Orange County Divorce Attorneys - New School or Old School?

Even in the world of divorce, you will find that there are all different types of Orange County divorce attorneys.  When you are looking for an attorney to represent you in your divorce case, you will probably need to decide what type of attorney you will hire.  You will need a person you can trust to take care of you and your needs and of course you will need an attorney that you can afford.

There are the “old school” attorneys who are not necessarily “old” in age, but have practiced in the family law area for more than 20 or 30 plus years.  Many Orange County divorce attorneys are considered “old school” because they have been practicing law a long time in the same area of law in the same Courthouse, and everyone knows their names.  The attorneys know and are friends with the Judges and Commissioners, the Judge’s clerks, filing clerks, bailiffs, and all the other staff of the County court who have also been working at the local courthouse for 20 plus years.

Although sometime quite expensive, retaining an “old school” attorney can have its advantages.  They obviously have the experience that you would want in an attorney.  Most of the attorneys are very good at what they do.  Some are excellent litigators and some are outstanding at settlement.  However, be aware that experience may not always be good experience.  Make sure that you do a history check on any attorney that you are considering to hire.  You can go on the State Bar of California website and look up any disciplinary actions against an attorney practicing law in California.  An attorney could very well have no mentionable actions against them, but almost every “old school” attorney will have a reputation in the family law area.  Ask around.  Talk to other Orange County divorce attorneys.  If an attorney has been around a long time, either some or all the attorneys practicing in the Orange County Courts will know who they are and their reputation.

On the other end of the spectrum there are the “new” attorneys who have been practicing for 5 years or less.  Again, the term “young” does not necessarily mean young in age.  There is actually a group of young Orange County divorce attorneys organized by the Family Law Section of the Orange County Bar Association, who are mentored by the attorneys belonging to the Section.  Just because these attorneys are “new” in practicing law, does not mean you should count them out.  There are some very bright and outgoing young attorneys who have their hearts and talents in the right place.  Although they may not have the most experience as the “old school” attorneys, some of these new attorneys can litigate just as passionately and effectively.  A positive aspect is that some of the newer attorneys charge less than more experienced attorneys when they are practicing on their own.  However, some are hired by firms and do not have a say so or a difference in fees than the other attorneys in the firm.  Either way, young attorneys are known to zealously represent their clients, and being fresh out of law school, often times know more about current law than the old school Orange County divorce attorneys.

So, even in the world of divorce, you will have to decide what type of attorney will fit your needs.  An “old school” attorney may charge more, but will you worry less? Will they hold your hand and communicate with you?  Will they take the time to care?

On the other hand, even though an attorney is “new” and “young” they might represent you more passionately and caringly.  They may not be as “jaded” by the legal profession, yet.