Judith Perez is not the stereotypical over-worked lawyer, despite balancing the responsibilities of running her own law firm, practicing law, and being a mother. “It is difficult, but I have to say that it’s really a joy to balance my life between my family life and my practice. I like to think I’m having a full life, and it’s a life that I created,” she said. Perez chose to run her own law firm because it allows her to match her schedule to her children’s school hours without taking away from her time with clients. “My clients are a pleasure for me, and not a source of stress. It’s the kind of practice that really lends itself to raising children.” Perez began practicing on her own in 1991, when she teamed with trial attorney Eric Hawes to form Perez & Hawes. For the past ten years, she and Hawes have kept the operation busy, but relatively small. Perez’s position as a working mother helps her relate to her clients. It puts her into the group of women business owners in particular who also happens to represent the highest category of people who do not have estate planning, “They are so busy running businesses and running their families that they just haven’t gotten to it yet,” she said. But before all the documents and procedures in estate planning could be handled, Perez spends some time getting to know her clients’ individual personalities and needs. “It helps an awful lot to get to understand and discuss with clients the dynamics of siblings, parent-child issues.” Perez adapts her estate planning very specifically to fit into whatever situation her clients present to her. “In order to find out their issue, you need to spend time with them. Once I get to know them, I come up with creative options and solutions,” she said. Getting closer to her clients also means that she tries to watch out for their wellbeing, offering sensible advice as needed. “For example, when I see people who are not fiscally responsible, I try to educate them on taking responsibility for their fiscal life. This includes saving a certain amount for their retirement, not living off their credit card, teaching their children about the value of money,” said. Other pieces of wisdom that Perez doles out include: “Value people over money. Value money over things” and “Don’t spend money you don’t have, which means don’t live off your credit card.” The other part of Perez’s work includes her geriatric practice. “Especially with people who do not have a considerable amount of wealth, I try to simplify things for them and counsel families when family member get old,” she said. “It’s very harsh, almost a burden on the adult children. I try to put people in touch with resources. I tell them, ‘you aren’t the first person to have this happen to you. You’ re not alone on this.'” “I remember a situation where there was someone seriously ill, and things needed to be handled extremely quickly. She handled the case with class, kept dignity, and got the job done for the family in a short time,” said civil litigator Gary Barr of Alpert & Barr, who refers his clients to Perez. Elizabeth Hsing-Huei Chou
