How To Find a Great Collaborative Attorney

Collaborative Law is expanding rapidly throughout the world. Fortunately, there is an international organization setting the standard for practice in this challenging area.

Visit the IACP Website at www.collaborativepractice.com
The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, www.collaborativepractice.com, has a very user friendly website that will help you find a trained and qualified attorney specializing in collaborative law. "Collaborative" is a common word that people use in a variety of ways; however, the IACP is the leader in establishing the best practices and standards for all of the professionals involved in collaborative practice and collaborative law. It is very possible to find attorneys claiming to be "collaborative" who have never received any training or specialized education in this developing area of practice. You can be assured that members of the IACP at least meet a minimum threshold of relevant training in this unique and specialized area of the law.

Locate a state-wide organization overseeing collaborative law
Not all states have state-wide organizations focused on developing collaborative law. The State of Washington is fortunate to have one of the leading state-wide collaborative law organizations in the United States of America - Collaborative Practice of Washington. The website for Collaborative Practice of Washington is www.collaborativepracticewashington.com. You may be able to find additional qualified lawyers practicing in your state by searching for "Collaborative Law in (your state)."

Find your local collaborative law practice group
Most successful and competent attorneys practicing collaborative law understand the great benefits from participating in local practice groups. Local practice groups support and assist attorneys in refining their collaborative skills and knowledge. Collaborative Law training is not commonly available in law schools and most attorneys have no training or experience in formal collaborative law procedures. Finding a collaborative attorney who is an active member of a local practice group helps increase the chances you have found a serious and competent professional. Local collaborative law practice groups help sort out the best collaborative law practitioners from the pretenders. You can probably find your local collaborative law practice group by searching "collaborative law in (your city)." For example, the website for the local practice group in Spokane, Washington can be found at www.lesshurtdivorce.com.

Beware of untrained collaborative attorneys
Most attorneys have no training, education or experience in Collaborative Law. Most attorneys took no courses in law school regarding Collaborative Law. Most attorneys have never read a single book on Collaborative Law. Many attorneys are confused by the terms "Collaborative Law" and "Collaborative Practice" and misuse these terms if they use them at all. Some attorneys assume mere cooperativeness qualifies them as "collaborative attorneys." Collaborative Law is a unique set of procedures and processes that do not come easily or naturally to the typical attorney. Successful Collaborative Law attorneys nearly always need extensive and broad training way beyond the usual parameters of law school. Finding a Collaborative Attorney who is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and any available state and local practice groups will go a long ways in helping you find an excellent Collaborative Law attorney.