Alice Pare-Johnson
Alice Pare and Associates, LLC
19737 Executive Park Circle
Germantown, MD 20874
Map
Phone: (301) 515-1190 | Fax: (301) 353-0747
http://www.alicelaw.com
Effective and Efficient Representation
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Divorce, child custody, bankruptcy.
Sub-Topics
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
Personal Bankruptcy
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Divorce, child custody, bankruptcy.
Sub-Topics
Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
Annulment
Child Support
Custody/Visitation Rights
Delinquent Support Payments
Division of Property
Divorce Mediation
Restraining Orders
Uncontested Divorce
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Bar Admissions
MD, Dec 1991
Bar Number: 09450
Specialty Certifications
There are no such certifications through the bar. I am a certified mediator.
Other Court Admissions
Maryland and Federal.
Association Memberships
Maryland State Bar Association and Montgomery County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing legal education requirements, but I regularly attend family law seminars, bankruptcy seminars, as well as participate in function in both the family law and bankruptcy bars.
Example Cases
Corapcioglu v. Roosevelt involved and international abduction in which the child was the first to have ever been recovered from Turkey. In the course of the litigation, we were responsible for having Turkey found non-compliant with the Hague Convention.
I also worked on Conte v. Conte which challenged Maryland's principle whether disability benefits are marital property.
Education
Brooklyn Law School
Juris Doctorate
Brooklyn
NY
1991
I graduated in the top 20% of my class.
I served in Moot Court and Law Review.
State University of New York
Bachelor of Science
Albany
NY
1980
Honors.
Microbiology.
Pace University
Bachelor of Science
New York
NY
1988
Honors.
Economics.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Maryland
Firm Focus and History
My firm has been located in Germantown for nearly twenty years, focusing on the needs of the people in my community. Divorce and family related law makes up the largest portion of my business, followed by consumer bankruptcy and personal injury. I also do District Court matters, including drinking and driving offences, shoplifting, assault and battery and the like. Our emphasis is to provide personalized low stress services—understanding that most of our clients are experiencing one of the most difficult parts in their lives.
My practice was established in 1991. I have been serving the Germantown community for that entire time. I have recently opened a home office in Bethesda where I see divorce and bankruptcy clients.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to becoming a lawyer I worked for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in health insurance. My formal education was in microbiology and economics. I worked in strategic planning and market analysis. Before going to law school, the health care industry came under fire for out of control inflation, and various other reasons. There was also a lot of public attention on the delivery of health care. I thought a law degree would enhance my ability to progress in this field. After law school, I had little interest in health care and preferred the court room and working with people.
Activities and Awards
I have done substantial pro bono work through my years, Title VII work, as well as work involving international abduction. I have represented both foreign parents in our courts and parents left behind coordinating efforts to recover abducted children.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
My opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues varies, depending on the issue and the client. With that said, in general it is very helpful to have a client who understands the issues and risks involved in the legal decision-making process. With understanding, clients are best able to participate and influence the outcome of their case. The most successful cases are often those where the client has a good grasp on the issues, the risks, and the intangibles that may affect the outcome of the litigation.
The variables that affect my opinion begin with the plain reality that many issues are complex with a lot of variables, tangible and intangible, that need to be considered in posturing a client regarding a particular issues at bar. There are no absolutes in law. Results are influenced by the Judges' discretion, a jury, client demeanor, witnesses, evidence and so forth. Some things are predictable and others are not. Results are not always what it seems they should be.
Many of the issues that I deal with are emotionally charged - especially in the areas of divorce and custody. Objective thinking is critical to appropriate analysis and decision-making, and when your emotionally involved, objective thinking and decision-making is just not reliable. It is hard to get some people to understand this, while others intuitively understand the nature of the environment.
There are factors at play that often have a powerful influence on a decision, some people are just more credible, some people are likeable while others are not, some people are persuasive, while others are monotonous that they lose the attention of the court. This list is long, important and cannot be explained other than conceptually. These considerations are different in each case, sometimes the most unexpected fact has a powerful influence. It is very helpful for clients to understand the dynamic of litigation, and the issues at play. However, sometimes, because of emotion or complexity, it is not always possible.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I cannot tell a lay person how to practice law—that is malpractice. With that qualification I am willing to review and discuss documents prepared by clients. I often do.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am not willing to coach a client representing themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a lawyer to enable myself to participate in the growth and management of the health insurance community more effectively. Once I completed law school, I had very little interest in returning to health insurance. I prefer litigation and the study of law.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I went through a destructive divorce and as a result am very careful to counsel my clients on how to avoid costly divorces. I understand the consequences of fighting from many different perspectives. I do not only discuss the legalities with my clients, I discuss the consequence of choice constantly. My divorce taught me to be more empathetic to my clients. I also believe the older you get, the better you are able to represent your clients. Experience in the courtroom, understanding what makes a difference in the outcome, knowing your judges, all grow with experience.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I like working with people. I would have preferred to do criminal work in the early part of my career, but I love the areas in which I practice for many different reasons and I have no regrets about the decisions that I have made.
What do you like best about your career?
I have a lot of experience that enables me to suggest many alternatives to clients to resolve the issues before them. Creativity plays an important role in effective representation. As a lawyer, I am constantly called upon to think outside the box.
Tell us about your law firm:
Currently I am a solo practitioner, although I usually employ and associate. My current office staff consists of my paralegal—Diane—who interacts with clients when my time is not necessary. Gloria also works about 20 hours a week handling files and client calls.
What are your strengths and style?
I am direct—both a strength and a fault. I challenge my clients to examine their thoughts and decisions objectively and from the possible court's perspective. Divorcing clients and clients involved in child custody disputes are often in a rough place emotionally and do not always make the best decisions. I try to help my clients avoid making emotional decisions that are often destructive.
Personal Interests:
My hobby is cooking, dogs, and raising my daughter.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Office Manager/Assistant
Diane Gibson
Fax
(301) 353-0747
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Bethesda
4301 Kentbury Drive
Bethesda, MD 20814
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Many services can be fixed fees. District Court appearances are usually $1,500. Drinking and Driving offenses are usually $1,750. Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases vary, but average between $1,000 and $1,500. Separation agreement varies and averages from $1,750 through $3,000.
Hourly Rates
$300.
Free Initial Consultation?
15 minute free telephone consultation.
Typical Retainer
50% of the anticipated cost of the action if trial is necessary. Payment in full is required for flat fee services.
This firm is a debt relief agency that helps people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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