Lynch & Owens Podcast - A Massachusetts Divorce & Family Law Podcast

On today's podcast, we explore the background and experience of Lynch & Owens managing partner and attorney, James M. Lynch. 

Creators and Guests

Writer
James M. Lynch
Managing partner, senior attorney and blog writer at Lynch & Owens, P.C.

What is Lynch & Owens Podcast - A Massachusetts Divorce & Family Law Podcast?

We are a podcast focused on Massachusetts divorce and family law issues, brought to you by the attorneys of Lynch & Owens, PC.

Our podcasts are generated by Google NotebookLM, an artificial intelligence platform, based on blogs created by the attorneys of Lynch & Owens, P.C. of Hingham, Massachusetts. Note that the opinions offered in the show are generated by artificial intelligence and may differ from the source material. Neither our blogs nor our podcasts are legal advice.

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Host 1:

Welcome back everybody for another deep dive. This time, we're gonna try and get to know James m Lynch. Okay. A seasoned attorney with Lynch and Owens Mhmm. In Massachusetts.

Host 2:

Interesting.

Host 1:

And what we're trying to figure out is what makes him tick. You know? Yeah. What sets him apart from all the other

Host 2:

Right.

Host 1:

Lawyers out there? Yeah. And we've got a pretty fascinating set of sources here to dig into.

Host 2:

Oh, okay.

Host 1:

We've got his firm's website, of course.

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

We've got transcripts from some videos where he actually, you know, lays out his legal approach. Oh, cool. And we've got some other, you know, interesting tidbits here and there.

Host 2:

Sounds like fun.

Host 1:

It's gonna be like piecing together a puzzle Yeah. To get a clearer picture of this guy as a lawyer.

Host 2:

I love it. It's like being a legal detective.

Host 1:

Exactly.

Host 2:

So what caught your eye first?

Host 1:

Well, I gotta say, his background.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

He spent eight years as a criminal prosecutor in Suffolk County. Handling some pretty serious cases like shootings

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

Stabbings, you name it.

Host 2:

Oh, wow. Okay.

Host 1:

So I immediately thought, what's it like to go from, you know, putting people behind bars to fighting for their rights Mhmm. In a completely different area of law?

Host 2:

That's a big change.

Host 1:

It is. It's a huge change.

Host 2:

It's not something you see every day in a legal career. No. It really makes you think. Yeah. How did those early experiences as a prosecutor, you know

Host 1:

Right.

Host 2:

Shape his perspective?

Host 1:

Exactly. And it's not just the prosecutor thing.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

After that, he spent twelve years in insurance defense

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

And personal injury law

Host 2:

Got it.

Host 1:

Before he even got to what he does now, which is family law

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

And personal injury at Lynch and Owens.

Host 2:

So that's a pretty wide range of legal fields.

Host 1:

It is.

Host 2:

I mean, that kind of suggests that he's got a really deep understanding of the legal system.

Host 1:

Yeah. But from

Host 2:

a lot of different angles

Host 1:

For sure.

Host 2:

It makes you wonder if those different experiences give him some kind of unique edge.

Host 1:

Yeah.

Host 2:

You know what I mean? Totally.

Host 1:

It's like he's been in the trenches, right, on both sides of the aisle, so to speak. Yeah. And that's gotta give him a different perspective. Right?

Host 2:

Definitely. But let's

Host 1:

not get ahead of ourselves. Okay. Let's unpack what he's doing now at Lynch and Owens.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

It seems like a lot of his cases, you know, they're emotionally charged. Yeah. Divorces, child custody disputes, restraining orders, that kind of thing.

Host 2:

Right. Right.

Host 1:

Those are areas where people need more than just, you know, a lawyer who knows the law.

Host 2:

Exactly.

Host 1:

They need someone who gets it. You know? Absolutely. Someone who understands what they're going through emotionally

Host 2:

Mhmm.

Host 1:

And can be both a strong advocate, but also a compassionate guide.

Host 2:

I agree.

Host 1:

Speaking of compassionate guide

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

In one of his videos, he talks about child support cases.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

Specifically, those involving unmarried parents.

Host 2:

Got it.

Host 1:

And he really stresses fairness

Host 2:

Mhmm.

Host 1:

And consistency

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

Regardless of whether the parents were married or not.

Host 2:

That's important.

Host 1:

It is.

Host 2:

It's like he's saying, look. I care about what's best for the child, not about, you know, any biases or societal judgments.

Host 1:

Exactly.

Host 2:

But how does he actually do that?

Host 1:

Yeah. How does he put it into action?

Host 2:

You know? Like, does he have a specific approach or a strategy that makes him different?

Host 1:

He does. He mentions that in Massachusetts, the courts use the same child support formula

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

For all cases, whether the parents were married or not.

Host 2:

Interesting.

Host 1:

So he's working within a system that already aims for fairness.

Host 2:

Right.

Host 1:

But it's how he uses that system that seems to be key.

Host 2:

That makes sense.

Host 1:

Yeah.

Host 2:

So he's not just accepting things the way they are.

Host 1:

Right.

Host 2:

He's actually using the existing laws Mhmm. To really advocate for his clients.

Host 1:

Exactly.

Host 2:

That's cool.

Host 1:

And he's not afraid to explain those complex calculations to his clients either.

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

In another video, he breaks down alimony versus child support.

Host 2:

Mhmm.

Host 1:

And he talks about things like parenting time

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

And each parent's earning capacity.

Host 2:

Got it.

Host 1:

He's all about transparency. You know? Yeah.

Host 2:

That's huge.

Host 1:

Making sure his clients really understand what's going on. Yeah. Okay. Now this is where things get really interesting.

Host 2:

Okay. I'm listening.

Host 1:

He talks about using something called shuttle diplomacy.

Host 2:

Shuttle diplomacy. Yeah. What's that?

Host 1:

It's a technique he uses in high conflict divorces.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

Basically, instead of having the couple in the same room

Host 2:

Right.

Host 1:

He acts as a go between.

Host 2:

Interesting.

Host 1:

Tries to deescalate the tension. You know?

Host 2:

I see.

Host 1:

Find some common ground.

Host 2:

That's fascinating. Right? I've heard of that technique.

Host 1:

Yeah.

Host 2:

But I never thought about it for family law.

Host 1:

That's pretty cool.

Host 2:

So what are the advantages of using shuttle diplomacy?

Host 1:

Well, he says it can be especially helpful when there's a lot of hostility between the parties.

Host 2:

Makes sense.

Host 1:

Because you're removing that face to face interaction. Yeah.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

So he can filter out some of the emotional heat Okay. And hopefully facilitate a more productive conversation.

Host 2:

I can see that. But I wonder, are there any downsides?

Host 1:

Wow. That's a good question.

Host 2:

Does it slow things down at all or maybe make it harder for people to really own their decisions?

Host 1:

Those are great questions. Yeah. I'm curious to hear what else he has to say about his mediation techniques.

Host 2:

Me too.

Host 1:

It sounds like shuttle diplomacy is just one tool in his toolbox. You know?

Host 2:

Definitely. And it really shows how flexible he

Host 1:

is Yeah.

Host 2:

And how willing he is to adjust his approach Right. To fit the specific dynamics of each case.

Host 1:

For sure. He's like a legal chess player. You know? Always thinking a few steps ahead Yeah. Trying to anticipate those roadblocks and figure out ways around them.

Host 2:

Yeah. I get it.

Host 1:

He even talks about how important it is to be prepared Okay. For pretrial conferences.

Host 2:

Oh, yeah. Those are crucial.

Host 1:

They really are.

Host 2:

It's like where everything comes out. Right? Exactly. Financial stuff, all the issues that are still being fought over.

Host 1:

Yep.

Host 2:

It's the last chance to settle things before going to trial.

Host 1:

It is. And he doesn't just focus on getting himself and his client ready.

Host 2:

Oh.

Host 1:

He actually makes his clients and the other lawyer

Host 2:

Mhmm.

Host 1:

Meet a whole week before the pretrial conference

Host 2:

Wow.

Host 1:

To try to iron out as many issues as possible.

Host 2:

That's smart.

Host 1:

It is. It's all about streamlining things. You know? Yeah. Making it less adversarial.

Host 2:

Trying to save everyone some time and money and probably a lot of stress.

Host 1:

Exactly.

Host 2:

But he's trying to find solutions before things escalate.

Host 1:

Yeah. He's all about being proactive.

Host 2:

I like that.

Host 1:

And this attention to detail, it goes beyond the courtroom. Okay. He gives his clients some really practical advice.

Host 2:

Like what?

Host 1:

About their online presence.

Host 2:

Oh, interesting.

Host 1:

He's very blunt about it. He says, you know

Host 2:

What does he say?

Host 1:

If you don't want a judge to see something you wrote in an email Yeah. Or a text Mhmm. Or on social media

Host 2:

Right.

Host 1:

Don't write it.

Host 2:

That's good advice.

Host 1:

It is. It's so easy to forget that stuff can come back to haunt you. Right?

Host 2:

Yeah. Absolutely.

Host 1:

Especially in a legal case.

Host 2:

Totally.

Host 1:

It all goes back to thinking strategically. Right?

Host 2:

Mhmm.

Host 1:

Considering all the angles Being

Host 2:

smart about it.

Host 1:

It's not just about winning in court. Yeah. You know? It's about helping clients protect themselves

Host 2:

Making good decisions.

Host 1:

In the long run.

Host 2:

Thinking ahead.

Host 1:

Exactly. And, you know, it's interesting how he blends that prosecutorial background with this more collaborative problem solving approach.

Host 2:

It's an interesting mix.

Host 1:

It is.

Host 2:

It's not just about arguing. You know?

Host 1:

Right.

Host 2:

It's about finding what works for everyone.

Host 1:

Absolutely. And speaking of finding solutions Yeah. We haven't even touched on his expertise in father's rights cases.

Host 2:

Oh, right.

Host 1:

It seems like he's really passionate

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

About advocating for fathers Mhmm. To have fair and equal access to their kids.

Host 2:

That's a big one, especially in family law.

Host 1:

It is.

Host 2:

There can be a lot of preconceived notions in that area.

Host 1:

Yeah. For sure.

Host 2:

So what's his take on all that?

Host 1:

He's very clear about his belief

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

That both parents should have equal rights and responsibilities Mhmm. No matter their gender.

Host 2:

Got it.

Host 1:

He seems to really push back against any assumptions

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

Or stereotypes

Host 2:

Right.

Host 1:

That might put fathers at a disadvantage

Host 2:

That makes sense.

Host 1:

In custody disputes.

Host 2:

So how does that actually play out in his legal strategy?

Host 1:

Well, he gets into the whole shared physical custody thing

Host 2:

Oh, right.

Host 1:

Which, as you know, is becoming more and more common these days. Yeah. And he points out that Yeah. Contrary to what a lot of people think Mhmm. Shared physical custody Yeah.

Host 1:

Doesn't automatically mean a fifty fifty split.

Host 2:

Oh, really?

Host 1:

Yeah. There are specific things that the courts look

Host 2:

at. Interesting. Yeah. I always thought shared physical custody meant an equal division of time. Mhmm.

Host 2:

So what are those factors?

Host 1:

Okay. So he lays out four key things.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

The first one is a shared parenting vision.

Host 2:

What does that mean?

Host 1:

Basically, the parents need to be on the same page

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

About how they wanna raise their kids.

Host 2:

Makes sense. Right. If they have totally different ideas about discipline Yeah. Or values or whatever

Host 1:

Right.

Host 2:

Then maybe shared custody isn't the best Exactly. For the kid. I mean okay. So what's the second thing?

Host 1:

The second thing is the ability to get along.

Host 2:

Oh, that's a big one. It is. Especially for couples going through a divorce. Right. I bet that's where his mediation skills come in handy.

Host 1:

I was just thinking that. Yeah. He probably uses that shuttle diplomacy thing.

Host 2:

To help the parents, you know Yeah. Find some middle ground,

Host 1:

come

Host 2:

up with a parenting plan that actually works.

Host 1:

Exactly.

Host 2:

It sounds like he's using everything he's learned

Host 1:

Right.

Host 2:

From his time in court to his mediation work

Host 1:

Mhmm.

Host 2:

To help the families figure things out.

Host 1:

That's pretty impressive.

Host 2:

It is.

Host 1:

Okay. So the third hallmark Yeah. Is geographical proximity.

Host 2:

Oh, right. They need to live close to each other.

Host 1:

Yeah. It's gotta be practical.

Host 2:

Yeah. You know? Definitely.

Host 1:

It wouldn't make sense to have a kid constantly going back and forth

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

If the parents live hours apart.

Host 2:

Totally.

Host 1:

And then the final thing Mhmm. Is having work arrangements

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

That allow for shared custody.

Host 2:

Right. Like, if one parent is always traveling

Host 1:

Exactly.

Host 2:

It might not work. It would So it sounds like he's really thinking about the big picture

Host 1:

He is.

Host 2:

Not just about the legal stuff

Host 1:

Mhmm.

Host 2:

But also about the real world impact

Host 1:

For sure.

Host 2:

On the kids and the families.

Host 1:

That's what it's all about. Exactly. You know, it's funny. We talked about his diverse background. Yeah.

Host 1:

All those different areas of of law he's worked in. Right. Well, it turns out his time as a criminal prosecutor Mhmm. Has actually had a big impact.

Host 2:

Really? Yeah. I'm curious. How does being a prosecutor translate?

Host 1:

Well, he talks about this in one of the videos.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

He says that even though there are no jury trials Right. In Massachusetts family court

Host 2:

Mhmm.

Host 1:

Those core skills he honed as a prosecutor

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

They've been super valuable.

Host 2:

Makes sense.

Host 1:

Things like building a strong case, anticipating the other side's arguments

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

Presenting evidence effectively.

Host 2:

Important stuff.

Host 1:

All of that transfers over to what he does now.

Host 2:

So it's like he has this extra layer of expertise.

Host 1:

Yeah. Maybe gives him an advantage in the courtroom. He even applies those skills to his work with restraining orders.

Host 2:

Oh, those can be tough cases.

Host 1:

They are.

Host 2:

A lot of emotion involved.

Host 1:

Yeah.

Host 2:

What does he have to say about them?

Host 1:

Well, he explains the different types of restraining orders and the level of proof needed for each one.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

He says cases involving actual physical harm Yeah. Are usually easier to prove

Host 2:

Makes sense.

Host 1:

Than those based on fear.

Host 2:

Right. Because you have to show that the fear is reasonable.

Host 1:

Exactly. He says the judges really scrutinize that Mhmm. The reasonable fear concept.

Host 2:

It can't just be that someone feels afraid. Right.

Host 1:

Right.

Host 2:

There has to be a real basis for it.

Host 1:

Exactly. The judge has to look at the evidence.

Host 2:

And decide if the fear is justified.

Host 1:

Right. It's not just about someone's feelings.

Host 2:

It's about whether those feelings are objectively reasonable Yep. Based on what actually happened.

Host 1:

It sounds like he really knows how to navigate those complexities.

Host 2:

Yeah. It seems like he's got a good grasp of what the judges are looking for

Host 1:

He does.

Host 2:

And how to present a case that meets those legal standards.

Host 1:

For sure. Yeah. He's really good at taking these complicated legal issues

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

And breaking them down, you know Mhmm. Explaining things in a way that's easy to understand

Host 2:

Right.

Host 1:

But also reassuring for his clients.

Host 2:

It's like he's not just focused on the legal side of things. He's actually trying to help people

Host 1:

Yeah.

Host 2:

You know, get through a tough time.

Host 1:

Exactly.

Host 2:

And I think that's where his experience really shines through.

Host 1:

It does.

Host 2:

He's been there on both sides.

Host 1:

He has.

Host 2:

He's dealt with all sorts of legal issues, and he's seen how these cases can really affect people.

Host 1:

Right. So he gets it.

Host 2:

He does.

Host 1:

And that makes him a better advocate

Host 2:

Absolutely.

Host 1:

Because he can combine that legal expertise

Host 2:

Yeah.

Host 1:

With that human touch. You know?

Host 2:

It's a powerful combo.

Host 1:

It is.

Host 2:

It makes you wonder what's the one thing he would tell someone.

Host 1:

Oh, that's a good question.

Host 2:

Who's facing a legal problem?

Host 1:

He actually talks about that in one of the videos.

Host 2:

Really?

Host 1:

Yeah. He says the most important thing is to find a lawyer you trust. Mhmm. Someone you feel comfortable with.

Host 2:

Right.

Host 1:

Someone who will listen to you Yeah. Explain things clearly Mhmm. And fight for your best interests.

Host 2:

That's great advice.

Host 1:

It is.

Host 2:

Finding the right lawyer can make all the difference.

Host 1:

Absolutely. And I think our deep dive into James m Lynch

Host 2:

Mhmm.

Host 1:

Has given us a pretty good idea of what that kind of representation looks like.

Host 2:

It has.

Host 1:

It's about more than just winning. You know? Right. It's about finding solutions that work for everyone Mhmm. And helping people move forward with their lives.

Host 2:

I agree. It's been really fascinating

Host 1:

It has.

Host 2:

To learn about his story

Host 1:

Yeah.

Host 2:

And see how all his different experiences have shaped the way he practices law.

Host 1:

It really shows how important it is to be adaptable. You know? Yeah. To have that experience and to genuinely care about your clients.

Host 2:

It does.

Host 1:

Well, that about wraps up our deep dive into James m Lynch.

Host 2:

Okay.

Host 1:

But we wanna leave you with one final question to think about.

Host 2:

Alright. I'm listening What

Host 1:

qualities do you value most in a lawyer?

Host 2:

That's a good one.

Host 1:

Right. Yeah. Food for thought.

Host 2:

Definitely.

Host 1:

Until next time.

Host 2:

Yeah.