People often ask me whether I represent men or women in my divorce cases. While there are firms out there that advertise that they protect “men’s rights” or use similar gender-based marketing, most family lawyers do not take clients based on whether they are a man or a woman. It does not serve the attorney or the client to decide whether to create an attorney-client relationship based on gender. More importantly is whether a particular client will be best-served by a particular attorney.

I take a client based on whether I think that I can help the client achieve his or her goals. My clients are actually split about 50 percent men and 50 percent women. I pride myself on being a problem solver by helping clients create a future for their family in the most efficient manner, which often involves pursuing settlement. The path can be rocky, but I always serve as a calm voice of reason when a client is facing an issue that is an emotional hot-button. It is important that a client is able to do the work necessary to navigate the path that we create. It is not important that the client is a man or a woman.

Sometimes settlement is not possible and litigation must be pursued. Some attorneys only represent clients in mediation or settlement negotiations, but I represent clients throughout the litigation process, as well. It is difficult to predict the length, cost, and outcome of litigation. At each step, I help clients evaluate their options, the cost of each option, and the potential benefit of each option to evaluate how to proceed. Even during litigation, settlement is a possibility, but sometimes trial cannot be avoided. In such a situation, I prepare the case, including expert and fact witnesses, evidence, and argument so that the client can present the best case possible to the court.

Ultimately, gender is of minimal importance. What matters is the ability of the attorney to help the client reach his or her goals, whether through dispute resolution or litigation.

If you have questions about Child Custody, Guardianship or any other Family Law issue please contact Catherine H. “Kate” McQueen at (240) 507-1718 or  kmcqueen@offitkurman.com.

ABOUT KATE MCQUEEN

kmcqueen@offitkurman.com | 240-507-1718

Catherine H. “Kate” McQueen is a family lawyer and principal in Offit Kurman’s Bethesda office and is licensed to practice in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Ms. McQueen focuses her practice on the many legal issues that impact families, including all the issues arising out of a divorce, such as custody, child support, alimony, and other financial and property issues. She also has extensive experience in guardianship matters for children and incapacitated adults, including assisting clients in petitioning for guardianship, serving as court-appointed counsel for alleged disabled persons, and serving as court-appointed guardian for individuals when their family members or friends are unwilling or unable to do so.

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 170 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our twelve offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City regions. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.

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