Craig S. Pedersen

How do you work with clients?

In a high-level sense, I meet my clients where they are and help bring them to where they need to advance. I am highly attuned to how my clients process and perceive information. Each person communicates differently, and different clients are often in different stages of processing the changes in family dynamics that caused them to seek me out for assistance.

What major challenges do you help clients manage?

My clients are typically dealing with major disruptions to or reconfigurations of their family and financial lives. I help them deal with the fear of the unknown by educating them about the law and the choices they may wish to make. I share with them my philosophy that they will overcome as opposed to being overcome. I offer my perspective, saying you should "view divorce as a part of your life, not life as part of your divorce.”

Describe how you personalize your counsel.

I find and use the methods needed to best convey information to clients and ensure their concerns are heard. This may mean taking one approach over another in a drafting process for a document and using preferred methods of communication for my client (i.e. phone, e-mail, etc.)

What achievements/representations are you most proud of?

I am exhilarated to represent clients I know need substantial help from the legal system but who are underdogs because marshaling the evidence needed by the court is difficult. One of the most professionally and personally satisfying results I obtained in this regard was getting a permanent restraining order for a stalking victim against the stalker who had victimized her for years.

What is your favorite part of your work?

I always relish taking on new challenges. As an example, I recently conducted the trial examination of a minor child, which I had not done previously. At issue was where my client’s 17-year old son would live and finish high school. I felt the weighty responsibility of exposing the lack of maturity underlying the boy's expressed preference but at the same time honoring his dignity and avoiding his embarrassment. The examination went perfectly, and all competing objectives were accomplished.

Where did you grow up?

I am a Pasadena boy — I was raised there and am a lifelong resident of the area.