer, you’ll get an idea. These attorneys are known for being extremely expensive and selective about their clients. Some charge as much as $900 per hour.
Are they worth it? That depends. If your marital estate is worth $100 million, paying $5 million in attorney fees might make sense if their skill nets you $10 million more than a “lesser” attorney would have achieved. However, if your marital estate is worth $5 million and you spend it all on attorney fees, you’re left with nothing.
The Truth About Advertising
In my humble opinion, lawyers or firms that spend heavily on advertising and proclaim themselves to be “top” attorneys often aren’t. Law isn’t like sports—there’s no guarantee of a knockout win. In the courtroom, judges control the proceedings, giving each attorney their turn to present arguments. Aggressiveness won’t override judicial authority.
The California Family Law Playbook
Competent California family law attorneys, regardless of their experience level, largely work from the same playbook. We rely on:
The Rutter Group’s “Family Law California Practice Guide”: A trusted treatise on family law.
Cases and Statutes: Foundational to legal research.
Civil Procedure and Evidence Treatises: Essential for trial preparation.
Judicial Research: Understanding the preferences of the judge assigned to the case.
For A-list celebrities and billionaires, the small pool of attorneys they choose from often comes pre-vetted by agents, in-house counsel, and publicists. For the average client, however, the same resources aren’t available, which makes careful evaluation all the more critical.
Why I’m Ready to Compete
Can I, Ryan Beiser, go head-to-head with a “top divorce lawyer” charging $650 per hour? Absolutely. I’ve done it before and will do it again. When evaluating an attorney, focus on:
The quality of their legal writing: A strong written argument is the foundation of success in family law.
Their understanding of your case: Do they know the nuances of your matter and have a strategic plan?
Their responsiveness: Prompt communication is a hallmark of a good attorney.
Final Thoughts
I hope this post has been both educational and entertaining. While high rates and flashy advertising may catch your attention, they don’t guarantee quality representation. The right attorney for you will be skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated to your case—whether or not they have a corner office or charge $900 an hour.
Good luck in your search for the representation you deserve!
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