What is a Certified Family Law Specialist? Denise Placencio of DaCorsi Placencio, PC earns a special certification and adds to her ever-growing resume

In order to gain their status as certified specialists, attorneys must complete a number of tasks that include:
• passage of a written examination in the legal specialty area
• practiced law continuously for at least five years, spending at least 25 percent of the time given to occupational endeavors practicing in the specialty area
• completion of continuing education in the specialty area greater than that required of general licensees of the bar
• demonstration of a broad-based and comprehensive experience in the specialty area based on completion of a variety of matters in the specialty area
• favorable evaluations by other attorneys and judges familiar with the attorney’s work in the specialty area of law
My first question to Super Lawyer (’13-’17) and managing partner Denise Placencio was where did you find the time? To which she quickly and concisely answered, “You make it. When I have a goal, with anything in life, I make time for it. It’s important to manage time productively in my industry. As many of us know, most attorney’s work on retainer, but that time is broken down by the hour. So, there is only so much time I can dedicate to each case and be mindful of my client’s pocketbook.”
Maintaining specialist certification shows the public that an attorney’s knowledge and skills are current. All specialists must meet ongoing education, tasks and experience requirements by reporting compliance with the legal specialization continuing legal education requirement every three years. They also must recertify every five years by submitting a written application for recertification. In recertifying, specialists report compliance with the task and experience (trial) requirements, as well as submit and receive favorable references from Judges and colleagues.
This next step was especially important to Denise because while it is nearly impossible to “master” any subject of law, this certification solidifies her dedication, passion and commitment to Family Law in a specialized manner.
“It was important to me to become a Certified Family Law Specialist because so many attorneys try and ‘dabble’ in family law, while also trying to practice civil law, bankruptcy or criminal law”, said Denise. “You know the old phrase ‘Jack of all trades, master of none?’ Well, I would not trust my children’s custody, my finances or my investments to anyone other than a master. Would you? It’s like going to a pharmacist for a surgical procedure.”
It’s unfortunate that because we live in such a fast-paced society and people often treat their personal matters that way—fast and easy. And it never works well for them, according to Denise. How many horror stories have you heard about from friends, or family regarding a horrendous divorce and custody battle? Too often they are a regular topic of discussion.
“I had one client who was told to “walk away” from her husband’s LAPD banked overtime because the mediator told her it “had no value”. At trial, even the opposing attorney on the case (incorrectly) argued “no value”. We got $62,000 for that overtime. Had she listened to that person, she would have been $62,000 short on what she was entitled to,” shared Denise.
I personally just read two posts in a local FB group about custody battles/rights of the parent. My first suggestion to both of the women was to call an attorney, schedule a consultation and get educated. Know your rights!
Denise Placencio can be reached at 1-877-317-8080 and has offices in Woodland Hills, 21031 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 640 and Valencia at 28494 Westinghouse Place, suite 206.