Lisa Helfend Meyer

How do you work with clients?

When I meet someone at an initial consultation, I reassure them that there is life after divorce, which is very different from receiving a diagnosis of a terminal illness. I try to impress upon them that, although they may never have anticipated that this would happen when they exchanged vows at the altar, they can go on to lead a very productive and happy life after divorce, and hopefully find love again.

Do you have a specialty within family law?

I am certified as a Family Law Specialist by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. In my practice, I focus on litigation trials, and have extensive experience with grey divorce, dissolving long marriages with complex marital assets, and contested custody cases.

What major challenges do you help clients manage?

Our sensitivity and empathy to clients' emotions is evident throughout our representation. On a general level, we help them manage their fears as well as how overwhelming a divorce can be emotionally and financially. We reassure them, but are realistic.

What is your favorite part of your work?

People come for their initial consultations often at the lowest point in their life. Six months later, you can usually see the client’s metamorphosis into a stronger and more confident person. The goal is to change our clients lives for the better.

Describe how you personalize your counsel.

We all recognize that there are no garden-variety solutions to these matters. You have to look for not only novel solutions, but one’s that are designed for a particular client’s needs. A strategy that works for one person might not work for someone else.

For example, one client dreaded seeing her husband at an upcoming deposition. I took her to Gucci and she purchased a beautiful suit and accessories. On the morning of the deposition she had her hair and make-up done. She looked like a million bucks. Her confidence level soared, and she was able to get through the deposition feeling great about herself. That kind of sensitivity is a cornerstone of our firm.

What achievements/representations are you most proud of?

I am proud of the cases I have taken that no one else wanted to take and be able to prevail for clients. I would rather roll up my sleeves and tackle matters people think are impossible than take on cases I could do with my eyes closed. It has made me the divorce attorney I am today.

I am also proud of creating a safe work environment for other professionals. Since the start of my career, where I had my own challenging experiences as a young female professional, it has been my mission to help women feel secure in the workplace.

Do you have any siblings?

I am the eldest of three sisters. We fought a lot, but it taught me how to play offense without physically hurting them.

Favorite past time?

I practice acro-yoga and enjoy shopping, traveling and, most of all, spending time with my family.

Favorite book or movie?

I love classic romantic comedies. I love to watch the same romantic comedies over and over again because they’re so idealistic. It gives me an opportunity to cry because divorce attorneys don’t cry!