21 Aug Men or Women only Law Firms

In recent years, some lawyers have begun to market themselves as advocates for men or women only (not both).  Is this a legitimate specialty or just a marketing tool?

I submit it is a marketing tool and here is why I believe so.  Men and Women are almost equal opportunity offenders. In other words, sometimes I have to do damage control with my male clients, sometimes it’s the female clients and more often it is both parties in any given case.

Is it fair to say that I am a less effective advocate because I represent both men and women?  Judge’s don’t care if you’re represented by a male or female only lawyer. Judge’s only care if you’re part of the solution or part of the problem causing your domestic / family law case to be in front of them.  I strive to be an advocate that relies on strong facts to guide my Client’s case.  Strong facts help clients win their cases regardless if they are a man represented by a man or a woman represented by a woman.

There is more to say on this subject, but for now ask yourself these questions:

1. Would it be a bad thing if your lawyer was the opposite sex and standing with you in court strongly arguing that you are a great parent? OR
2. Would it be a bad thing if your lawyer was the opposite sex and standing with you in court strongly arguing that you deserve financial support? OR
3. Would it be a bad thing if your lawyer was the opposite sex and standing with you in court strongly arguing that the Judge should deny the financial relief being sought by the other party?

On a closing note, I honestly do not understand how the Florida Bar permits men or women only law firms. What if law firms started popping up; “Asians Only”; “Transgenders Only” or “Heterosexuals Only”?

Where should our society draw the line?