October LPEP Spotlight: Mitchell Ehrlich

What do you like about practicing family law?

A: The aspect of family law that I enjoy most are the personal connections I make with clients, most of whom are going through what may be the most difficult time in their life, both emotionally and of course financially. I find it personally fulfilling to be able to connect with people, understand their concerns, provide advice and counsel them through this process and ultimately work to achieve their goals as they move what is a very trying period in their lives. On a more personal level, while I strive to resolve cases through settlement, I truly enjoy litigation and trial work and practicing family law provides plenty of opportunities to litigate cases.

What strengths do you bring to the game?

A: I bring many strengths to the game, but a few that allow me to stand out above the rest are my extensive and substantial trial experience which gives me a huge advantage time and again. I have an aggressive approach, combined with rigorous preparation and an in-depth analytical approach to analyzing the fact and law which provide me the ability and confidence to go up against whatever the opposing side will bring. I also have a keen understanding of people and their motivation which allows me to be both an effective communicator and listener with my client but a very effective negotiator. Finally, I have a very strong aptitude for numbers, financial issues, and taxes which allow me to work towards smart cost-effective settlement and provide stellar representation in high net worth cases.

Something about you?

A:  I am going into my 23rd year of practice and aside from my first six months, it has all been with LPEP Law (formerly Lonich & Patton). Over these 23 years, I have been privileged to work with so many great people who have become like a second family for me and have allowed me to excel both as a lawyer and person. On a personal side, I am from San Jose, having grown up in Almaden Valley and graduated from Pioneer High School. I’ve been married for 19 years to my amazing wife Wendy and have three great kids Jerry, Russell, and Ava, and countless pets. I have always been active in my kids’ lives and coached many of their teams over the years. I am also very active in my community, having been on the City of San Jose Traffic Appeals Commission, a Project Cornerstone Leader, and most recently President of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association. In my spare time, I love to cook, travel, watch movies, do crossword puzzles, swim, and lift weights. I love to garden and have recently taken up sewing. Those who know me consider me a bit of “ham” and over the years I have tried my hand at singing and stand-up comedy.