Do I Need a Bulldog for My Family Law Case?

When new clients come into my office, I often hear the same request:

“I want a bulldog. Someone aggressive. Someone who will fight tooth and nail.”

It’s not hard to understand where this comes from.

When you’re facing divorce, custody disputes, or litigation with someone you once trusted, the urge to “go for the throat” can be strong. You want to feel protected. You want someone in your corner who won’t back down.

But here’s the truth: not every case needs a bulldog. And in many situations, hiring one can do more harm than good.

🐾 The Bulldog Mentality: What You Think You’re Getting

The idea of hiring a “bulldog” attorney conjures images of courtroom takedowns, scathing cross-examinations, and dramatic wins. In rare, high-stakes or abusive cases, an aggressive posture may be appropriate. But in most family law matters, bulldogs don’t win cases—they just make them more painful.

🚫 The Drawbacks of a “Fight-at-All-Costs” Attorney

1. It Escalates Conflict and Stress

Aggressive tactics pour gasoline on already volatile situations. Co-parenting relationships are damaged. Communication shuts down. Your emotional well-being suffers.

2. It Drives Up Legal Costs—Fast

More aggression usually means:

• More motions filed

• More court appearances

• More time billed

You could spend tens of thousands of dollars litigating issues that might have been resolved in mediation for a fraction of the cost.

3. It Risks Turning the Judge Against You

Judges are not impressed by theatrics. They respect professionalism, not bullying. If your attorney comes across as disrespectful or needlessly combative, you may be the one who suffers for it.

And perhaps most importantly...

In my experience, "bulldog" attorneys don’t get better results. They often get worse ones—because they focus on the fight, not the outcome.

🎯 A Better Approach: Strategic, Purposeful Advocacy

What works far better than aggression? A plan.

✅ 1. Define Your Goals

Not just “win” or “hurt the other side.” Real goals:

• Keep the family home

• Maximize parenting time

• Protect a retirement account

• Minimize ongoing conflict

  
  

✅ 2. Create a Case Strategy Based on Your Specific Case

Every family law case is unique. Your strategy should match:

• Your specific facts

• What's really important to you

• Your emotional and financial bandwidth

  
  

✅ 3. Execute with Clarity and Confidence

This doesn’t mean you won’t fight. It means you fight smart—when and where it counts most.

🧠 The Real Key: Knowing When to Fight

Any attorney can file a motion. Not every attorney can tell you not to—because it’s a waste of your time, money, and emotional energy.

At Looney Law PLLC, we believe that knowing when to push and when to pause is what wins cases. It’s what preserves relationships. And it’s what gets you across the finish line with your dignity—and finances—intact.

📞 Ready to Talk Strategy? If you're looking for a lawyer who will fight for what truly matters—not just for the sake of fighting—let’s talk.

👉 Schedule your consultation today and get a plan tailored to your goals.