Written by Collaborative Marketing Coach, Eric Sachs

In the world of Collaborative Practice, your commitment to the process isn’t just an ethical stance, it’s also your most powerful marketing tool. Many professionals dabble in Collaborative Law, mediation, or other alternative dispute resolution methods while keeping one foot in litigation. But if you want to stand out, build a strong reputation, and attract ideal clients, you need to be all in.

Being fully committed to the Collaborative Process isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you are as a professional. Your belief in the power of peaceful conflict resolution should be reflected in every aspect of your brand, messaging, and daily practice. When you embrace this approach wholeheartedly, you set yourself apart in an industry where clients and referral sources crave authenticity, clarity, and consistency.

Potential clients and referral sources are always looking for signs of trustworthiness and expertise. When they come across a professional who claims to practice Collaborative Law but still actively takes litigated cases, it raises questions.

• Are you truly dedicated to helping families resolve disputes peacefully?
• Is Collaborative Practice just another service on a long list of options?
• Will you default to litigation when things get tough?

These doubts can weaken your reputation and cause clients to hesitate. On the other hand, when you go all-in on Collaborative Practice, you send a strong, clear message: This is what I do. This is what I believe in. This is how I serve my clients.

Many professionals fear that limiting their services to Collaborative cases will restrict their income or client base. In reality, specialization creates more opportunities.

• You attract the right clients – Clients who value the Collaborative Process will seek you out over generalists.
• Referral sources trust you more – Other professionals (attorneys, financial neutrals, mental health professionals) are more likely to refer cases to someone who is 100% committed.
• Your marketing becomes stronger – A focused message is easier to communicate and more memorable.

When you fully commit to Collaborative Practice, you’re no longer competing with litigators or general family law practitioners, you’re positioning yourself as a go-to expert in your field.

Being fully committed means more than just saying you support the Collaborative Process, it requires action in multiple areas.

Your brand should make it immediately clear that you are a dedicated Collaborative professional. Every touchpoint a potential client or referral source encounters should reinforce your dedication. If they see mixed signals (such as litigation services still being offered), it can create confusion and weaken your credibility.

Your words matter. How you talk about your practice, both online and in person, should reflect your unwavering commitment. When you are clear and consistent in your messaging, clients and referral sources will see you as a true advocate for Collaborative solutions.

Most people don’t fully understand what Collaborative Practice is or why it’s different from traditional divorce litigation. Your job is to educate them. The more you position yourself as a knowledgeable resource, the more trust you build, and trust leads to referrals.

Commitment to the Collaborative Process isn’t just about your marketing, it’s about how you practice every day. One of the most powerful ways to prove your dedication is by turning away litigated cases. This shows both clients and colleagues that you truly believe in what you do and are willing to stand by your principles.

When you fully embrace Collaborative Practice, the benefits extend beyond marketing and client acquisition. Over time, your practice becomes known as the place to go for Collaborative solutions, and the quality of your referrals improves. You’ll attract clients who are aligned with your values, making your work not just more profitable, but also more meaningful.

Going all-in on the Collaborative Process isn’t just an ethical decision, it’s a strategic marketing move. Clients and referral sources are drawn to authenticity, consistency, and expertise. If you’re serious about growing your Collaborative Practice, the best thing you can do is embrace it wholeheartedly. The more you commit, the more success you’ll find, both professionally and personally.