Ryan Kniznik - Kniznik Family Law

In order to see results on a case, you don't need to come at the other side with anger and insults. You need strategies, to take proactive steps, and be able to know what is a realistic outcome. Anger and insults are usually a sign of someone who doesn't have a strong case.

Using insulting, aggressive and combative language isn't a good strategy for family law cases. This can harm the client's case: 1. It escalates the conflict 2. Can shut down negotiations 3. Lead to the other side being more difficult to deal with Communication style matters.

Being an approachable and likeable lawyer has many benefits. You make things less stressful for the clients and they feel comfortable talking to you. Opportunities to resolve a case increases as opposing counsel picks up your calls. This also leads to future work referrals.

Do you want to be in the same place at this time next year... If not, you have to take steps to make change happen. Things won't just change on their own. Being consistent with the goal is how it gets reached. #law #lawyer

Try and be easier on yourself as a lawyer, no matter what year of practice you are in. There are good and bad days. Beating yourself up about things doesn't make it easier. #law #lawyer

Being loud doesn't mean the arguments are stronger. It's usually the opposite.  This type of behaviour is seen when the other side doesn't have support for their position. They try to yell the other side into agreeing with them. It's ineffective once you see through this. #law

Remove toxic language from communications and materials in family law cases. Points can be made without attacking the other side or their counsel. They are stronger and more persuasive this way. The approach taken on a case will set it up for success. #law #familylaw

Proud to be Recognized in Best Lawyers Canada for Family Law, especially in my first year of opening my own firm!! bestlawyers.com/lawyers/ryan…

When opposing counsel focuses more effort on personally attacking you and your client, than on the issues, they have lost sight of their role. The role (in family law) is to help client's resolve issues and navigate complicated scenarios. This doesn't require personal attacks.

People on the other side of a file have things going on in the background beyond just work. That's why communicating in a respectful way or providing that professional courtesy (if it doesn't prejudice the case) is important. #law #lawyer #familylawyer

When opposing counsel is trying their best to throw you off, it's probably because the position they are putting forward has no traction. Being angry, threatening, and insulting isn't coming from a place of strength. #law #lawyer #familylawyer

Treat people you work with in law with respect regardless of their job title, age or role. Clerks, assistants, students, lawyers etc. Everyone is person. Being respectful is an easy thing to do and doesn't stop because of seniority or status. #law #lawyer

It doesn't cost anything to be friendly to opposing counsel. Being friendly doesn't mean caving on the positions or giving up easily. It is a way that makes law more enjoyable to practice, and the experience less stressful for the clients. #law #lawyer #familylawyer #lawfirm

Being in control of your own conduct, especially in the face of OC who is trying to throw you off, is an important skill. It shows the client they have a lawyer who is calm under pressure. Decision making is clearer. You avoid reactions that may set the case backwards. #law

How do you know what the perfect decision is? You don't. You can't see into the future and play out what would have happened if you went in a different direction. Make decisions, see the results, and adjust if needed. #law #lawyer #familylawyer

You don't need to be best friends with opposing counsel, but they are also not your enemy. Having open lines of communication with them, because you are actually decent to deal with, increases settlement opportunities. #law #lawyer #familylawyer

There is case law, and then there is the real person in front you. That person has a relationship history, emotions, and the reality of addressing changing circumstances. The dynamics behind the case law is important for figuring out solutions and realistic outcomes. #law

Only telling a client what they want to hear isn't providing them with value. Doing this to get their business, is going to lead to issues down the road. Setting realistic and practical expectations is a value add. #law #lawyer #familylawyer

You know what doesn't help cases.... A lawyer who yells, is difficult to deal with, and  brags about how much they like to argue. It's more helpful to a client to have an approachable lawyer, who is in control of their conduct. #law #lawyer #familylawyer

You can disagree with opposing counsel and still act professional towards them. #law #lawyer #familylawyer