| Attorney Profiles - Child:Robert Segal |
Robert D. SegalPartner rsegal@davisfriedman.com "When managing the divorce process for my clients," states Robert Segal, "it is important to constantly bear in mind that the immediate and long-term goals of both parties involved are the same: working toward a better future. To that end I encourage handling things in a dignified and respectful way, and I'm proud when I settle cases fairly and efficiently." Segal credits his early career in corporate law and litigation at Philadelphia law firms as well as his Ivy League education at The University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics with preparing him to handle divorces requiring sophisticated financial acumen. "Litigating commercial and securities cases has developed my ability to quickly assess complex financial scenarios. This initial understanding is complemented by thorough research, providing a strategic advantage for my clients," he explains. "For complex divorces, or those involving significant net worth, it is critical to identify the need for experts from other fields such as taxation, employee benefits, corporate transactional analysis and business valuation. Armed with a comprehensive knowledge of the law and a clear understanding of the facts and figures, we can confidently structure inventive and effective settlements to surmount difficult obstacles," Segal adds. While Segal's skills in corporate law transferred easily to his practice as a divorce attorney, he believes his success is due to his natural ability to engage with individuals and understand the unique personal dynamics driving the divorce. "The key to navigating this process is the ability to put aside destructive emotions such as hurt, anger and resentment. I work with my clients to focus objectively on the economic issues as with any business negotiation, thus achieving an equitable, expeditious and cost-effective resolution. Segal is adept at representing successful business owners, investment bankers, medical professionals, attorneys and others who operate at the pinnacles of their respective industries. "During my 25 years as a practicing attorney, I've learned that super-achievers frequently struggle with the divorce process because they lose the element of control so necessary in their own careers, and as a result feel marginalized or diminished in the divorcing process. It is my job to ensure that my clients have a voice throughout the process, making sure their viewpoints and legal positions are accurately and succinctly communicated to opposing counsel and the court in the most persuasive manner possible," Segal states. In recognition of the fact that children of divorcing parents must be protected from their parents' conflicts to the greatest extent possible, Segal works tirelessly to avoid the worst-case scenario - protracted litigation that ends up in a courtroom. The divorcing couple will have interactions with each other for the rest of their lives. Putting children through a full-blown custody battle in the courtroom will likely create so much ill will between the parents that a civil relationship after the divorce will be impossible. Segal says: "I advise divorcing parents to maintain a cordial relationship as a priority, grasping the bigger picture which will enable them to share in future special occasions, such as their children's graduations and weddings, in an amicable manner." "I always strive to negotiate terms of settlement instead of seeking adjudication via a contested trial. It is much more favorable when the parties control all aspects of their settlement", Segal adds. "I ask the parents involved, 'Do you really want a judge who in all likelihood never met your children to decide where they should principally reside, or how much time they will spend with each of you? Isn't it more natural that the parents, instead of a judge, determine the outcome of important issues pertaining to your children that will immediately and irrevocably affect your entire family in such a personal way?'" |
Segal notes that practicing in this unique area of the law requires the ability to address myriad issues, many of which are emergent and unplanned, in any given day. "Family law attorneys have to be good jugglers because we're always dealing with emergency situations, especially with custody," he says. "For example, a client might call saying, 'He kidnapped the children and took them out of the country.' All of a sudden, it's my duty to put other pressing but less time-sensitive matters aside and file an emergency petition seeking the return of the children. The practice requires multitasking, characterized by constantly having to shift gears and working on several clients' matters in any given day." This is a skill Segal has acquired as a result of having specialized exclusively in the area of family law for the past seventeen years. Segal acknowledges that on occasion, clients comment that his laid back and good-natured demeanor sets him apart from the stereotypical divorce lawyer. While he is comfortable with his more relaxed approach to the job, Segal values his reputation in the legal community as being forthright, ethical, fair, and a tenacious advocate for his clients both in and out of the courtroom. Segal adds: "I enjoy my field because I like people. I'm proud that most of my business has grown from referrals by former clients. I consider it a real compliment and a testament to the hard and good work I do for my clients that I have formed friendships with many of them following their divorce." Admitted to the Bar1986, Pennsylvania, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania and U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit EducationUniversity of Pennsylvania, B.A., cum laude, December 1982 Professional MembershipsFellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (2000-present) Accomplishments and PublicationsCourse planner and frequent lecturer on taxation, legal ethics, complex business and valuation litigation, and other legal areas for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education annual family law conferences |
