Member Spotlight

Law Offices of Maribeth Blessing, LLC

CLP Member Since: 2022

Why did you become a Collaborative Professional?

I have worked in the family court system since 1998: first in Domestic Relations and then with Maribeth. I have seen firsthand how much more damaging it is for families to constantly fight. It also became clear that the legal system cannot always address the needs of the family by just applying the law. Sometimes there are other conversations to be had and the courts are not equipped to do anything other than address legal issues.

What advice would you give future Collaborative Professionals?

Be open to being the type of lawyer who sees more than just the application of the law, especially in family law. Compassion, kindness and a wholistic approach to your cases while keeping the law as your yardstick is what family lawyers should strive to provide their clients.

What is your favorite part of being a CLP Member?

There are so many benefits to being a CLP member it is hard to pick just one. I would offer two favorites: the access to so many other CLP members and their expertise as well as the trainings and meetings you have the potential to attend.

Before working at the company or organization you are with now, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve had?

After attending Millersville University and only working one year toward my Master’s degree in counseling psychology, I was a little lost. I worked on a farm for a couple years. I milked cows, baled hay, picked corn, planted tomatoes and went to rodeos. The best parts of my job were the fun times when you were done and could ride the horses out anywhere you wanted. Also, it was not terrible to go to work with a beagle puppy in your pocket and the sun on your face. There is something to be said for physical labor when you have no idea where you are going in life.

What is your favorite line from a movie or song?

My favorite song is Forever Young by Rod Stewart – because it really is about what we all wish for our children. May the good Lord be with you Down every road you roam And may sunshine and happiness Surround you when you're far from home And may you grow to be proud Dignified and true And do unto others As you'd have done to you

Where is your favorite place to eat?

My favorite place to eat is at home at the dining room table with my entire family. It doesn’t happen very often because everyone’s schedules are so full but I love to sit around the table. Talking about everyone’s day, the events going on in their lives, joking around and just sitting there in each other’s space is a total recharge for me. No cell phones when the family is together at dinner. We focus on each other and that is a welcome break from the world for an hour.

Best advice you ever received?

Everyone is important, no matter who they are or what they do. Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and kindness.

You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?

Sweet Caroline – doesn’t everyone? I pick that song because then you are definitely not singing alone.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

I’m not really into sports. But if sitting in the lodge looking out at the snow from a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa was an Olympic sport, I would get the gold. I also like walking in the woods and reconnecting with nature.

If you could choose any person from history to be your imaginary friend, who would it be and why?

Eleanor Roosevelt. She was the longest serving First Lady of the United States as well as a civil rights activist. She had her own newspaper and magazine columns as well as a weekly radio show. She was friends with Amelia Earhart and was learning to be a pilot herself. I am most inspired by her saying, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”