Jeanne Marie Karaffa

I approach the practice of law from a client-centric point of view.   For me, being certain that my client's experience is positive when dealing with legal matter is paramount. For instance, if you come to me, infuriated by something someone has done to harm you and want to sue to the ends of the earth, I will have you describe your experience, and what you hope to accomplish by suing.  If your idea is "win at all costs, no matter what it costs," I'm not the lawyer for you.  Inevitably, you will tire of the stress that accompanies litigation.  You will find it more costly than anticipated, and will wish you had never pursued it, and wonder why I "encouraged" you to sue.   As an attorney, litigation is the last resort in settling a dispute. If you come to me to put your affairs in order, I will listen to you and advise the course that I believe best serves your needs.  If you own real property, I will give you a set of alternatives that will allow you to pass on your property to the person or persons you desire.  I almost always will recommend a trust and the accompanying documents.  If you have a probate matter, I will explain the process to you, and work with you to make the probate as painless as possible. If you have a business matter, we will work together to accomplish your goals. You, the client, are "the boss of me" -- it isn't the other way around.  I will do everything I can to assist you in having your needs met.  I will communicate with you throughout our working relationship. I will not overcharge you; I will not encourage you to spend more of your money than is necessary to accomplish you goals.  Your satisfaction is my goal.  If, along the way, you decide that lawyers aren't so bad after all, then my work is done.