Transforming Legal Practice: Bree Sullivan-Howell on Family Law and Mediation
- S6E6
- 53:53
- July 26th 2024
https://www.sullivan-firm.com/
(229) 226-1940
In the latest episode of The Attorney Post, Bree Sullivan-Howell, an accomplished attorney, shares her professional journey and the insights she has gained along the way. This episode covers her passion for law, the impact of the pandemic on the legal field, and her specialized focus on family law and mediation.
Career Trajectory and Influences
Bree discusses her lifelong passion for law and the valuable skills she acquired from her PR and journalism background. Justin West, the host, also shares his journey from philosophy and history to marketing and PR, highlighting how diverse experiences can shape successful careers. Their conversation underscores the importance of a varied skill set in the legal field.
Impact of Pandemic on Legal Practice
The pandemic has drastically changed the way legal practices operate, especially regarding communication methods. Bree and Justin talk about how the adoption of Zoom for consultations and hearings has increased efficiency and altered traditional legal practices. This shift has demonstrated the legal profession's ability to adapt to new circumstances.
'Crush Your Divorce'
Bree introduces her book, Crush Your Divorce, which provides hope and practical advice to Christian women navigating divorce. The book includes scripture, behavioral tips during divorce proceedings, and guidance on communicating with lawyers. Bree aims to support women through one of the most challenging periods of their lives with her book.
Learning from Failures in Legal Practice
Bree shares a significant early career failure involving the incorrect presentation of evidence in court. This experience highlighted the importance of having evidence properly authenticated and avoiding objections. Bree emphasizes the crucial role of evidence in legal cases and the importance of learning to present it effectively, particularly without formal training.
Impact of Pandemic on Domestic Violence
The pandemic lockdowns led to a rise in domestic violence and limited access to legal help. Bree discusses these increased challenges and the need for accessible legal support to protect vulnerable individuals during such times.
Role of Mediation in Legal Practice
Mediation is a key component of Bree’s legal practice, with about 85-90% of her cases settling through mediation before trial. Bree’s strategy involves asking clients for their best-case scenario settlement terms, setting clear goals, and working towards agreements.
Impact of Social Media and Technology on Legal Practice
The rise of social media and technology has increased the volume of evidence in legal cases, leading to the evolution of e-discovery. Bree discusses the impact of GPS tracking on cases and the challenges of managing large volumes of digital evidence. Attorney-client privilege and handling client confessions were also addressed, emphasizing confidentiality unless imminent harm is involved.
Faith and Divorce in Family Law
Handling divorce within different Christian denominations presents unique challenges. Bree emphasizes the lack of resources for addressing difficult marital situations and expresses her views on divorce, stating it can be a blessing for those mistreated or betrayed in relationships. She discusses the biblical perspective on divorce and the importance of providing support and hope to those going through difficult times.
Conclusion
Bree Sullivan-Howell’s appearance on The Attorney Post offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and triumphs of legal practice. From adapting to pandemic-induced changes to navigating the intricacies of family law and mediation, Bree’s insights are invaluable. Her dedication to justice, empathy for clients, and commitment to professional growth make her a standout figure in the legal community.
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The Attorney Post
Welcome to the attorney post, your source for the inside scoop on current legal news. On this podcast we will interview leaders in various facets of the legal field, help you to understand the various ins and outs of what they do, and cover the basis of some of the most burning questions people have when looking into these facets of law.
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Meet the Host
Justin West is a digital marketer and the chief cook and bottle washer at Hundreds of Customers LLC, and the host of The Attorney Post.
Justin holds a BA in Philosophy and a BA in History. He dabbled in going to law school (but really just "liked taking the pLSAT tests) and got into marketing as he was pursuing his Ph. D. in Philosophy. Married with 5 kids, he jumped into entrepreneurship and never looked back.
He loves meeting new people and learning from the life experience of each attorney he get's the opportunity to speak with.