Portland, OR family law attorney Zach Fruchtengarten talks about the most rewarding aspect of his practice, the most common piece of advice he gives to clients, and his background & experience. The attorney takes great pleasure in helping people and witnessing the immediate rewards of their assistance. Many clients continue to express their gratitude, sending holiday cards and text messages to wish the attorney well. They value having someone who provides objective advice and guides them through challenging times, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Family law has a unique impact on clients that is often absent in other areas of the legal profession.

The attorney frequently advises clients to follow the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. In the often contentious environment of family law, it is easy for parties to become entrenched in conflict. The attorney encourages clients to take the high road during proceedings, as a level-headed approach is beneficial for their mental health and can positively influence the case’s outcome. By managing their emotions, clients can avoid the high conflict that frequently arises in these situations.

Interestingly, the attorney did not initially plan to pursue family law. With a background in finance and a master’s degree from the business school that included additional finance and accounting courses, they began their career at one of the major accounting firms, focusing on state and local tax consulting. This experience involved substantial tax compliance work, which proved to be a natural fit when transitioning into family law. The attorney began handling large, complex cases in a support role for senior partners, where they could analyze financial statements and review tax returns. This expertise provided a significant advantage, as most law students typically require years to acquire similar knowledge on the job.