Laurence Hirsch
Partner
Case Highlights
ABILITY TO SETTLE COMPLEX CASES Early in his
career, Larry took over a case with a net estate of well over $50
million. The matter had been pending with another law firm for over
two years with very little progress. Larry analyzed the
client's various asset positions, the net liquidity of the estate
and some of the failed negotiation tactics of previous counsel.
Thereafter, Larry applied a fresh perspective to
the case and began to divide the liquid assets and after
effectively whittling down the issues, Larry was able to
successfully negotiate a deal ending the entire case in less than
four months after taking it over - thus proving that it takes a
divorce lawyer who can look outside the box and think of creative
solutions to complex problems.
ABILITY TO THINK QUICKLY IN COURT In a highly
acrimonious case which had been pending for almost a year,
opposing counsel filed a last minute motion to continue the trial.
The motion came at a juncture where the client was anxious to end
the dissolution process and a great deal of time and money had been
spent preparing for trial. The judge agreed to hear the motion the
same morning as it was filed, leaving Larry with little time to
prepare. Larry remained cool under pressure and formulated an
argument which essentially forced the court to rule in favor of his
client. Although only a small battle in the bigger war, Larry went
into the hearing knowing that opposing counsel was not adequately
prepared for the trial - and that winning the hearing would force
the other side to settle on terms more favorable to his client. As
anticipated, the case settled and a decree was entered just a few
days later.
Get To Know Laurence In His Own Words
"My clients pay for, and expect more, than just another
one-dimensional divorce lawyer. My experience ranges from analyzing
complicated financial situations to drafting and negotiating
premarital, postnuptial and settlement agreements and also
litigating every conceivable issue at trial. Moreover, my years in
the arena have taught me how to effectively manage the economic
realities of high-stakes divorce litigation."
"The difference between a good divorce lawyer and a great
divorce lawyer is their ability to wear numerous hats throughout
the dissolution process. One day might be the tax hat and the next
might be the valuation hat. Most important though, my listening and
understanding hat is always on."
"I am honest with our clients. It doesn't sound like much, but
there are plenty of lawyers who simply tell clients what they want
to hear. At the end of the day, telling clients only the good news
ends up costing the client both time and money - eventually hurting
their case from a global perspective. Divorce is an emotional
roller coaster and my clients need me to be tough. They know I am
going to be tough with opposing counsel, but they can also expect
me to be tough with them, advising them in a manner which best
preserves their rightful portion of the marital community."
"Too many clients want a divorce lawyer who is aggressive. They
do so without really knowing what it means to be intelligently
aggressive. Just being aggressive without knowing what you are
doing will end up costing clients a great deal of money. Fighting
just to fight is an endeavor I avoid at all costs. Ultimately, my
clients get a lawyer who plays chess - not checkers. My experience,
negotiation skills and tenacity allow me to anticipate each move my
opponent will make throughout the entire game and to strategically
create a plan in line with the expectations of my client."
Professional Experience
- Experienced in highly acrimonious dissolution matters with
substantial assets
- Formerly associated with one of the largest law firms in the
nation devoted entirely to family law
- Past clients have included numerous professional athletes,
musicians, entertainers, CEO's, attorneys, doctors, retailers,
philanthropists and some of the wealthiest families in the United
States
- Active in family law organizations in both Arizona and
Illinois
- Member, State Bar of Arizona - Family Law
Section
- Member, State Bar of Arizona- Young Lawyers Division
- Member, Scottsdale Bar Association
- Practice devoted entirely to family law
- Served on executive committee of Phoenix Human Rights
Campaign
- Lectured to Arizona attorneys on how to sharpen negotiation
skills
- Appeared on Channel 12 News as sports and entertainment law
expert
- Attends regular seminars on the art of negotiation
- Published article in Chicago Daily Law Bulletin regarding child
support arrearages
- Attended numerous conferences on business valuation and divorce
taxation issues
- Chairman of Young Jewish Phoenix
- Vice President of Maricopa County Bar Association, Family Law
Section
- Board of Directors Member, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary
Art
- Authored two chapters in 2009 West Domestic Relations Arizona
Legal Forms publication
- Member, Phoenix Country Club
Education
B.A., University of Iowa (with honors, 1996)
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law (Dean's List, 1999)
University of Southern California Summer Institute of Entertainment
Law (1997)
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 1999
Arizona, 2003
United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois,
2000