Christopher Martin Lake

Mr. Chris Lake delivers! He understood my unique situation and crafted a plan that would give me the desired outcome. He has an uncanny ability to understand people and deal with those people in the best possible way and in the timeframe needed. He did not delay! He and his amazing paralegal, Mrs. Ca...rol White, jumped in to help on a weekend when we needed to move quickly. Mr. Lake treated me professionally and with respect at each meeting. He commented or asked about me or my work whenever we visited without spending much time on anything that was not case-related. Mr. Lake was available and accessible to me and was even proactive to check on me. He worked hard, and while getting the job done, he also gave me practical advice for my situation. He helped me to see the worst-case scenarios and gave me hope that with his help we could avoid those undesirable outcomes. Mr. Lake did what he said he would do and even quicker than promised. Most importantly, he understood my situation and was able to help me succeed in getting the outcome that I desired. Mr. Lake delivers.

Divorce case. CL seems to be honest. Apparently knows important people. He is cordial and polite in court. Has experience with mediation and trial. He is empathetic about issues regarding children, visitation rights, posession times, etc., not so much about financial/property issues; I feel it clearl...y reflects on his efforts in his advocacy regarding these issues. CL would often remind me of worse case scenarios which would cause anxiety & fear rather than try to focus on reassurance as compared to some of his attorney colleagues. Felt like he would criticize the opposing attorney's methods and billing practices as a means to gain credibility. Did not seem to maintain composure or professionalism after long hours in the mediated settlement meeting. I felt that he would lose patience with me and my questions/suggestions at times instead of being understanding, supportive and patient. He seemed to send unnecessary emails explaining or updating me on the process, which I never requested & were not helpful but other times was very difficult to contact. Can come off as a used car salesman once in awhile. Just prior to the mediated settlement meeting, when I needed his support & guidance the most, Christopher Lake plainly stated that if we did not reach a settlement and the case went to trial he would increase his hourly rate and I can either pay it or find another attorney. Felt like he was a champion for my ex-spouse instead of me during the mediated settlement process and not on my side 100%, especially for the financial and property issues. I was able to get joint custody however the circumstances and the agreement reached was less than ideal especially given the attorney's fees. I felt forced to settle by Christopher Lake due to his threat to increase his rates and somewhat impulsive temperament throughout the process, while being in an extremely vulnerable situation to lose my children and being constantly reminded of it by him.

Mr. Lake recently represented by boyfriend in his divorce case in which the custody of his daughter was in dispute, and there were some very delicate issues at stake. He went above and beyond in insuring that her -- the child's -- well-being was the priority in the case (compassion). I appreciated ...his candor in working with my boyfriend and demanding that my boyfriend be upfront with him (integrity). I also appreciated that he represented my boyfriend, but not at all costs and that he continuously directed and redirected him toward what he could realistically expect from the outcome of his case given different potential avenues of action to finalize the divorce and custody issue. His wisdom and years of experience became evident time and time again. At times he (we) felt beat down, but Mr. Lake provided him (us) with words of encouragement and hope and the will to continue when he was ready to give up (fortitude). Even though he was clearly his client during the entire process, he did account for the mother and how she might be impacted by various outcomes (compassion).

Chris Lake walked me through a divorce after my spouse of 40 years suddenly decided to leave our marriage. My first meeting with Chris was difficult because I was still reeling from the shock of all that had happened. Chris did a wonderful job of patiently explaining the legal issues and what woul...d occur over the next few months. Then the conversation took an entirely different turn. Chris asked how I was doing. He listened intently as I shared how numb I was and how unsettling it was to have an uncertain future. We talked about the emotional abuse I had experienced throughout the marriage because of my spouse's unmedicated bipolar disorder. He told me that the raw pain I was experiencing would dissipate in time and that I would be much happier by this time next year. He offered me hope and encouragement. His sincerity was undeniable and his kindness was so touching. Chris gave me his cellphone number at our first meeting and told me to call him day or night if I had any questions or concerns. He stayed in contact with me and copied me on every correspondence with opposing counsel. I never had to wonder where things stood. He actively involved me throughout the entire process. I don't know what I would have done without Chris during all those months of uncertainty. He was my kind and patient encourager all the while being a formidable foe to opposing counsel when difficult situations arose. I knew Chris always had my back and that was priceless. He remained professional even when opposing counsel did not. He brilliantly resolved the difficult issues and settled the divorce with the best possible outcome. I am so very proud to call Chris Lake not only my attorney, but also my friend. If you have the opportunity to hire him as your attorney, do it. He is simply the best!

After having previous lawyers in my divorce case, and having spent a substantial amount on legal fees, I was introduced to Chris. Chris was able to bring a level of compassion and realism to the case that others before him lacked. He was also able to see through the manipulative front being present...ed by the other side and approach resolution in a level headed, reasonable way geared towards halting the conflict and financial hemorrhaging associated with fees. Most importantly (and I believe due in large part to himself being the father of young children) Chris remained steadfastly focused on reaching a resolution that better allowed for the well-being of my young child.