In a sense, every time I meet a client I am starting from a place where I am providing general legal advice. As an attorney people should (and do) call to ask me about a wide assortment of issues, problems and plans. Most of the time, it is pretty straightforward. For example, a person is buying a house, getting a divorce, wants a name change, etc. However, many times the issues are much more complex, or private or not in any simple category. Sometimes a person is not really ready to act on their thoughts or plans, yet wants someone who knows the law to guide them or at least advise them as to what can be expected by a certain course of action.

If you have questions that somehow relate to the law it is hard to get the right answers by a Google search on your questions. The reason the law is so fascinating and so frustrating at the same time is that real life is not neatly summed up in a two line sentence. Lawyers are trained to focus on the important aspects of a situation and discard the extraneous. The best lawyers know exactly what to focus on and then highlight those facts. Johnnie Cochran summed up a year long trial with "If it doesn't fit you must acquit". All the rest was fluff and that was his genius and that is what you must look for in a lawyer. A lawyer who understands the heart of an issue and is able to explain it in straightforward simple terms is what is called, a "lawyer's lawyer".

I ask questions and listen to the answers and follow by asking more questions. People often say I remind them of television detective "Columbo" and I consider that to be a compliment. In my first meeting with a client I am often on the phone, on the way to moving the matter forward. Often I act as a devils advocate, but just as often, I am enthused and excited by what my client is proposing. I truly enjoy what I do and if I can't help you, I will refer you to others that can help.

In putting together this website I had the chance to look back on papers and objects in storage. I came across the essay I wrote for my application to Law School and was pretty amazed how well I predicted my future in the practice of law. Here is part of the essay and it is as true now as it was then in the fall of 1980.

Thanks for visiting my web site and please do not hesitate to call if you think I can be of assistance.

Frank Marciano