Reviews

I usually don't go on platforms to submit reviews but I felt that it was critical that I share my positive experience that I have had with Sara. I hired her several months ago for child custody, visitation and relocation matters. First and foremost, her legal advice and experience lended her the ability to surpass all other lawyers I consulted prior to hiring her. Her professionalism was beyond many and she had an unwavering representation of my interests even though my case presented major difficulties as it was a hard case both on the legal and moral standpoint. I appreciated her judgement and ability to organize the important overall objectives, always ensuring we stayed on course. She was always honest and open - she never tried to give me a false sense of hope or down played some hard realties. But she was still understanding and listened. She never exuded overconfidence and respected me as her client. She stayed calm and collected when I felt I could not. And that made it possible for me to handle all that was thrown at me during a tough time. She's guided me through this treacherous process while keeping our actions and approach in tune with my own principles and goals. She was always timely and proficient. I hope that she continues to help other families as she had done for me and my family.

I consulted with four lawyers (at different firms) until I settled on Sara Schuler. I even retained one from a fancy big name firm for a while, but ultimately went back to her. Since my case ultimately went to trial, with a large firm on the other side, and because we won on every issue, I can't express I grateful I am that I had ultimately chose Sara. When I first consulted with Sara, what struck me is how precise and accurate she is. This is not what I got with the other lawyers, who made egregious misstatements about the law in their conversations with me. For example, a lawyer at a different (and well-known) firm told me, “well, the court doesn’t care about your contributions to the marriage,” when I told her I would like the marital assets to split according to our contributions. In fact, the Virginia statute explicitly requires that the court consider the “contributions, monetary and nonmonetary, of each party to the well-being of the family.” Sara never made any such errors in speaking with me, or in speaking to the court. This precision and accuracy are essential in the unfortunate case that you go to court. The trial was like an enormous fact checking exercise, involving thousands of pages of documents. Our credible presentation of the facts was central to our trial win. In contrast, mistakes, mis-statements, and being loose with the facts seemed to sink the other side. Related to her precision and accuracy, I felt I could trust Sara. Lawyers seem to care very much about their reputation in the legal community, much more so than they care about the outcome of your particular case. The other lawyers I consulted with tried to badger me into settling for an inequitable division rather than risk their reputations in a court room. Not that Sara was at all eager to go to court---she was also very reluctant, but at least she didn’t lie to me to try to get me to do what’s best for her career. Lawyers at some other (big name) law firms did. The whole pre-trial thing, and hopefully that’s the whole thing for you, that’s all very stressful too, and I was glad I had a lawyer I could trust for that part of it.

Sara understands federal government employees' unique situation, particularly those amongst us who initiate the separation/divorce process from overseas. She represented me in court, mediation, and in direct communication with the opposing party. Sara runs her own practice and takes the time to know her clients and cases, she is always prepared for situations as they arise. She provides a personalized service to her clients and she always has had time for me when I had unexpected legal needs, including once while she was on vacation. I’d recommend Sara to anyone considering or determined to divorce.

Sarah did a great job leading me through the divorce. She followed through with everything I asked and responded very quickly to my emails. Her responses were very informative and helped me make the right decisions. She was very conscientious and efficient with her time and billing me for it. I would highly recommend her.

The adoption laws in VA can be complex and overwhelming to understand, especially if you are of same sex adopting. Sara took on my case with passion and persistence that I didn’t expect but very much appreciated. Our type of case was the first for Sara. Being unfamiliar with same sex adoption, she researched and researched, keeping us informed of everything. What really stuck out for me, was that she took my case personally, it really mattered to her, which made the world difference for us. As of February, 2017, I legally adopted of 2 beautiful children. Thank you Sara!

After a few unimpressive consultations with other lawyers for a child custody issue, I found Sara through Avvo. Sara took the time to listen and analyze my situation rather than rushing to discuss payment. She let me know it would be a tough case that could go either way. Her honesty and her attentiveness was exactly what I wanted in a lawyer. I frequently felt mystified and overwhelmed by the entire legal process. Sara was able to clearly explain each step, what to expect next, and the different options at each point during the process. At the trial Sara completely outclassed the other lawyer in being prepared for trial, having me prepped for trial, our discovery requests, the number of her sustained objections, her cross examination questions and such. We had a much better and more polished case. In the end the judge's ruling was pretty much a draw. While I wasn't happy with the outcome it would have been far worse if not for Sara's efforts. I would definitely retain Sara again for any future family law matters.

The divorce process in Virginia can be complex and frustrating. That's why I'm glad I found Ms. Schuler. She is well-informed, thoughtful and bright, She quickly responded to my inquiries by email or phone and kept me informed throughout the process. Although my divorce was amicable, Ms. Schuler made sure I understood the relevant laws and how they might affect my choices in the proceedings. She is not someone who is easily intimidated -- she is a true advocate for her client

“I was involved in a family matter initially considered routine but quickly devolved into a lengthy and contentious proceeding. When negotiations were mired, Sara joined the legal team and quickly identified and resolved the outstanding issues and brought closure to the case. I was impressed with her ability to be assertive and stand toe-to toe with opposing counsel and truly represent my best interests. Suffice it to say her professionalism and competence are exceptional; I unhesitatingly recommend Sara to anyone needing the best in legal representation."

Sara was professional, appropriately reserved, but compassionate in a painful divorce negotiation. She listened to me carefully and responded promptly to my questions, drawing on the legal resources of her firm when necessary. Her billings were detailed, clear, and fair. I felt I was in good hands and would recommend her to a family member or my dearest friend, should the sad necessity arise..

My fiancee and I, both older and I with two grown sons, wanted a prenuptial agreement. My friend recommended Sara, a member of his law firm whom I had not met before. Sara was the wonderful combination of a bright and thorough attorney and a warm and understanding human being. She understood my desire to both provide for my new wife and also protect the interests of my sons and me. She worked well with my wife's attorney. We had the whole process done within 3 weeks, to the satisfaction of all. I recommend her without reservation.

I reside in California and filed divorce case in Virginia where other party resides. Handled efficiently and kept me informed regarding other parties issues. Knowledgeable and provided information to assist in my decision making. Responded to questions in timely fashion, personable and easy to talk to.

Sara handled my case with respect and dignity at a time when I needed that the most. I was not expecting a difficult case, but it turned into one and she gave me the right guidance and represented me well so that I was able to come to a resolution without further exacerbation. She understood I wanted to keep the case moving and if she was not available, she made sure I was left in the capable hands of another associate in her firm. I highly recommend her and if in need would seek out her services again.