I am not sure what I expected when I entered the law offices of Ross & Calandrillo in Mountainside, NJ: Two power-house women, both named partners at their own full-service family law firm, specializing in divorce and family separations. As a happily married woman I hoped I would never have to enter this office again outside of magazine related matters. What I certainly did NOT expect was to be greeted with outreached arms by Robyn Ross, Esq, followed by hilarious conversation with both Robyn and her partner, Elizabeth Calandrillo, Esq. These ladies are Boss! But of course they would be. You do not get to build your own law practice, as named partners, without being a boss. For reference, I will share my personal definition of a “boss”: SHE is someone that demonstrates authenticity and accessibility. She has an exceptional capability in her chosen field. She exudes confidence and practices kindness.
A little background: Both Robyn and Elizabeth are proud Jersey girls. Robyn went to High School in Maplewood, NJ and earned her BS Degree from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) with a major in Law and Justice. Liz went to High School in Jersey City before graduating Magna Cum Laude from St. Peter’s University with a BA in English. Both women were awarded their Juris Doctorate degrees from Seton Hall University. The now partners met while working for a family law practice that did not have the names Ross or Calandrillo on the wall. Having become friends and confidantes outside of the office, they decided to go somewhere that did. The ladies openly discuss the stark differences in their personalities that complement their growing business partnership. Robyn is a visionary, and a dreamer. Liz is cautious and brings the necessary restraint sometimes required. Both women, however, share the core values that they wanted to serve as the foundation of their family law practice:
Expertise. Compassion. Diligence.
EXPERTISE: Both Ross & Calandrillo have spent the entirety or majority of their combined 45-year law career specializing in the practice of Family Law and providing the highest caliber of legal representation to their clients. Over the course of their respective careers, they have received numerous industry recognitions and accolades, including the NJ Supreme Court’s certification as Matrimonial Law Attorneys; a distinction held by only 2% of their Family Law peers. Their established mediation practice offers clients the expertise they need to resolve family law issues with greater time and cost efficiency.
COMPASSION: The word “divorce” conjures up images of fighting and money grabbing; custody battles and pettiness. While those things certainly do occur in a lot of divorces, Ross & Calandrillo recognize they are often meeting clients at the most overwhelming time in their lives. They prioritize the “family” in family law, by taking on the confusing and equally overwhelming legal process for their clients. Every divorce is different because relationships and families are unique. One thing that is consistent, however, is that family law matters are emotional. Some people think women are better suited for family law because they are good at dealing with an elevated level of emotion. The truth of the matter is that they are better suited for family law because they are good at managing clients to their desired outcome, despite emotion. Sometimes a firm and honest conversation is the most compassionate way to represent a client going through a family transition.
DILIGENCE: Ross & Calandrillo pride themselves in offering big firm experience with the accessibility and attention of a small firm. They do this with the support of their extended team of equally talented Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, Clerks and Assistants. Family law requires a broad knowledge and skill across numerous areas of law. Whether it be child custody and support, division of assets, spousal support, relocation, or non-conventional family structures, the team at Ross & Calandrillo will diligently pursue your best interest.
I asked Robyn and Liz what they would want people to know about them, and their practice. In unison they stated that they are passionate about family law because they love helping people. They put their names on their own wall because they never wanted to have to turn away someone in need. Even if they are not the right expertise for your situation, Ross & Calandrillo will help you find the resources you need. Nobody is turned away without help. Now THAT is Boss.
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