“Hire a Bulldog Attorney,” they said.
“It’ll be great,” they said.
“You need a Bulldog Attorney to fight for you,” they said.

Your Spouse Has Filed For Divorce

You may feel backed up against a wall. The petitions have been filed, and suddenly, it feels like you’re on the defensive, with your spouse already setting the tone of the divorce. That tone can often feel intimidating, even aggressive. Friends and co-workers, with all the best intentions, lean in and say, “I know JUST the divorce attorney for you!” Often, this is followed by, “They’re a real bulldog!”

Let’s pause and take a breather, shall we?

When I hear “bulldog attorney,” my mind goes to stubbornness, sometimes even aggression. The term “bulldog” implies an attorney who will be unyielding and relentless, fighting for their client with force. While that sounds appealing at first, it’s worth questioning if this type of attorney is truly the best advice for your situation.

Often, ‘bulldog attorneys’ are incredibly expensive. They may have a large office, extensive staff, and an image to uphold. Many people hire them because they feel pressured and desperate. They end up with prolonged, expensive cases without fully understanding what they’re paying for. As a divorce coach in Illinois, I’ve witnessed people (not my clients) having to file bankruptcy after hiring a bulldog attorney because the legal fees got out of control, and often, for a settlement that could have been achieved more smoothly and affordably had they had the guidance of a divorce coach. But, thinking they couldn’t afford a divorce coach, they instead took the inexperienced advice of a friend, which in turn cost them tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention, years of stress and a lesser settlement.

Bulldog Law Firms Bully Their Clients

When things aren’t going smoothly and you need guidance, you want an attorney who will explain what is happening and what the next steps are.  You DON’T want an attorney who will lecture you and make you feel small.  Some Bulldog Attorneys have such large egos that they tell their clients how lucky they are to get to work with them as their attorney. They tell them that if they’re not careful, they’ll drop them as clients.  This adds so much more stress to an already difficult time in life, especially if you’ve already paid them thousands of dollars!

You don’t want a Bulldog Attorney. You want a Border Collie Attorney.

Hear me out. Border Collies are intelligent, hard-working, and eager to please. They’re known for their even temperament, sharp instincts, and diligence. A “Border Collie Attorney” is similarly focused, sharp, and strategic—without the over-the-top cost or ego. They may not have the flashiest ads or the biggest office, but they work hard for you. They are often found at local coffee shops, involved in their communities, and genuinely committed to helping you achieve a fair divorce.

How Divorce Coaching Helps You Find the Right Attorney

When you work with me as your divorce coach, one of my goals is to help you find an attorney who fits your needs—often, that’s a local, trustworthy “Border Collie Attorney” rather than an aggressive “bulldog.” No matter where you live, my coaching will help you do this. ​I don’t receive any financial incentives from attorneys. I simply want my clients to hire the best divorce coach-recommended attorney for their situation.For my Illinois clients searching for a “divorce coach near me,” I keep a list of experienced “Border Collie” Attorneys I trust. Recently, I had a client hire a “Bulldog” attorney against my recommendation. Despite my caution, they believed this attorney would be highly effective. Fast-forward a few months when we had a check in call in which I thought they’d tell me their divorce had been finalized, they shared that their case was still dragging on because the attorney wasn’t following up. When an attorney stops communicating, it can be a huge source of frustration, especially when you’re close to finalizing the divorce.

Hire the Right Family Law Attorney for You

While Bulldog attorneys can be effective in some cases, I urge caution. Finding a reputable attorney who will work efficiently and advocate in a way that aligns with your goals is crucial. Before hiring, ask about their track record, the typical timeframe for cases like yours, and the overall costs involved. Remember, a good attorney can help facilitate a smoother divorce, saving you time and money. Check out my Top Ten Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Attorney to make sure you’re making the best choice for your needs.

What Does a Divorce Coach Do?

I help my clients dive deeper into the Family Law Attorney hiring process.  We find the best attorney for your unique situation. A divorce attorney you LIKE and TRUST. And that’s just the beginning of what I do for my clients! Think of me as a Divorce Doula. A Divorce Concierge. A Divorce Planner. To learn more about hiring me as your Divorce Coach, schedule a free 30 minute consultation. We’ll talk about your specific needs and what it would look like to work together.  Schedule a Free Consultation!

Need a Divorce but Money is Tight?

I created “Trail Guide to Divorcing with Dignity” just for you!  This efficient but thorough Divorce Course will walk you through every step of the divorce process.  You can even add on an hour long 1:1 Call with Katie for only $79 (value $150)!