James M. Warner

Mr. Warner represented me in a divorce proceeding, where my ex-husband was attempting to establish sole managing conservatorship of our children. Mr. Warner, unlike opposing counsel, approached the litigation with poise and confidence, ignoring opposing counsel, when she attempted to elicit an emoti...onal or angered response from him. At each hearing, Mr. Warner commanded the courtroom, addressing the court with persuasive arguments, while shrugging-off the personal attacks and vitriol of my ex-husband and his lawyer. Mr. Warner won the relief we sought in the case, because I was appointed the children’s custodial parent. Throughout this lawsuit, Mr. Warner spent a lot of time patiently explaining some very complex legal issues/concepts to me, even when he was busy with other cases and clients. He promptly responded to my telephone calls and emails, when I frequently shared with him my many problems with my ex-husband. He put my grievances, in perspective, pointing out the frivolity of my ex-husband’s claims/complaints. It helps a party to have a divorce lawyer, who focuses on the important legal issues in a case, avoiding distractions and swearing-matches. He met with all the witnesses for trial, accommodating their work schedules, which required meeting with and preparing them over the weekends, and after business hours. He never became fatigued or discouraged, so I was assured that my case was in capable hands. He comforted me, by acknowledging that my concerns were important, especially since they involved the custody of my children; however, he also provided me with the information and tools to prepare for trial, when we had to challenge the falsehoods and hurtful allegations made by my ex-husband. Mr. Warner also impressed upon me my duty to encourage my children to visit and bond with their father, despite their resistance and disinterest. By encouraging parental cooperation, I believe Mr. Warner assisted me in being a positive, comforting influence on my children, as they struggled to overcome our divorce. Quite honestly, children suffer more than the parties, especially if they become involved in our gripes, grievances and arguments. Since I never criticize my ex-husband, my children are well-adjusted, knowing that whatever happens I can calmly handle it. Also, they know I will never interfere with their relationship with their father, because I accommodate him, hoping that he will spend even more time with them, building that lasting bond that is in their best interest.

James M. Warner represented my son in a juvenile proceeding, about 12 months ago. Mr. Warner patiently explained my son’s legal rights and duties to him, prior to sharing with my son the state’s plea offer or proposed plea agreement. Mr. Warner gave my family personal, undivided attention, ensuring... that we had ample time and information to make the best decision for my son. Mr. Warner was kind, honest and forthright, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of my son’s case. Mr. Warner did not rationalize my son’s mistakes, but encouraged him to work harder in school; respect his teachers and family; and quit relying on the approval of his peers, when making decisions with serious implications for his life. Mr. Warner also worked with us to develop a payment plan, which suited our limited budget. Unlike other families, who excuse their children’s mistakes, blaming the culture, school and peer pressure, we strive to teach our child individual accountability, discipline and good citizenship. Obviously, we fell short with our child, spoiling him, to some extent. Nevertheless, Mr. Warner obtained for my son a second chance, which he has capitalized on, improving his grades and becoming more responsible. Now, my son owns his mistakes and tries not to repeat them. Most of all, I appreciate the time and energy Mr. Warner invested in preparing my son for trial, emphasizing the importance of the right to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence. We never felt rushed or pressured to make any decision. Mr. Warner reviewed all of my son’s options, prior to our family making the final decision, about how to proceed. Therefore, when my son chose to waive the right to a trial/hearing, he reached an informed decision, after we thoroughly reviewed the evidence with Mr. Warner. I believe the attention Mr. Warner gave to my son’s case, encouraged my son to take more seriously the poor decisions he had made, and how to avoid making those decisions in the future.