Traci Janeen Pickering

I went through a lengthy divorce process that was very difficult, and full of a lot of acrimony. I interviewed a dozen family law attorneys, and took copious notes. Traci stood out above the rest. I felt her approach to be the most honest and sincere. My experience was validated as I worked with her.... As I worked with Traci, I found her communication style simply outstanding. She always kept me apprised of what was happening, and was very easy to reach. I was never in a position of not knowing what was happening. If you anticipate a lot of difficulty with your case, you want someone like Traci on your side. She did wonders to lower my anxiety. Let's face it, hiring a lawyer is expensive. And hiring a family law lawyer can quickly add up when the process is as lengthy as it was for me. Traci's billing was thorough and honest. She leverages her team to bring down the costs. I always felt that I was treated fairly. Choose Traci. You won't be disappointed.

I hired Traci as my divorce attorney and it was the best decision ever. I specifically worked with Traci and 2 other attorneys in her firm, Jessica and Alexis, and they went above and beyond for me. Divorces are never easy, especially when opposing counsel and the soon to be ex are challening, but th...ey all went above and beyond and got me through to the finish line. They were kind and supportive of me through the entire process and I knew they had my back every step of the way. My divorce papers are signed, sealed and delivered and it's the best feeling. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for all they did for me. They are the best and I would highly recommend them to everyone.

I was fortunate to find Traci and retain her as a consulting attorney for my divorce. She took the time to discuss whether I wanted an attorney of record vs consulting, and guided me to the consulting route. Traci and her team were on top of what filings I needed to do, what forms I needed to fill... out, and were invaluable helping me understand my obligations and rights. Traci would take the time to help me understand the implications of certain decisions I needed to make. She was also great connecting me to other attorneys I needed to work with on different aspects of my case. Overall, made a stressful process as smooth as one could hope for.

I spoke with a few attorneys before I found Mello & Pickering. The other attorneys sounded out of touch and cold to my situation. I called to set up a consult with Traci Pickering and immediately felt like I was talking to someone who had my boys best interest at heart. She focused on the facts and h...elped me feel at ease. I cannot say enough that she is the one to have in your corner! What an inspiration it is to have an extremely professional and strong woman to help you through this incredibly scary and uncertain process. If you're in need of help, she is the one to go to!

• Respect of her peers • Competence • Minimizes Client Fees • Highest Ethical Standards • Professional Network Traci Pickering represented me in the most challenging case of her career. The case took nearly four years to complete due to the complexity of the issues and the antics and tactics ...of the first opposing counsel. Over this time period, I came to know the breadth and depth of Traci’s expertise in family law, her character and how she performs under extremely adverse conditions. 1. Peer Respect: Following the recommendation in the ‘Divorce Handbook for California’ – by Judge James Stewart, a former Santa Clara family law judge, I interviewed many different law firms before selecting one for representation. Of the nine interviewed, several of those firms were not a good match for the complexities of my case but they suggested Traci Pickering of Mello & Pickering. It was readily apparent Traci had the respect of her peers and I found their respect for her to be certainly justified. She is the finest family law attorney in Santa Clara County. 2. Competence: During the initial interview process, Traci was one of only two of the attorneys I interviewed that readily grasped the complexities of this case. Throughout the nearly four years it took to complete the divorce proceedings, she repeatedly demonstrated she readily understood the law, the legal /financial implications of various situations and could thus advise on the best course of action. She was always well prepared for all the court proceedings and consultations. 3. Minimizes Client Fees: On many occasions, Traci advised me on ways to reduce or limit the amount of legal fees and billable hours I would incur. Even though Traci and her firm, Mello & Pickering, would make less money, she put the interests of the client first. Her thoughtfulness towards controlling costs and expenses was deeply appreciated. 4. Highest Ethical Standards: At least twice during my case, Traci demonstrated an extraordinary adherence to the highest ethical standards. a. In one instance, she put herself at risk of receiving sanctions from the court to counter the misbehavior of the opposing counsel. But she chose to put the interests of the integrity of the legal system and the interest of her client ahead of her own interests. I do not think most other attorneys would have done the same in that situation. b. In another instance, she chose the moral high ground in an extremely difficult situation even though such a course of action would be detrimental to her own revenue stream. She did it because it was the right thing to do. Such demonstrated adherence to the highest ethical standards provides the client comfort in knowing that Traci will always act in their best interests. She puts the client first. 5. Professional Network: For clients, the advantage of Traci’s reputation for integrity, competence and the respect of her peers is to provide access to the best forensic accounts, occupational specialists, mediators and other experts when needed during a case. The very best professionals are willing to work with Traci. This is a critical but rarely appreciated consideration when consumers are seeking representation because most consumers have not had any previous experience with the legal system and do not understand the importance of these functions in a family law case. To achieve the most favorable outcome requires a team working on behalf of the client’s interest; the family law attorney organizes and orchestrates the team. Traci has fostered the relationships to allow her to create the best team for each case. This includes the outside experts but also includes the excellent Mello & Pickering internal staff, Janelle and Franchesca. If an attorney is needed for a family law case, retain Traci Pickering. She has the expertise, the highest ethical standards, the respect of her peers and she cares deeply about her client