Joan-Marie Kettell Dean

I had an extremely long drawn out divorce that resulted in me switching attorneys, and the difference was night and day. Joan was great to work with, provided sound advice, and represented my interests with great professionalism even though the opposing counsel and opposing client did not always tak...e the high road. Joan was able to get a resolution to my pending divorce that allowed me to move on with my life. I would recommend her to anyone that faces the unfortunate reality of divorce.

Joan-Marie came highly recommended from a friend who hired her for their adoption. She is a top notch attorney for Family Law and was an amazing divorce attorney for me. Joan-Marie helped me to understand the divorce process and gave me solid, sound advice throughout my divorce. Her staff is very ...friendly and helpful and returned my calls and emails quickly. I would recommend Joan-Marie to anyone needing a knowledgeable, hard-working Family Law Attorney.

I first hired Ms. Dean 10 years ago, on two separate recommendations from friends who both happen to be judges. One of them spoke very highly of her knowledge of the law and said she would give me trustworthy advice in my (unexpected) divorce. The other gave me Ms. Dean's and another attorney's names..., but said Ms. Dean would do a better job for me in court than anyone else. I chose to hire her then and have not regretted it. Through no fault of hers, we have been back to court every few years and every single time she has won my cases. While we all like to believe the law is on the right side (ours), it is not alway easy to prove and I have been very grateful for her representation. I have had easier, and more difficult, attorneys to contact, but I'm not looking for a BFF. Her office staff is highly competent and courteous and she's got a lot of work; one should expect that. If you are looking for someone to stay on the phone and hold your hand, go somewhere else. If you want a bulldog in the courtroom, it is well worth the price of admission to see her in action. I would certainly not like to be on the other side.

Affiliation I am a current client of Ms. Joan-Marie Sullivan (Dean). I am also a "repeat customer" of Ms. Sullivan having had a successful outcome in a prior legal action (divorce amend). Client Assessment of Ms. Joan-Marie Sullivan (Dean) My rationale for retaining Ms. Sullivan's services ...was driven by a number of considerations, outlined below… a) Expert and Efficient Guidance: I have experienced very efficient and at times even firm guidance on issues that tend to be easily confusing due to intense emotional involvement… it is clear when working with Ms. Sullivan she is sensitive to issues like these with clients and can readily make course corrections and with clear explanation when needed. She knows clearly what goals can be achieved and how and what matters are of lesser importance. b) Efficient Communication: Ms. Sullivan has been efficient in communicating only as required to properly handle matters. This reduces the number of charges required to the client. Typically as an important milestone or deadline for a matter in a case approaches, Ms. Sullivan will respond professionally and capitalize on each communication and/or schedule consultation as needed. c) Exceptional Current Knowledge of the Law: Ms. Sullivan is the editor of the Alabama Law Weekly. This voluntary position requires Ms. Sullivan to review all current Alabama case matters, outcomes and resultant precedents on a weekly basis. This by nature keeps Ms. Sullivan's knowledge of Alabama law continuously updated. d) A Leader in Alabama State Law: Ms. Sullivan has actively engaged in challenging and updating Alabama law. Recent changes regarding forced payment of college for children in divorce settlements is one example of unjust law Ms. Sullivan has successfully challenged. It is clear she has a modern understanding of society and law and strives to bring Alabama code up to date with such. This greater understanding of society and law is a tremendous and highly unique asset she offers to her clients. e) Full Understanding and Expert Application of the Law: Ms. Sullivan not only has knowledge of the current law, she is an expert in its application (a function of not just hard work but in my opinion of exceptional ability). I have witnessed first-hand working with Ms. Sullivan her ability to in minutes capture a vast amount of information, process it with the client through careful questioning and real-time produce a legal product of high quality properly addressing and capturing all concerns of the client. This ability goes far beyond just hard work and knowledge but is an indicator of Ms. Sullivan's exceptional natural abilities and intellect. f) Experience and Motivation: Ms. Sullivan now has roughly 25 years of experience in the practice of law. What is surprising is her intensity, energy level and genuine enthusiasm for not just practicing but improving the law itself in the state of Alabama is very high and evident in her every word and action. This energy coupled with years of experience is one of the most impressive qualities of Ms. Sullivan and offers to her clients a very rare combination of knowledge, skills and abilities indeed! Conclusion I have and continue to be a client of Ms. Joan-Marie Sullivan (Dean). I have and will again recommend Ms. Joan-Marie Sullivan (Dean) to friends and colleagues who have expressed interest in finding expert legal representation. I believe Ms. Sullivan represents each of her clients in an efficient and highly intelligent fashion, making the fullest use of exceptional ability, knowledge, experience and motivation.