Chambers High Net Worth 2024 has highly ranked Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice group in California and New York, as well as co-chairs Kristina Royce and Brett S. Ward and partners Marilyn B. Chinitz, Norman S. Heller, Lois J. Liberman, Morgan Fraser Mouchette, Sophie Jacobi-Parisi, Stacy D. Phillips, and Mary T. Vidas.
As profiled in Chambers High Net Worth 2024:
Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law Practice Group
California (Band 1): The Blank Rome team specializes in handling divorce, child support, property distribution, and domestic violence issues for wealthy clients. The firm's California attorneys also advise on pre- and post-nuptial agreements and cross-border separations. Market insiders agree that the California team is at the top of the field in negotiating and litigating high profile and high net worth dissolutions.
New York (Band 1): The team at Blank Rome is highly sought after by high net worth clients to advise on complex matrimonial matters, such as divorce proceedings and child custody issues. "Blank Rome has excellent abilities in complex matters. They have a strong foundation and a great team to work with. Their level of service is top tier. The firm is always on top of things," said a source. Another interviewee adds: "Blank Rome is very competent in even the most complex financial matters. I observed the highest level of service, being a true advocate for their client, and always striving to go above and beyond."
Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law Attorneys
California:
Kristina Royce (Band 2) “has an encyclopedic knowledge of case law, but her ability to make quick, informed decisions and advise her client with empathy, care, and consideration sets her apart,” says a market commentator. Another source states: “Kristina is excellent to work with; she is a fierce advocate but also reasonable and pragmatic.” Kristina Royce is co-chair of Blank Rome's family law group. Her practice includes complex divorce matters, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and property distribution issues.
Stacy D. Phillips (Band 1) “is the industry gold standard. Top notch!” says a source. She frequently handles complicated matrimonial cases for high net worth and high-profile clients. Phillips is a highly experienced family law attorney and is highly regarded at the family Bar in California and nationally. An interviewee notes: “When Stacy is in a litigation setting, she doesn’t back down from anything or anyone. Her knowledge of the law accompanied by her lightning-fast wit is a deadly combination.”
New York:
Brett S. Ward (Band 2) co-chairs the firm's matrimonial and family law practice group. One market insider notes, "He is one of the best, most knowledgeable attorneys I have ever met or seen. He is also very empathetic. I can't speak highly enough about him." Another source comments: "He is incredibly eloquent and also an excellent advocate for his client. He is very passionate, incredibly intelligent, and can be very creative in his arguments and his solutions."
Marilyn B. Chinitz (Band 2) acts for high net worth individuals in complex divorce cases, custody matters, and marital agreements. "She is responsible, professionally courteous, always prepared, has a terrific reputation, gives back to the community, and has an enormous referral base as a result," says one interviewee. Another notes, "Marilyn is a very experienced and very skilled negotiator and true advocate for her clients, and I have had only excellent feedback from clients about her."
Norman S. Heller (Band 1) enjoys a fantastic reputation as a go-to for complex and high-value family and matrimonial matters. "Norman is intelligent. I would have every case with him if I could," states an interviewee. Another source comments: “Norman Heller is a superb lawyer.”
Lois J. Liberman (Band 2) is a well-known matrimonial lawyer with substantial experience acting for high net worth clients. "She's a passionate advocate for her client, always calm, always respectful, and always extremely personable," states one market insider. An additional source adds: "She's very professional and very straightforward. She really cares, is focused on getting things done, doesn't drag things out, and always has a pragmatic approach."
Morgan Fraser Mouchette (Band 3) advises high net worth individuals on contentious family and matrimonial matters, including divorce proceedings and international custodial disputes. An interviewee states: "Morgan is a zealous advocate for her client while also looking for the most efficient resolution. She is very creative, thinks outside the box, and can pivot when needed." Another source adds, "Morgan is wonderful. I would recommend her to anyone going through the difficult circumstances of a divorce, whether amicable or not."
Sophie Jacobi-Parisi (Band 3) represents high net worth clients in New York City in matrimonial matters. "I found her to be a fierce advocate for the client. She was responsive and really seemed to care and want the best for this client," one source notes. Another interviewee adds: "She is super responsive and really constructive. She was a pleasure to work with."
Pennsylvania:
Mary T. Vidas (Band 1) advises on marital agreements, child custody cases, adoption matters, and complex divorces. Sources agree that Vidas is a well-known practitioner in matrimonial and family law in Pennsylvania. "Mary Vidas is a really good lawyer, strong advocate, and knows her way around the court room. She is terrific," said one market insider. Another source comments: "Mary is very bright and good at complex high end work. She is hardworking, knows her stuff, and does a lot of litigation."
Blank Rome's Private Wealth Law Attorneys were also highly ranked in Chambers High Net Worth 2024. To learn more, click here.
About Chambers High Net Worth
The guide covers private wealth management work and related specialties in key jurisdictions around the world, featuring in-depth editorial about the leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families. Chambers High Net Worth also features listings and information about many of the top accountancy and tax firms, private banks, wealth management firms and multi-family offices acting for high net worth individuals. For more information on Chambers High Net Worth 2024, please click here.