I take my faith and profession very seriously. In determining how I run the practice of law, I always have my faith as the cornerstone and forefront for the decisions that I make on an individual basis, as well as on a case by case basis.

I have a passion for justice and for doing what is right for my clients, as well as my staff. Saint Thomas Aquinas defines the virtue of justice as, “To render to each one his own.” In economic matters, this means commutative justice, not social justice. Commutative justice is the kind of justice that assures that one party will give to another strictly what is due. For example, justice rendered a certain payment for an apple which corresponds to its worth. I always keep in mind what is best for my clients and do not push litigation or a rule of law that will not, in the end, be successful or help my client.

I believe in honest and open communication with my clients, always keeping them informed and discussing outcomes and possible solutions. I advise them and counsel them according to what the law is and what will be best for them and their families. Since I particularly focus on family law matters, which include divorce, family law issues, estates, wills, and probate, this is extremely important because I am dealing with the family dynamic and family finances.

While I must be paid for the service I provide and I must maintain a staff and office overhead, it is very important to me to be fair with client charges and to give my all to my clients. I try to be available and answer any emails and speak to my clients when it is necessary, especially if it is a time-sensitive issue. I advocate vigorously for my clients but will never take a position which will harm theircase or which will do a disservice to the justice system.

I am an officer of the court and I value my reputation before the Judges, and colleagues that I practice with and before. I also believe that I must treat fellow attorneys with respect, courtesy, and professionalism. That does not mean that I do not disagree with them or fight for my client, but it must be done in the proper way, and always with my client’s considerations and what is best for them.

Unfortunately, some attorneys use the vulnerability and fear of clients in precarious legal situations to extract money from them and to take a path that may not be the most simple or easiest but pursue litigation which is a moneymaker. I use prudence when dealing with any particular case and when it is necessary to litigate, to review discovery and possible unknown assets or obtain values on assets that are necessary to protect my client’s interest, I do not hesitate and delve into that wholeheartedly. I believe in having a competent and well-staffed office so that the work can be accomplished in a timely manner, your needs are met, and that your case will be worked on and handled efficiently and quickly.

For me, harmony and common goals are important for the DePalo Law Firm, and this is what I try to do with each of my clients, as well as my staff. I promise you in any case that you hire me for, I will give it my all and I will care about you, the outcome, the law and your future.