Portland, OR family law attorney Shawn Menashe talks about his mentors in the practice and shares his most common piece of advice to clients. Mentorship has played a pivotal role in his practice. He was fortunate to have several mentors within the firm, including Ron Gtz, Eric Larson, and his father, Albert Manashi. Each mentor taught him valuable lessons, but one that stands out most is a principle his father instilled early on: they are in the people business. His father once asked, “What’s your job as a lawyer?” and he initially responded, “To win—to win cases.” His father smiled and clarified, “It’s to create a happy client.” This idea resonated deeply, and his father went on to explain that in the service business, there are three essential components to creating a happy client.

First, it’s about creating an incredible experience; second, achieving excellent outcomes; and third, offering a reasonable price. His father also reminded him that while the outcome is not always fully controllable, the level of service and the client experience are entirely within their control. The firm has always considered itself the Blue Ribbon standard in providing high-level service, ensuring clients experience minimal fear of the unknown and are well-informed to make empowered decisions.

A consistent piece of advice he offers clients, especially considering how emotionally charged and personal the legal process can be, is that it’s not just about where one ends up, but also about how they get there. It can be tempting to fall to the lowest common denominator and make decisions that might lead to regret later. He often reminds clients, particularly those navigating tough situations, to move through the process with grace and integrity. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of being able to look in the mirror and feel proud of how they handled the journey, not just that they reached the destination.

This perspective is even more crucial for clients with children, as it shapes future moments like sitting together at graduations or sporting events. He continually reminds clients of this key aspect: to uphold integrity and grace, and to be proud not only of where they arrived but also of how they got there.