AI Magazine Issue 8 2018

16 Acquisition International - Issue 8 2018 Verner Brumley Mueller Parker PC is a family law office dedicated to preserving what matters most for their clients during a notoriously difficult time – their family. Experts in divorce law, they have built a reputation as a firm that considers the very human cost of divorce, and recognises that subsequent litigation – should it occur - needs to be thorough, logical and efficient. In May, Acquisition International Magazine recognised Managing Partner of Verner Brumley, Jim Mueller, as the 2018 Leading Family Law Litigator of the Year for the state of Texas, in our ongoing Leading Adviser Awards programme. We spoke to Jim to find out more about the firm’s unique approach to an often-challenging legal arena. orking in the difficult area of divorce law, Jim Mueller has earned his position as one of the leading family law attorneys in the state of Texas. Under his guidance, Verner Brumley Mueller Parker PC has thrived into a highly-experienced team of award-winning practitioners with centuries of combined experience in the field. Working predominantly with high net worth individuals, they fight to protect their client’s assets, and family integrity, under stressful and taxing circumstances. At the heart of the firm’s outstanding achievements is Jim’s prescription to a results-oriented approach, “We provide effective, results-oriented representation in contested divorce, uncontested divorce, divorce mediation and arbitration. Also, we pride ourselves on a commitment to powerful advocacy, professional integrity and the highest level of personal service and accessibility.” Ultimately, Jim believes that a broad experience- base is essential for anyone wanting to succeed in family law, “One of the most challenging aspects of this legal field is that experience matters. Simply having a family of my own has helped to shape me as a lawyer and a litigator. Working on various cases with Judges throughout the state and country has helped me become a better litigator and advocate for my clients.” “We understand that people feel as though their lives are coming apart when dealing with divorce and family law issues. Divorce can be one of the most emotionally challenging things that anyone can endure, and we know this process may be confusing, and overwhelming. Our foremost goal is to help our clients get through the process and achieve the best possible outcome.” However, achieving the desired result is not the only metric when family litigation is concerned. Jim takes the time to emphasise that true success in family Company: Verner Brumley Mueller Parker, PC Address: 4311 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 450, Dallas, Texas 75219, United States Website: www.vernerbrumley.com Telephone: 001 214 526 5234 Dedicated to Protecting What Matters Most W 1806AI94 law can often be as simple as making sure that, where children are involved, the family dynamic isn’t irrevocably damaged: “I believe it’s imperative to approach all cases with the goal of helping clients divide their assets without unnecessarily dividing the family, especially where the interests of children are concerned. Even as the field of family law grows increasingly complex, an attorney needs to be well-versed in the wide range of issues involved and able to simplify the facts.” When it comes to continuing professional development, especially in the ever-changing landscape of family law, Jim is no stranger to industry-leading accreditation and recognition. A board-certified member of family law by the Texas Board of Legal specialisation and a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Jim has long been a stalwart figurehead and expert voice in the area. By all regards, Jim is a natural leader; his experience in family law a guiding example for the attorneys that work at Verner Brumley; “I think it’s important that your staff and office understands that there is a difference between a leader and a boss. I strive hard to lead by example. There is no job too small. We should all enjoy successes as a group and celebrate them. When you are working side- by-side in the trenches with your office staff helping to prepare for hearings and trials, it truly helps minimise the resentment that often forms when the “boss” is not there.” As for the future of family law, Jim believes that the demand for divorce attorneys is only going to increase as years pass, “Unfortunately, divorce and custody litigation is becoming more and more common. It is difficult, if not impossible, to find someone who has not personally gone through a divorce or is close to a person who has experienced a similar situation.” Jim continues, discussing how family law is adapting to societal changes, “Fortunately, the legislature is working hard to keep the laws current with our