SF_Profile_Archer_Greiner_0821_Layout 1 9 / 9 / 21 12 : 58 PM Page 2 Marie E . Lihotz , Of Counsel Lihotz served more than 20 years with New Jersey’s judiciary . Prior to that , her firm repre - sented small and family businesses , often dealing with divorces . After her time as a judge , Lihotz began working in the area of alternative dispute resolution , aiding parties as a neutral in arbitrations and mediations . “ Working as a neutral , I try to get each party to be collaborative — to calmly consider the best alternative to resolving their disagree - ments without spending the time and emo - tion associated with litigation . That way each person finds satisfaction in accepting the result , ” she says . As a mediator , Lihotz says the most important skills are listening , understanding each party’s objectives and then rationally assessing each objective to find the best course of action . “ This requires knowledge of the law , a practical view of reaching a goal , firmly evaluating unre - alistic expectations , patience to work through each issue and understanding that the mediator and counsel can address immediate needs . ” Lihotz is surrounded by amazing people at Archer who are knowledgeable , sensitive and Drew Burach , Partner practical . “ The firm has specialists to handle related issues regarding wills , tax concerns or real Burach has been an attorney since 2004 after estate sales . Collectively we strive to provide our clients with dependable overall service graduating from Rutgers Law School . He addressing all their legal needs , ” she says . served as a judicial law clerk prior to joining Archer in 2005 , and has remained there since . Now a partner , Burach focuses on all areas of family law , from alimony and college contribu - difficult part of their lives . “ I love having a job tion to distribution of assets and liabilities . where I interact with people on a daily basis “ I was drawn to family law very early on and can establish a close relationship with my in law school by the distinctiveness of the clients , ” she says . But the job is not without its practice as it touches on so many areas of challenges , she adds , especially in regard to the law — tax , real estate , municipal , criminal , clients ’ children . bankruptcy , appellate work , etc . , ” he says . “ I Hanna says the most important qualities was further intrigued by the opportunity to that a family law attorney should possess advocate on behalf of clients in so many include empathy , patience , creativity and the different forums — mediations , arbitrations , ability to communicate effectively . “ Helping motions and trials , all of which are a regular clients see the light at the end of the tunnel part of my practice . ” and playing a part in their new beginning is the Burach recognizes how dramatically an most rewarding aspect of my job , ” she says . individual’s life can change with divorce , and Professionally , Hanna loves the collabora - works with clients to navigate those circum - tive culture of Archer . “ I feel confident provid - stances to produce as positive an outcome as ing my clients with comprehensive advice possible . Being a part of Archer contributes to Tara L . Hanna , Associate when other types of law may interact with their those outcomes , he says . matter because I can consult with experts in “ Working at the Family and Matrimonial Hanna attended American University where almost every other legal field . ” To young Law Department at Archer is often like being she obtained her bachelor’s in political science women who may soon be entering the field of a part of a think tank . We brainstorm , bounce and literature . She then received her law family law , Hanna advises , “ Observe as many ideas , talk and formulate creative solu - degree from Rutgers University School of Law . other experienced family law practitioners as tions — all to meet our client’s goals and Hanna says family law is a good fit for her you [ can ] to learn different styles of practice objectives . This energy is a major benefit of because it allows her to work with clients on and figure out what works best for you . ” being a client of Archer . ” an emotional level as they transition through a William J . Thompson , Partner Thompson has spent the whole of his four - decade career at Archer . He clerked at the firm while attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and accepted a position upon graduation . He has served as depart - ment chair , co - chair of the Camden County Bar Association Family Law Committee and president of the Thomas S . Forkin Family Law Inn of Court , among others . He has extensive experience in all aspects of family law and is a trained mediator . “ I was drawn to family law as I had experienced the difficulties of divorce as a young adult through the divorce of my parents . My focus and goal in every case is to find the least combative manner of reaching an amicable resolution which works for all sides . … Success requires patience , compassion and a willingness to bond with the client in a meaningful and sincere way , ” he says . Thompson is proud of the work he’s done with Archer and the relationships he has built with colleagues . “ I have had the privilege of working with highly skilled professionals who share a sense of family . We care as much about each other as we do our clients . ” ? SUBURBANFAMILYMAG.COM volume 12 issue 5 SUBURBAN FAMILY 7