Office Manager Heidi Sorensen, David Schulman and Partner Erik Moore
schools, and the minors I work with are the only people who have my cell phone number,” he says. He laughs when he admits that, as a result, he has to engage in a great deal of text messaging these days. But the work is extremely rewarding for Schulman. “Kids think the attorney-client privilege is so cool. When they learn that I’m not going to discuss what they say with their parents, they love it, and become very trusting,” he says. In part, this helps to offset the fact that “when you represent the children, both of the parties are angry with you.”
PAYING IT BACK BY PAYING IT FORWARD Schulman’s entire life is clearly predicated on maintaining balance, a lesson learned first from his father, Barry Schulman who is now a retired family law attorney. “He taught me it is important to leave your work at the office and enjoy your social time as it makes you a much more effective as an attorney. The off-hours are necessary to make sure you have time to recharge your batteries,” he recalls. Continuing, he says, “When my father was not working, he did not discuss his cases at home and made sure his time with friends and family were a priority.” Schulman also counts the guidance and influences of Harry Powazek, now a Superior Court Judge, Alan B. Clements, retired Commissioner of the San Diego Superior Court, and Thomas Ashworth III, retired Superior Court Judge, and his father as instrumental early in his career. The mentorship he received is something he strives to pass on to the next generation of family law attorneys. He also credits his former partner, Judge Margo Lewis, as well as
his current partners, Erik Moore, and Peggy Moore with reminding him to keep matters in perspective when things get stressful. “Our firm believes in mentoring our staff, young law clerks and associates to work with the specialists side by side on our cases,” he says. But he also extends his suggestions and advice to any young attorney who needs help. “I had incredible mentors who I would call on when I had questions, and I will always take a call from a young attorney with a question,” he says. Obviously, for Schulman, the key to success for himself, but more importantly for his clients, is a commitment to balance in the field of family law. From making sure that children have a voice, to managing client expectations during particularly emotional and volatile times, to paying back to the next generation of attorneys the advice he freely received from the attorneys who came before him; Schulman’s strategy has paid off. As far as his third decade in family law is concerned; Schulman looks forward to growing the firm slowly and steadily, making sure not to upset the balance of the existing success he and his partners have achieved. n Contact: Moore, Schulman, Moore, APC 858 755 3300, dschulman@msmfamilylaw.com 2636 High Bluff Drive, Suite 200 San Diego, California 92130 www.msmfamilylaw.com
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