Sitting on the floor at home playing “Baby Shark” on his guitar for sons Brody, 4, and Brooks, 2, gives Raleigh divorce attorney Blake Larsen an insight into the challenges some of his clients face.
“Becoming a husband and becoming a father gave me an entirely new perspective on family law and relating to my clients. It made it much easier to relate with them,” said Larsen, who practices at Raleigh Divorce Law Firm.
“I truly understand the financial stresses of managing work-related childcare and healthcare expenses for children in a child custody case. They’re struggling with the practical logistical challenges of working full time while raising kids, getting kids to sleep through the night and all the other behavioral things they’re facing.”
Larsen’s practice covers a broad array of family law matters including divorce, child custody cases – including those that are high conflict, equitable distribution, divorces involving family-owned business and complex finances, LGBTQ matters, appeals and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) cases. The firm is actively involved in supporting Wake County’s GAL program.
A self-described Army brat, Larsen attended Auburn University where a class in press, law and ethics stoked his interest in law school. He excelled in family law while attending Florida Coastal School of Law. He joined Raleigh Divorce Law Firm after earning his Juris Doctor 11 years ago.
Put Them at Peace
Before Larsen has a first meeting with a client, someone from the firm speaks with them to get the status of the case. “Before that first consult, I make sure to read through everything they provide us, such as legal pleadings if they’re in the midst of active litigation.”
“They’re probably stressed, whether it’s financial or related to the custody of their children. And they need to learn about the law, but they also need to feel like they’re talking to someone who cares about their stress. I might be the first person they’ve ever talked to about their situation, and I want them to feel like this guy, Blake, cares about what’s going on in my life. I try to match and bring the energy they need so they feel comfortable sharing their story with me. I want to do what I can to put them at peace.”
Work/Life Balance
As a father and a husband, Larsen strives for a work/life balance.
“For my wife, Alyssa, and me, life really does effectively become all about our boys and reliving those moments with them of being a kid. Brody starts soccer this fall, and I’m gonna do what I can to volunteer and assist with whatever team he ends up on. And then Brooks, my 2-year-old, and I are starting to have one-on-one conversations.
“It’s something that I think every lawyer deals with, you’ve kind of got to adapt on the fly, but I tell anyone that I’m meeting with initially, I’m going to try to always get back to you within 24 hours.
“So, business hours are primarily when I’m going to be working your case. But I’ve dealt with countless numerous emergency situations and spent time with clients on Saturdays and Sundays and Friday evenings preparing for trials and mediations.”
A Sense of Happiness
“What I enjoy most is that moment when you can look your client in the eyes and see that realization set in that their case is done,” said Larsen. “I think there’s just a unique sense of happiness and kind of this aura of relief around them that exists in that one moment of time. I’ve yet to see anything like it in any other aspect of life.”
Raleigh Divorce Law Firm
8341 Bandford Way Suite 1
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-256-3970
www.raleighdivorcelawfirm.com
