Bari Weinberger

Since founding Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group in 2009, Bari Weinberger has helped the firm grow to 25 attorneys, some 50 staff, and six office locations in New Jersey. In recent years, Weinberger, still the firm's managing partner in addition to her practice, has launched a mentorship program to push attorneys toward certification in matrimonial law, and has written a book and coordinated various programs dealing with domestic violence.

What's your single best piece of advice for handling a crisis?

Providing a clear next step is everything for clients in crisis! Many of the people I work with as a divorce and family law attorney come to me when they are in crisis mode. Child custody, divorce, and family law matters can leave people vulnerable and exposed. They need help to safeguard themselves, their children, and their future and I help them to achieve this. Understanding their situation legally is empowering, and working collaboratively with me helps them reassert control. The strategic plan we create provides reassurance and moves them swiftly past crisis point by providing the protection, clarity, and peace of mind they need to move forward without fear.

Name a mentor or someone you admire, and why.

I have so much admiration for the judges and attorneys who make up our New Jersey family law community. The work we do is difficult and important, and we have so much to learn from one another. My own firm is made up of incredible attorneys with backgrounds in psychology and social work, business, ethics, and more. Peer mentoring is built into our firm's ethos as we share our diverse expertise and nurture continued professional development for all of our team members. I truly believe everyone has something to bring to the table that can help us learn and grow.

Best advice you ever got…

One of my law professors once said, “when people talk, listen completely.” This has become one of my guiding values. As attorneys, we know listening is an essential skill in court, but for our clients it is even more imperative. When someone in distress meets with me, I know they need me to hear everything they are saying, both spoken and unspoken. It is only after I truly understand all of their hopes, fears, and aspirations that I can craft solutions that truly work for them.

What has the #MeToo movement meant to the legal profession?

For family law, the #metoo movement has empowered people to share certain dire situations in their relationships that, in the past, they may have been reluctant to report. I am talking specifically about financial abuse, insidious manipulation, physical violence between partners, and marital rape. Because of this openness, we are able to develop sound legal protections that will help keep them safeguarded. I stand behind each and every person who now feels able to share their truth. It's a crucial first step towards a more positive future and I am humbled to be able to assist in this journey.

In 50 words or less, what does the legal profession need to do to improve opportunities for women lawyers?

Firms must focus on how we can improve best practices for all lawyers irrespective of race, gender, and orientation. For instance, our mentorship program is baked into our firm's culture and has resulted in 10 certified matrimonial attorneys, with more eager to participate. These attorneys are tomorrow's leaders in family law.