Friendship between lawyers should work to the client’s advantage.
In my divorce case I receive copies of letters and Emails between my lawyer and opposing counsel. They address each other by their first names. Should this concern me because they seem to be friends?
No.
The fact that lawyers address each other by first names doesn’t indicate they are buddies. American society is egalitarian; we consider ourselves equal to others. So, we tend to be a first-name society. Rarely are you introduced as Mr. or Ms. ____________. Some lawyers will only use last names in corresponding with other lawyers. But most lawyers will use their colleagues first names. This only means that the lawyers know each other.
Are lawyers from McHenry County such close friends as will interfere with my McHenry County lawyer representing me aggressively?
No. McHenry County is part of the Chicago metropolitan community. We are a collar county to Cook County: a county adjoining Cook County and along the commuter train line. We are the smallest of the collar counties. Yet in 2019 the collar counties had 3.1 million people and represent nearly a quarter of the Illinois’ population.
Even in Chicago, there exists a relatively small cadre of seasoned and capable divorce lawyers. These lawyers will be in divorce court several times a week and will see each other. Because they have cases opposed to each other, they will know each other.
How will my lawyer knowledge of the opposing counsel impact on my case?
A positive relationship between lawyers helps you. It can make negotiations easier. If, however, you’re uncomfortable with the relationship between your lawyer and opposing counsel, ask your lawyer about the relationship.
I have the opposite problem! I’m concerned that my husband hired a well-known expensive Chicago lawyer? Does that concern you?
No. I tell clients that I hope your spouse retains the most capable lawyer in Illinois. That way, your spouse’s lawyer will know the playing field. Usually this will mean that the lawyer will urge his or her client not to take unrealistic settlement positions.
