Cecily Patterson Skarda

Cecily Skarda is a phenomenal family lawyer. I consulted Cecily in Feb 2012, for a custody case. After reviewing the divorce decree she was very straight forward, it would be an expensive uphill battle, and she could not promise me anything would change. She suggested I think about it a couple of day...s and get back to her. Her honesty impressed me, she did not want to make any promises that she couldn't keep. Cecily works alone, which can be a double edged sword. She does all her own work and meticulously prepares for her cases. However, that means she is not always able to answer the phone, or return a call as soon as you might like. The first go around I was a little nervous. I had friends who had been through similar litigation and spoke to their lawyer, or secretary often. I really was not sure how things would go, and legal representation is not cheap. All my fears were put behind me once we stepped in the court room. She is incredible on her feet, knows the law, and is passionate about her cases. I realized just because I didn't know what she was doing, didn't mean she didn't have a plan. I learned to trust her and realized I paid her to worry so I didn't have to. About a year later I had to hire her again. This time it was much easier. I still didn't know every detail of what was going on, but I knew it didn't matter. She had it covered. In all I have been in the court room 4 times, and seen her go head to head with 3 different lawyers. ( The opposing party changed counsel 3 times) I was more impressed every time. There were bumps along the way, procedural things that didn't go our way. However at the end of the day when it mattered, we prevailed. I ended up with more than I originally was going to ask for, and that is because she did not quit or give in. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to prevail in the court room. She will not caudle you and reassure you every step of the way, but that's what friends are for. She however knows how to litigate and win a case, and that is all that really matters anyway. She did an outstanding job, and I can not say enough good things about her. I have had friends that hired her and she did just as good of a job for them. My advice to anyone that chooses Cecily to represent them. 1. Be honest, brutally honest, when your lawyer is surprised that is never a good thing. 2. TRUST HER. Do your job and give her any information that might be of assistance, and she will put it to good use.