Veterans Day Q&A with Attorney Robert Phaneuf

November 12, 2018

The Ticktin Law Group thanks the brave men and women who have served our country and wishes them a Happy Veterans Day. One such person is Attorney Robert B.H. Phaneuf, a United States Navy veteran who brings his military background to litigation. We sat down with Attorney Phaneuf to help clients get to know one of the attorneys fighting for their rights.

The Ticktin Law Group: First off, everyone at the firm would like to thank you for your service to our country and wish you a Happy Veterans Day.


Robert Phaneuf: Thank you, and Happy Veterans Day to everyone.


TTLG: Let’s jump right into it. What did you learn in the United States Navy? How does that translate to your work as an attorney?


RP: I learned that there is an art or skill to every craft. Whether you’re working on maintaining a piece of equipment or tasked with a particular assignment, you have to maintain a focus and an ability to collaborate on projects. It translates well into work as an attorney because it reminds you that every piece of a case or a series of events has an interior specific knowledge that can be easily overlooked. The military is about strategy, and so is litigation.


I enjoy working at Ticktin Law Group because I can see real resolutions that have direct impact on the clients. I really enjoy being able to make a difference.


TTLG: Did you always want to be in litigation?


RP: I knew I wanted to be a lawyer when I realized that every agreement or transaction presented an opportunity where people or companies may want to determine their rights. I knew that this would be useful, and I wanted to be helpful to anyone who may need the assistance. I also found it interesting.


TTLG: You joined The Ticktin Law Group back in May of this year. What do you enjoy most about the firm?


RP: I am not really thinking of when the start date is because I really enjoy it here. It feels like not that long ago - even though it’s been the better part of a year that I’ve been here. I enjoy working at Ticktin Law Group because I can see real resolutions that have direct impact on the clients. I really enjoy being able to make a difference.


TTLG: In terms of making an impact on clients’ lives, The Ticktin Law Group represents homeowners, never the banks. You used to work on the other side, but it must be a better feeling to work on the side that keeps people in their homes?


RP: I worked on the other side prior to starting practice, but much of that knowledge actually translates well because I understand the flow. That was a few years ago, and much has changed. Each case is different, but the feeling of finding the truth and getting a good outcome for the client is constant. I enjoy being able to resolve problems. There are often multiple layers to a situation – some clients may want to sell the property, some clients may want to keep the property – so it really depends on the case. My purpose is to execute the wishes of the clients, and it is a good feeling when the wishes of the clients are in harmony with the outcomes in the court.


The most rewarding part of my job is getting a favorable outcome for the client in court.


TTLG: What are some of the challenges a new attorney faces?


RP: The most important rule is that the outcome of any lawsuit has serious life consequences for the person or party that you are representing. Representing the client is something personal and important. Being entrusted to take that case is a privilege that should be taken seriously by the attorney privileged enough to have the task. Most of the ‘challenges’ I’ve seen facing attorneys happens any time that you forget that.


TTLG: We’ll wrap it up here: what’s the most rewarding part of your job?


RP: There is some wisdom providing that in litigation “everybody loses,” but in my opinion, that is not always the case. It is true that there are many opportunities to potentially settle or negotiate, and those paths should not be ignored. The most rewarding part of my job is getting a favorable outcome for the client in court. I have had cases settled and cases reach final judgment, and I find that the happiness of the client (to achieve the goal) is the most rewarding aspect.




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