What makes a good divorce lawyer

[Estherpologist]

Our local FB group has various recommendations for "Can anyone recommend a good divorce lawyer" but no one says why they are good, and in the circumstances it would be very awkward to ask on a public group.
So what makes a good lawyer, other than being as friendly as a pitbull towards your ex?

Well I can only comment from limited experience, but I now have experience of what makes an awful divorce lawyer and can compare him to the amazing one I have just appointed. I have had my initial free session with both and the difference is unreal.
What makes a bad divorce lawyer: being a chauvinist, judging your client for their behaviour, giving unsolicited advice about mental health issues, offering incorrect legal advice, telling me my ex would NEVER have to give me more than the basic maintenance rate etc (ex earns 5 times my salary and I sacrificed my career so he could be successful), advising me to seek the house and move to rented as I earn to little to buy in my own name (as above me ex could buy 2 houses no issues on his salary!)
What makes a a good lawyer: very factual based, super efficient, supportive, understanding, a full understanding of the law (she knows it inside out, and was quoting known cases off the top of her head on our call which reassured me hugely when she guaranteed me that the courts would NEVER get me to sell the house.) I knew immediately she was right for me. I trust her completely.

My checklist for a good lawyer is

• good grasp of the specialist area, especially any nuances that apply
• good communications, passes on everything quickly and makes clear what I need to do/decide, not too much time wasted on pleasantries.
• speedy response, no delays.

I would expect a divorce lawyer to be no different. Sadly, I've found a good few who were good on only two out of those three criteria. It's not easy for a potential client to get a true picture in order to choose a lawyer. It seems mostly to be luck when you get a good one.

Don't necessarily go for a pitbull as they could drag your case out and ramp up your costs.

My ex's lawyer was a pitbull whilst mine was calm and realistic. I initially thought he was too soft but actually he was trying to minimise the conflict and get me through the divorce as quickly and efficiently as possible without dragging it through court. I got a decent settlement, and walked away with no regrets

Thanks all.

Lorry - I wouldn't have thought of it like that.

Mine is a good good lawyer calm not young though but so so wise soothing .
Specialised in children with additional needs.

I had three different lawyers during my divorce so I think I can tell.

First was hopeless - local high st and not a specialist (I was clueless). Second thought it was perfectly acceptable to take more than 6 months to respond to a request. She actually said that.

Third was great. Told me she was a lawyer, not a counsellor, and her job was to secure a realistic and fair settlement for me and the children. Very business like, efficient and got it done. Wish I'd been introduced to her at the beginning.

Specialised in the area you need help with. Complicated finances, high earner divorces, plus someone you get on with and you feel would fight your corner .. common sense, lots of experience maybe.