From the desk of My Collaborative Team President, Edward S. Sachs, ACP

It is often that I hear from family law attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial professionals who want to know what it takes to become a Collaborative Attorney. The obvious first response is to take the Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Training, but that answer falls so short of being fully responsive.

To become a Collaborative Professional there needs to be a commitment to make a paradigm shift even if only when doing Collaborative while maintaining a litigation practice. It means committing to the disqualification clause and to interest-based negotiating. Most importantly, it means a commitment to Ethical Standard 3.2A. A Collaborative Professional will respect each client’s self-determination, recognizing that ultimately the clients are responsible for making the decisions that resolve their issues.

Becoming a Collaborative Professional requires a willingness to work in a team setting. This is usually the most difficult for lawyers. As litigators, they are the quarterback of the team. In the Collaborative Process, they are just a member of the team. And teamwork is paramount in this Process.

To become a Collaborative Professional, you must do more than the introductory training. This is not an easy Process. Good Collaborative Professionals become that way through constant learning. They attend advanced trainings. They attend our Friday Happy Hour, every Friday at 4:30 pm EST. 

However, if you or someone you know wants to become a Collaborative Professional, My Collaborative Team is preparing to host our fall training with the Tampa Bay Collaborative Trainers. Taking place on Wednesday, September 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th, this Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Training will help you learn how to offer Collaborative services and get involved in your Collaborative Law community in this highly engaging virtual Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Family Law training.