Glenn D Halterman

Glenn Halterman

A regrettable aspect of anonymous client reviews is the fact that it is difficult to respond to the comments without knowing which client is making the statements so that the unique aspects of the case can be considered. Such is the case with this review. Nevertheless, I will offer a few thoughts. With respect to the fees I charge, I note that I am one of only 65 Certified Family Law Specialists practicing in Arizona. As someone with an expertise in this area of law, it should not be surprising that my hourly billing rates may be higher than a general practitioner. That may be one reason why this client's overall fees expended were higher than the opposing party's fees. Moreover, the fees expended in a family law matter are often not divided evenly between the parties. There are many factors that would cause one party's fees to be higher than the other party’s, including the frequency of communication between the client and attorney, the complexity of motions that are filed with the court, and the need to conduct in-depth review of records, especially when complex financial issues are in play. The client who wrote the review insinuates that I write letters and file motions with the court to simply "churn" fees. I have never practiced in that manner and I never will. I do the best job I can for my clients in the best way I know how. I readily admit that legal services are expensive. However, I am honest and ethical in the manner in which I deal with my client when it comes to the fees they pay me. Finally, the last portion of the review referencing my religion is quite interesting. I think the client intended the statement about me being a Mormon as a compliment of sorts. What I think the reviewer meant was that even if my client is not Mormon (i.e., a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), or perhaps living a lifestyle that one would not generally associate with the “typical” Mormon, that I would still fully represent that client’s interests. That is correct. I represent a wide range of clients who hold many varied beliefs. My goal as an attorney is to find the best resolution I can for my client, whatever he or she may believe. The review ends with the statement: “He’ll fight for anything you want even.” The fact is that clients come into my office with many different goals. Some of those goals are realistic and worth pursuing; other goals are unrealistic or even unreasonable. Part of my job is to educate clients on the difference between the two. But, if there is a cause that can be brought in good faith, I am willing to fight for that cause. However, I have not gotten to where I am by championing unreasonable positions, nor do I engage in unethical or questionable tactics in my representation of my clients. There is plenty of effective advocacy that can take place within the professional and ethical boundaries that lawyers should adhere to, and I strive to be an attorney with a reputation who practices within those bounds.