| Attorney Profiles - Child:Heather Hurst |
Heather M. HurstAssociate hhurst@davisfriedman.com "Defining the best course of action for my clients always starts with listening," states Heather Hurst. "In the midst of a divorce, people feel rejected and betrayed. At the same time, they are dealing with a legal system that most likely is unfamiliar territory. I think that 'being heard' empowers them to move on with their lives. Sometimes talking about what appears to be a small thing actually stands for clients' bigger issues. I know it's worth exploring those conversations to get to the core matter and, only then, offer the perspective they need, while still representing them in a professional and compassionate manner." Adds Hurst, "While clients appreciate the empathy, they also recognize that my role is to keep their goals at the forefront so we stay focused on the ultimate outcome of their divorce. They know I'll handle the technical details of their case, objectively and professionally." Experience helps, she finds. "As cases progress and clients get to know me, they ask what, as a parent, I would do. There is that emotional side, and I'm happy to share my personal experience as well. Nonetheless, I tell my clients, 'You have to look at getting divorced like it's a business. What's best for my client is my highest priority.'" In addition to her commitment to engaged listening, Hurst is a born litigator. She loves to be in the courtroom, and marshal her experience there if and when that's what is required. For much of her first 10 years practicing law, she worked in the Cook County State's Attorney's office, and regularly represented the Illinois State's Attorney's office as a featured speaker on domestic violence issues in Chicago. "I tried more than 500 cases including three jury trials. I also worked side-by-side with Chicago Police Department precincts to prepare officers responding to 911 calls about domestic violence. Even when a complaining witness, for instance, might not want to testify, the evidence, if properly collected, can be used to support a case," she explains. "When there are problems in a marriage with children, the whole family is at-risk," she notes. "I have found that when divorcing parents can make the best interest of children key in all of their negotiations, everything else can fall into place. They're not 'little suitcases' to be shuttled from one parent's home to the other. With my experience, I am able to navigate the legal system to achieve my clients' goals within the context of the whole family." |
Custody battles are about more than where than children sleep, according to Hurst. "Often strife about child custody is more about the parents and the divorce than what's best for their children," she says. "That's when I have the responsibility to say what my clients may not want to hear: they need to focus on their children's future and leave their personal agenda on the shelf." Reflecting on her profession, she says, "I don't think we realize how much advice we give. Sometimes we simply share our insights about judges' style and perspectives. Though we may know a lot, we are still confronted with things we haven't seen before. So we constantly seek advice from the other attorneys here. We are always learning from each other and always there to help and provide information." "I hold with high regard the trust and confidence clients place in me. They welcome me into the most intimate aspects of their lives when they're already feeling most fragile and vulnerable," she states. "There's no room for judgment about individual choices. I take situations as I find them and help my clients move forward to a happier, secure future." Admitted to the Bar2000, Illinois and United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois EducationUniversity of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, B.A., in Sociology and Political Science, 1995 Professional Accomplishments2012-13, Appointed to serve as a member of the Professional MembershipsChicago Bar Association |
