June 28, 2017

Four Paley Rothman Attorneys Named to Bethesda Magazine’s “Top Divorce Attorneys”

• June 28, 2017
• Related Attorneys: Glenn Cooper
• Related Practice Areas: Family Law

Bibi Berry (former Principal), Glenn Cooper, Carlos Lastra, and Howard Soypher (former Principal) were all named "Top Divorce Attorneys" by Bethesda Magazine.

Every few years, Bethesda Magazine releases its list of "Top Divorce Attorneys." This year, Paley Rothman had the most number of attorneys listed of any firm. According to article:

The Bar Association of Montgomery County lists some 475 family law members. We contacted and interviewed about 50 family law practitioners to find out who they would choose if they were going through a divorce. Here are their recommendations:

Bibi Berry (former Principal)
A single mother, Bibi Berry, now 43, began her law career as a paralegal at Arnold & Porter in the District. While there, she enrolled at Georgetown University in 1997 and attended law school at night. "I'm often told by my peers that my hourly rate is too low, but I have resisted raising it too much because I do want my services to be as affordable as possible," says Berry, who has 15 years of family law experience. Her hourly rate is $395.

Glenn Cooper
Glenn Cooper, 67, is the happy warrior of high-end Bethesda divorce law. His colorful courtroom style is occasionally irritating to opponents, but his record of positive results delights his clients. He is considered an expert in dividing up large stock portfolios. "My introductory conversation with a client is very realistic," Cooper says. "I try to find out what are the issues -- kids (custody and access), money (alimony or child support) and property. Each is different and involved a different kind of analysis." Cooper's hourly rate is $575.

Carlos Lastra
Carlos Lastra, 49, comes to family law with a rich trial background as an assistant to then Dade County State Attorney Janet Reno. Lastra's mastery of following a money trail of hidden financial assets sets him apart from even the most skilled litigators who practice family law. He's fluent in Spanish and knows what is covered under various privacy acts, which can differ under federal and state law.

Howard Soypher (former Principal)
After years of being viewed as the protégé to Bethesda super lawyer Glenn Cooper, Howard Soypher, 46, has shed the understudy role and is now given full credit by colleagues as a family law force on his own. Soypher is a notorious early riser, making himself available to clients by 7 a.m. Says a onetime courtroom opponent: "Howard's mind is very quick and he scores points before the witness can fully appreciate what just happened -- by then it's too late."

The full article, "Untying the Knot," by Kim Eisler, can be found in the July/August 2017 edition of Bethesda Magazine.

        

(L to R): Bibi Berry, Glenn Cooper, Carlos Lastra and Howard Soypher