Conscious Lawyering

You and your spouse are getting a divorce. Though around 50% of first marriages end in divorce, knowing this fact doesn’t make things easier. Trying to build a new life while disentangling from your soon-to-be ex may be exhausting, to say the least.

And studies show it’s harder to make smart decisions when you’re dealing with this much stress. So, it’s no surprise if you’re considering hiring the first Rhode Island divorce lawyer you stumble upon.

The thing is, you need to carefully consider this decision. If you wind up with a conventional lawyer who gives you bad advice or takes a “bulldog” approach in court, your divorce will get even more complicated.

A better choice is a knowledgeable, conscious lawyer who can masterfully guide you through this process—an RI divorce attorney like Susan T. Perkins. Keep reading to learn more about conscious lawyering and how it can make all the difference in your divorce.

What is a Conscious Lawyer?

A conscious lawyer is a lawyer who’s mindful, mature, and proactive in every single aspect of their work. From initial consultation to appearing before a judge—and everything in between—a conscious lawyer’s biggest priority is winning the best possible outcome in the most efficient way.

As an expert Rhode Island divorce attorney, Susan T. Perkins has decades of experience in conscious lawyering. Hundreds of clients have seen first-hand just how big of a difference this approach can make, compared to the techniques employed by conventional lawyers.

Conventional Lawyer vs. Conscious Lawyer: Biggest Differences

Here are some common traits of a conventional lawyer:

• Aggressive, “going-to-war” behavior and outlook
• Allows you to take zero accountability, even if playing the victim is detrimental to your case
• Only considers traditional litigation for resolving cases
• Always looking to maximize their fees
• Willing to profit from you being confused or needing clearer explanations
• Doesn’t acknowledge that their “bulldog” behavior can have a negative impact
• More interested in earning a living than helping you through this difficult time
• Leaves you exhausted and at odds with your ex/co-parent despite costing you serious money

And here’s what you can expect from a conscious lawyer:

• Uses integrity, strength, and intelligence to resolve each issue effectively
• Supports you in being accountable and open-minded to achieve the best possible outcome
• Always considers unique solutions and avenues to resolve cases
• Focuses on choosing the most efficient solution, not the one that makes them more money
• Committed to educating you and making you feel empowered
• Communicates skillfully to ensure mature, fair discussions
• Thinks of their work in terms of helping and supporting people rather than being profit-driven
• Leaves you feeling energized and with a clean slate to start this new phase of your life

Can a Conscious Lawyer Still Aggressively Represent Their Clients’ Interests?

Yes, a conscious lawyer can still aggressively represent their clients’ interests. But unlike a conventional lawyer, a conscious one will choose their battles wisely.

People often think that a lawyer with an extremely aggressive approach is guaranteed to win. But this just isn’t the case. An attorney isn’t looking for ideal solutions when they’re always on the offensive. They’re just plowing ahead with no regards to what the best path might be.

And that can get expensive for you—fast. Going through litigation is almost always going to take longer than options like mediation, which means paying for more hours of your lawyer’s time.

What you really want is a conscious lawyer who knows when to be assertive and when to negotiate. Plus, reserving the more aggressive maneuvers for important issues is likely to make legal proceedings far more amicable between all parties.

How Do Conventional Lawyers Differ from Conscious Lawyers in Their Approach to Handling Divorce Cases?

The best way to explain the differences in how conventional and conscious lawyers handle divorce cases is with an example.

Let’s say you hire a conventional lawyer for your divorce in Rhode Island. Because these attorneys are so laser-focused on winning via litigation, you may never even be informed of your other less expensive options.

This lawyer, with their “bulldog” approach, has you convinced you need to decimate your soon-to-be-ex in court. They feel it’s the only way to serve justice. Now you’re both angry and unwilling to even consider reaching a settlement.

Finally, you both appear before the judge with your conventional lawyers for a knock-down, drag-out trial to settle custody and financial issues. In the end, you’re both angry, exhausted, and unhappy with the outcome—despite spending thousands of dollars on your lawyer.

Now, imagine hiring a conscious lawyer instead. You’re immediately informed of options besides litigation. Best of all, it’s clear your divorce attorney can stay level-headed and mature during every stage of conflict resolution.

In the end, you might not have to go to court at all. But even if you do, the judge will quickly notice and appreciate a conscious lawyer’s integrity. No matter what angle you look at it from, conscious lawyering is always going to benefit you in the end.

Can a Conscious Lawyer Still Win Tough Legal Battles?

Yes, a conscious lawyer can—and will—still win tough legal battles. You see, there’s a bit of a misconception about what makes a “great” lawyer. That’s one of the reasons we wrote this guide and FAQ on conscious lawyering.

Winning in court, divorce mediation or any other legal proceeding doesn’t require rudeness or constant aggression.

What it takes to win is a good strategy. Especially with a divorce, you have to look at things as a marathon instead of a sprint.

And with a conscious lawyer like Susan T. Perkins by your side throughout your divorce, the benefits go so much further than simply winning the best possible outcome. You’ll also save time, money, and energy you would’ve otherwise spent working with a conventional lawyer.

With over 25 years of experience, our legal team knows the trials and tribulations that can come with a divorce. If you’re ready to learn more about how our expertise and conscious lawyering approach can simplify your divorce, call us today at 401-PERKINS.