The Crittenden Firm ~ Firm Profile

 The Crittenden Firm represents clients in divorce and family law litigation. Judith S. Crittenden, founder of the firm, has  34 years experience representing clients in the areas of domestic relations, litigation and conflict resolution as an alternative to litigation. The attorneys resolve approximately 90% of their cases amicably by settlement or mediation before trial.

Martindale-Hubbell awarded both Ms. Crittenden and the Crittenden Firm their highest rating of “AV,” a rating based on peer review.  Ms. Crittenden has also appeared in the Best Lawyers in America.  The firm represents both men and women in divorce, in approximately equal numbers.

Today the Crittenden Firm is comprised of three attorneys and a support staff of seven.  The legal team is comprised entirely of women. “We are able to apply the traits traditionally regarded as feminine such as intuition, and empathy,” Ms. Crittenden says.

The attorneys begin immediately with preparation of each case as if it were going to be presented to the judge. It is the firm’s philosophy that the most effective tool for settlement is case preparation. Further case preparation may reveal information not previously known or understood. Often clients (and their children) benefit from counseling during the litigation process. The firm maintains a list of appropriate counselors for referral.

The firm is dedicated to obtaining desired results while reflecting respect for the family, as well as the integrity of the marriage. The attorneys serve as an advocate for both mothers and fathers, as well as children and grandparents. All of the firm’s attorneys are active members of the American Bar Association’s Family Law Section, the Alabama Law Association’s Family Law Section and the Women Lawyers’ Section of the Birmingham Bar Association. Ms. Crittenden is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and speaks at Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs throughout the United States. Ms. Crittenden has been active in the ABA Family Law Section for twenty-five years.  For eighteen years, she was the Alabama reporter for the American Bar Association Family Law Section’s "Law In The Fifty States" publication .  That position is now shared by Traci Vella and Candace Peeples, attorneys with the firm.

 Ms. Crittenden, a native of Alabama graduated cum laude from Judson College in 1967 and Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1970. Prior to entering private practice in 1974, Ms. Crittenden laid the groundwork for her career in family law, working for the Birmingham Legal Aid Society and as Deputy District Attorney for the Jefferson County Family Court.

  The Crittenden Firm is conveniently located at 813 Shades Creek Parkway with easy access from Highways 280 and 31 and with ample parking. The offices are located on the second floor of a small, private office building. The office is spacious and private.  Click here for directions.