The Essence of Being in Court: Big Ideas for Going to Court and Representing Yourself is now available. If you are serious about winning in court, discover the proven strategies you need to know before entering a courtroom without your…
Alternatives to traditional divorce litigation
Peggy Drexler writes about the amicable Amazon divorce for Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos: “A Google search for ‘amicable divorce’ returns more than 6 million results, with everyone from the American Psychological Association to divorce attorneys weighing in.” Unlike other articles,…
Not dying up here: 3 public speaking tips
Business Insider highlights the techniques Ramona Smith used to win the 2018 Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking competition. The interview includes her six-minute speech. Mark Abadi focuses us on three of her techniques: 1. Choosing a creative opening to…
Best Lawyers in America recognizes David C. Sarnacki as 2019 Lawyer of the Year
Best Lawyers in America recognized David C. Sarnacki as one of the 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” award recipients for his work in Collaborative Law: Family Law in Grand Rapids. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and community…
2019 Best Lawyers in America – Professional Review and Rating of David C. Sarnacki
Best Lawyers in America selected David C. Sarnacki for its The Best Lawyers in America (25th edition). Mr. Sarnacki was recognized again for his work in: (1) Collaborative Law: Family Law; (2) Family Law; and (3) Family Law Mediation. The…
Getting comfortable: Tips for making public speaking easier
Entrepreneur reminds us of 5 big ideas for successful public speaking–from “seasoned experts.” Jayson DeMers identifies these big 5: 1.Talk about what you know you know. 2. Speak so slowly it feels strange. 3. Talk to the back of the…
Intelligence, energy, integrity?: The one trait that matters
Inc quotes Warren Buffett on another secret to his success–find people with integrity to work with. Buffet said: “You’re looking for three things, generally, in a person: intelligence, energy, and integrity. And if they don’t have the last one, don’t…
Professional Review and Ranking: Sarnacki Law Firm, Best Law Firms 2018
U.S. News – Best Lawyers announced that The Sarnacki Law Firm has made U.S. News – Best Lawyers’ national list of “Best Law Firms.”
How to handle difficult people? Simple strategies starting with listening and understanding
The ABA’s Law Practice Today offers advice on dealing with difficult people. Matt Potempa explains his top six tips (excerpt): 1. Listen. . . . Try to understand the source of their frustration while avoiding the temptation to interrupt and…
Extracting lies, with a little help from your mother
Craig Gray, a truly brilliant Renaissance man (and Grand Rapids’ own Krav Maga master), posted an effective tip from his PeaceWalker Program. “The Lie Detector” was inspired by the look given by a mother, and you too can use it…
Beyond extracting forgiveness: How to apologize and restore your personal integrity
The Harvard Business Review reverses the focus of apologies, from persuading to restoring integrity. Rising out of our failures, we can consider the gap between failed performance and aspiration. Joseph Grenny writes (excerpt): Issue the apology—for the right reason. The…
Professional Rating and Review of David Sarnacki, Best Lawyers in America
Best Lawyers in America announced that once again, David Sarnacki of The Sarnacki Law Firm PLC has been selected by its peer-review process (confidential surveys of judges and lawyers) as one of The Best Lawyers in America. He was honored…
How to get the truth out of someone: Tips from a master of espionage
CNN shows us an interrogator’s “5 (nice) ways to get people to talk.” The interrogator in question (Eric Maddox) helped crack the mystery of Saddam Hussein’s whereabouts, and he writes about it in his book, “Mission: Black List #1.” Thom…
To object or not to object: how to handle defending a deposition
Susan Minsberg discusses depositions–preparing your client/witness, improper objections and proper objections. Minsberg highlights these 9 deposition objections as “proper” [excerpt]: Privilege. This is the big one. It must be made or it is waived. . . . Privilege is also…
How to try a case, presidentially
CNN looks at the recent Republican primary debate and, in the process, offers several good trial advocacy principles. Todd Graham, Southern Illinois University’s director of debate, writes (excerpt): [On the “less is more” technique] Sometimes, you make your arguments weaker…
To be or not to be: a good legal writer
Business Insider culls 6 writing tips from Bryan Garner’s interview with Supreme Court justice Elena Kagan. Jacob Shamsian captures the tips as follows (excerpt): 1. Be a good reader — don’t skim 2. Write so normal people can understand you…
Who do professionals recommend as one of the best divorce lawyers and divorce lawyers in Grand Rapids?
Best Lawyers in America announced that once again, David Sarnacki was selected by judges and lawyers as one of The Best Lawyers in America. He was honored in three practice areas relating to divorce litigation and divorce mediation: 1. Collaborative…
Changing minds: Listen, show you understand the other person’s side, ask to see your side, suggest another outcome
Real Simple suggests how to go about changing someone’s mind. Amy Spencer writes (excerpt): The essential rule when trying to convert someone is: Don’t — at least, not at first. “Just listen,” says Dennis Ross [author of “The Missing Peace”]…
Best Lawyers’ Best Law Firms in Grand Rapids
The Sarnacki Law Firm PLC has been awarded a Tier 1 Ranking in the 2014 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms.” The firm’s founder, David C. Sarnacki, practices family law, mediation and collaborative divorce in Grand…
Best Divorce and Family Law Lawyers in Grand Rapids
The Best Lawyers in America completed their most recent peer-review selection process, their 20th edition. The confidential survey of Michigan attorneys and judges resulted in the designation of Grand Rapids divorce attorney David C. Sarnacki as one of The Best…