NYC family law attorney Bernard Clair discusses why he became a lawyer, his mentor in the practice of law, and his advice to clients. He reflects that his path to becoming a lawyer was neither predestined nor inspired by early literary ambitions; neither of his parents were attorneys, and he did not have a childhood vision of practicing law. In college, his roommate, eager to take the LSAT, enlisted him to help wake him up each morning, even offering to cover the exam fee of thirty-five dollars. This simple act ultimately led him to take the LSAT himself, attend law school, and begin a career in law.

He has now been practicing for forty-five years. Early in his career, he was mentored by Marvin Mitchelson, a prominent California divorce lawyer known for representing high-profile clients, including celebrities, and the only matrimonial lawyer to appear on the cover of People magazine. He observed through Mitchelson’s work that celebrities and high-profile individuals face the same life challenges as anyone else, a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his career.

He also learned from Mitchelson’s mistakes. Mitchelson became enamored with fame, press coverage, and the allure of Hollywood, which ultimately contributed to professional difficulties. He has deliberately maintained a balanced perspective, respecting his clients’ prominence without conflating their lives with his own. He lives a respectable, upper-class life outside of work while keeping his professional role distinct.

Turning to child custody, he emphasizes to clients that the law prioritizes the best interests of the child. Custody decisions are entirely discretionary with the court, and he advises clients to always “wear the white hat” rather than the black hat. By educating clients on how custody is determined, he empowers them to approach these cases strategically and ethically, always keeping the child’s welfare at the forefront.