I chose, a number of years ago, to refine the nature of my practice to focus upon listening, advising and counseling instead of participating in the adversarial aspects of the practice of law.  Estate planning, which includes preparation of wills, trusts, advance medical directives and related documents, is at the the core of my practice.  I have come to realize that the reward is not only in fulfilling the needs of the client sitting in my office but also in knowing that there is a wonderful ripple effect, with the results of the work and the relationship reaching the next generation, other family members and even friends and, of course, charities.

The other aspects of my practice, probate, business and real estate, often require the personality traits necessary for an attorney with my approach and my desired client base.  It is my job to protect my client's interests while facilitating the desired result as opposed to taking an adversarial, win-at-all-cost stance.  I believe the mediative and facilitative approach works better in the practice of law in life in general.

Henry C. Clarke, Jr.