Family taw I Annette Benson Unwavering Conviction, Unparalleiea Outcomes for (:lients: Annette Benson of Benson Family Law earns "Best" designation by securing desired results in every case. Carolyn Krieger-Cohen { Contributing Writer A nnette Benson is often described by her clients, opposing counsel, mediators and judges alike as relentless, assertive, driven, exceedingly prepared, even a pit bull in high heels. These monikers suit the petite, powerhouse founder of Benson Family Law in Bingham Farms just fine. It is her well- known passion for securing the best outcome in each case, her well-honed negotiating skills, and the strong bonds she develops with her clients that have earned Benson the distinction of being voted Best Family Law Attorney by Jewish News readers who shared their accolades. "Your dedication and relentless pursuit to protect my children and get me custody is a gift I will never forget," said Michael, one grateful client. "Over the last three years, you have become part of my life. You helped me regain my sanity and focus, and no man will ever have control over me again," shared client Beth. For Benson, practicing family law is a calling rather than a job, and one which beckoned early on. "I always wanted to be a lawyer; there was never any other career path for me," she explained. Benson's clients are often immersed in the most stressful situations they have ever encountered in their personal or professional lives, such as divorce, custody battles, post- judgment issues and domestic violence scenarios. They find in Benson a tireless, trusted, fearless advocate who is never intimidated in the courtroom. The child of Jewish immigrant parents and a Michigan native, Benson was raised with a strong work ethic and a focus on education and independence. Her parents taught her that achieving success required the "sechel" to outsmart others, which has served Benson and her clients well. While clerking for a Wayne County judge during law school, Benson gained an invaluable, behind-the-scenes perspective on the legal system as well as intimate knowledge of how to best present cases in court. She later worked for a prominent 12 I JN Best Of Michigan • December 2013 family law attorney, and her career path was for me in one day then my first attorney did sealed. in months." This doesn't come as surprising "I love the personal relationship aspects news to Benson, who often receives similar of the job, the chance to dive in deep and feedback from clients. get a full understanding of both parties' "I am completely vested in my clients," personalities," explained Benson. "After said Benson. "We fully educate them about almost 20 years practicing exclusively in the legal process at every juncture so they family law, I am convinced that knowing understand their options, and we discuss everything about our clients and their strategies together. When clients are spouses helps us develop the best approach informed and involved in their case, they to take and leads to the become empowered and are outstanding outcomes we able to play an integral role in achieve every day." the decisions that will impact Putting the children their lives." first is always Benson's Benson, an avid marathon runner, maintains relationships top priority. She is hugely selective about the clients with her clients over the long her firm chooses to run as well. "Our job does not end with represent. "I can't represent the entry of a final judgment," someone I don't believe in, Benson said. "Our clients know or who wants something that beyond the legal aspects that I don't believe is best of their case, we believe in for the family," she said. "I them and have their backs. am passionate about doing Regaining their self-esteem, the right thing to ensure self-respect and feeling children end up in the right validated are all important environment." parts of the legal as well as She has been married the emotional process they to Mitchell Benson for 20 are undergoing. We work in Annette J. Benson, PC conjunction with financial years. They are parents Benson Family Law of son Jonah, 16, and planners to assist our clients in 30800 Telegraph Road daughter Lia, 13, and are securing their financial future. Suite 2720 members of Temple Israel We look ahead to ensure that Bingham Farms, MI 48025 in West Bloomfield. they have direction, security, In 2002, Benson Family family stability and the (248) 646-2600 Law opened its doors. confidence to move forward in bensonfamilylaw.corn Benson and her team the next chapter of their lives." collaborate closely with Knowing the law is one thing. Knowing how to one another, the firm's clients and with skilled experts such as interpret the law to benefit clients' needs, forensic accountants, business valuators and goals and lives is what sets Benson Family Law apart from other firms. child psychologists. She possesses strong relationships with judges, referees, and "Satisfied clients are always our goal, but other attorneys, earning their respect and believe it or not, we get numerous referrals admiration based on her exemplary work from our clients' former spouses," said ethic, attention to detail and knowledge of Benson. "That's when I know we have made the legal system. a positive impact on the lives of everyone on Ralph, one of Benson's clients, summed up both sides of the legal table." ❑ his feelings about her this way. "You did more