In this installment we will review the first two steps of Hittelman Family Law Groups six step case process. We will explain why each step is important and necessary, and continue through Steps three and four.
When you’re facing a crucial personal issue or event that demands choosing an attorney, like Steve Hittelman and the HFLG team, the decision will impact you for a lifetime so it’s not just important to know their qualifications, it is critical to understand the way they work. Understanding the process that will be followed by your attorney before you make such an important decision can make the all the difference not, only for your satisfaction but on your desired outcome.
After more than 30 years of practice Steve Hittelman has learned a few things that take away most of the usual hurdles commonly encountered in a Family Law matter. Together with the attorneys and experienced support staff at Hittelman Family Law Group, a streamlined 6 step process has been developed to ensure that each case gets the full attention it deserves.
Recap of First 2 Process Steps
Remember that there’s more to hiring an attorney than just their license hanging on a wall. Its important for you to understand how your attorney and the support staff works, and how to determine if they are the right choice for you. In our first installment describing the Hittelman Family Law Group case management process we discussed the steps taken to bring a client and their legal matter “n board”. In this installment we will review what comes next once HFLG accepts a case and begins representation.
Step 3: Team Approach
Step 3 is all about teamwork. You’ve read those words, team and teamwork, just about every time we talk about the firm because that’s what the HFLG approach to client representation is all about. From the partners and associates to the paralegals and support staff, case work continuity is an organizational imperative. It begins with communication after the case is evaluated. Most clients are assigned to the attorney they were originally referred; however, our ultimate aim is to obtain the best outcome by creating the ideal match of expertise with needs. Support work is then delegated to the team members with the strengths and experiences that best benefit our clients’ needs based on the complexity of the matter and the work demands required.
Continuity in communication, internally within the entire office and externally with the client, is a key to successful case management and client satisfaction. Because communication in every aspect of a case is a top priority HFLG can focus on the real case work that gets results with greater efficiency and productivity. Another benefit of clear communication is reduced delays in delivery and collection of records and documents from and to clients, which ultimately helps reduce the overall costs of a case.
A client tip in this step is all about organizing yourself as best you can. Make a folder for your case and keep a notepad in it so you can keep your notes, questions, thoughts and tasks all in one place. Write the date and time of every conversation and the name of who you spoke with too. Clients who prepare a list of questions or concerns before they call spend less time, and don’t forget time is money because every call may be billable time.
Step 4: Collaborating with Experts
Step 4 of the HFLG process, Collaborating with Experts, is designed around the firm’s philosophy, “Settle what you can, litigate what you must.” Family Law is comprised of a variety of practice areas, HFLG focuses on eight of those practice areas which has demanded the partner and associate attorneys work with a broad spectrum of experts in a every growing spectrum of disciplines, often times unique to the legal practice area, and sometimes overlapping. These experts can come from financial services such as forensic accountants or real estate appraisers to medical professionals such as mental health care or pediatrics. Even legal experts in areas of elder care or criminal attorneys may become necessary parts of a client case. Utilizing experts and attorneys with expertise in other fields ensures that our clients are aware of their case’s strengths and weaknesses, and how to best approach a potential settlement. Case planning starts with an analysis of what we need to bring to the court to achieve the best result for the client.
2nd Installment Recap
Recapping this HFLG Six Step Case Process – 2nd installment, HFLG is committed to working with their clients interactively and has the experience to achieve the best possible outcomes of even the most complex and technically and legally challenging cases. Come back for the last process installment.