“When I came to Jackie my life was in shambles. Although I am an attorney myself, I had foolishly given up custody because of misplaced guilt, and my ex-wife was steadily using that to alienate my daughter from me and to replace me with her new husband as the father. During our first meeting, Jackie was brutally honest and made me face some harsh truths. It stung but I took it to heart. What followed were months of hard-fought litigation during which Jackie was hyper-responsive, tenacious and very capable. The culmination was me getting custody back, and much, much more in addition; more than I thought was possible. I trusted Jackie wholly, scrupulously followed her advice and in exchange she set things right. As a former client and current colleague, I cannot think of a better matrimonial attorney.”
— Daniel A.
“Jacalyn Barnett is a tireless, fierce and brilliant advocate. There are no words to describe her and her office’s unwavering commitment and dedication to excellence and obtaining the best possible result for each client. She makes it a priority to be available day and night, even while she is on vacation. Jackie’s attention to detail and strategy is extraordinary. These strengths and attributes enabled her to achieve a fantastic result that I simply did not think was possible prior to meeting her. No words can describe how thankful I am to Jackie and her office for their ongoing support - my family and I are forever grateful to her and her team. ”
— E. B.
“Divorce is awful. It’s painful, scary, and uncomfortable. Looking back now, the thought of going through this life changing experience without Jaci is unthinkable. From our first meeting together, she literally held my hand and let me know we were going to get through it. When I was confused, Jaci helped me find my way. When I was discouraged, Jaci gave me hope. She was tough when she needed to be, but always fair, and always thoughtful. Jaci helped me keep my eye on the prize– the health and happiness of our children –and that was everything. With Jaci’s help, we drafted a solid, fair and livable agreement. Today my kids are thriving and my ex-husband and I have a very warm and decent relationship. In addition to being an amazing attorney, she’s part therapist, part comic, and part best friend. I trust and respect her implicitly.”
— Matt B.
“Divorce is a traumatic life experience even if you are the partner who instigates the proceeding and you need a lawyer who doubles as your smartest friend, your big sister and your biggest advocate. Jackie gives you the support you need to endure a lengthy and emotionally draining process.
Jackie tells it to you straight in her inimitable staccato style and doesn’t sugarcoat anything and that’s what you want and need. You also need an individual who is dedicated, responsive and available. Over the course of eighteen months there was never one unanswered phone call or one email not promptly answered.
Her integrity and humor made a very challenging process far more bearable and her confidence made me believe ever more strongly that with her assistance and expertise my quality of life would improve rapidly!
In divorce, even the most amicable nothing is ever easy or simple but by listening to Jackie it was as painless as possible. I have the highest regard for her as an advocate and now as a friend.
She will be your biggest cheerleader and strongest advocate. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
If I ever get married again my first call will be to Jackie to write a pre-nuptial agreement.”
— Kay W.
“Jacalyn Barnett is tireless, fierce and brilliant with a great sense of humor. There are no words to describe Jaci’s unwavering commitment and dedication. I have suffered tremendous financial setbacks through the years yet Jaci’s support, dedication and true advocacy have been a constant.
My ongoing case is exceedingly time consuming and complex. For years, Jaci has gone and continues to go above and beyond -available day and night, weekends and vacations- she is attuned to every detail, a creative thinker, respectful, thoughtful and a fierce advocate. No words can describe how grateful I am to Jaci for her ongoing support -my family would be lost without her.”
— A.S.
“Jacalyn Barnett has the three “C”s – competence, compassion and chutzpah.
When I needed help to end a 20-year marriage while balancing the care of my two young daughters and working full time, Jacalyn was there for me. I am a practicing attorney but was not prepared to advocate or negotiate for myself, my family and finances through the emotional landmines of a divorce. Jacalyn supported me through the process with her experience, knowledge of the law and responsiveness.
I so appreciated her warmth and honesty when reviewing options and approaches. I trusted her judgment completely - especially during those tense negotiations with my ex-husband’s counsel. There were a few times when Jacalyn thought it necessary for a no-holds barred approach. I trusted her judgment (even while my stomach churned), and she succeeded beyond my dreams.
I may not have gotten everything I think I wanted, but she got me everything I needed.
She was my indefatigable advocate through complicated and emotional negotiations. After we received the Judgment, and toasted her with champagne I can truthfully say: She’s a bitch, but she’s “my” bitch.
I am grateful to her for helping me through the next stage of life with my daughters.”
— Lauren C.
“I have known Jackie Barnett for thirty years since she was a legal commentator on my show at Court TV. I have sent various people to her for legal services over the years. She is one of the smartest family lawyers that I know. She is a long-term strategist and an incisive tactician. She is also an excellent counselor since she truly listens and communicates well. She is a caring lawyer who truly works tirelessly for her clients, and she is a great public speaker so she succeeds in the courtroom. I recommend her without hesitation.”
— Rikki Klieman, Attorney and Legal Analyst
“Jackie is an awesome human being who is not only a smart lawyer, she is also a Huge Lover, Advocate, & Supporter of The Arts. The world is a Better place with Jacalyn in it. HONEST, FUNNY, JOYFUL, all the while taking care of business. If ya have one call to make it’s JACALYN BARNETT. I PROMISE that you will be SO HAPPY you did.”
— Judine Somerville (Actress, Dancer, and more)
“At the office, I was seen as a successful executive; competent, and confident. Unfortunately, at home, I felt shaky and tentative, afraid to prompt an angry response over a seemingly minor issue. And above all, I needed to protect my then two year old daughter. She was the reason I knew I needed a divorce, and the person I most wanted to protect. Thankfully, a physician referred me to Jackie. At times she was the “steam roller” I needed, exerting the power I couldn’t muster. She maneuvered skillfully, adjusting her approach as motions were exchanged and court dates were delayed. I am certain that opposing counsel had no experience with an attorney as skilled as Jackie. She maneuvered an agreement with the precision of a sharpshooter and the grace of a prima ballerina. And until ( and after) an agreement was signed, Jackie understood the crucial need to keep my daughter’s best interests front and center. One cannot find a smarter, more caring, ethical and strategic attorney. I cannot adequately describe my gratitude and affection for this very special person. ”
— Sue Schwarz
“Exactly what you need. Sharp, efficient, no-nonsense. She will get you to the finish line if you TRUST her (and she deserves it), and if you DO WHAT SHE DIRECTS. This lawyer knows what she is doing. I myself am a strong, verbal and intelligent woman. All hubris aside, I often think I know best. I chuckle when I think back and realize the multitude of nuances, strategy and education that a divorcing person NEEDS from a superlative legal mind as Ms Barnett. She may intimidate you at first, but don’t you WANT a competent, self assured , straightforward counsel who will not waste your time and money? I sure did, and have never regretted it. I HIGHLY recommend her. Unequivocally.”
— Laurie Polis
“My ex-wife was from a very wealthy family, and I knew that if we ever moved to divorce, her family would link up with attorneys and accountants to make my life miserable (which is exactly what happened.)
Jacalyn Barnett handled my divorce in 2011. She was strong, professional and ate the opposing attorney alive. I received sole physical custody of our children, child support and my ex-wife had to pay half my legal expenses.
I cannot recommend highly enough!”
— David Edwards
“My former wife, Jacalyn Barnett and I (and my current wife, Amy) continue to have an excellent relationship with Jacalyn post divorce.
I unhesitatingly recommend others who are considering divorce to consult with Jacalyn for a formidable, effective and empathetic representation.
Her expertise, thoroughness and advocacy skills are widely recognized and respected in the legal community.”
— Michael Barnett
“The moment I met Jacalyn Barnett was the moment my divorce became manageable, respectful and kind. Jacalyn knows every nuance of every facet of this abnormal uncharted territory. We actually became friends. Who becomes friends with their divorce lawyer?. She is tough as nails but doesn’t have to be if it’s not required. It is possibly the worst experience in one’s life. Jacalyn made my divorce human. She understands. ”
— Bobby Watman Radio Host SiriusXM 70s on 7 Saturdays and Sunday 6 pm eastern
“Jackie is such an absolute pleasure to work with! When making my prenup, she was incredibly supportive and listened to all of my questions and concerns. She is whip smart and very dedicated to her clients. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone!”
— Jenna Gabriel
“I cannot recommend Jackie enough! From the moment I reached out for help drafting my prenuptial agreement, she was professional, clear, and thorough every step of the way. She made the entire process so much easier and stress-free than I ever imagined it could be. Jackie took the time to really understand my specific needs, answered all my questions with patience, and ensured I was confident and comfortable throughout the whole process. I feel incredibly grateful to have had Jackie on my side and will absolutely turn to her for any future legal needs.”
— Sammi Caro
“Jacalyn is the only person to handle any sensitive issues relating to the start of or the end of a marriage, especially if you are a business owner or have a more complicated financial situation. She was a combination teacher, mentor, lawyer and therapist during my divorce, offering strategic counsel as well as tough love when needed. The only regrets I have around my divorce are the times I didn’t take Jacalyn’s advice. On the flip side, she’s also made me more confident and courageous when it comes to opening my heart again and potentially considering trying marriage again. I am proud to not only call her my attorney, but my friend.”
— Megan Driscoll extraordinary business person and philanthropist
“I had no idea what to expect in going in for a prenuptial agreement but Jackie made it easy. All the things I’d never thought of, she put on my plate in an understandable and organized manner. Any questions I had (because we’re all individuals not a template) she quickly answered. I felt looked out for not just in the present but in the future. All of my “what ifs” in terms of the future she had often thought of before me. Then, when I came to her a few years after signing our pre-nup with a question about real estate she responded immediately with an answer, reminding me of the steps she laid out prior. I’d encourage anyone needing help in this regard to work with Jacalyn Barnett and make what could be an uncomfortable process, easy and worthwhile.”
— Dana Jacobson
“Jackie Barnett was my divorce attorney and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a no fuss, organized and compassionate person to represent their case. I was working fulltime in a stressful job and was unsure if I could focus on the highly emotional, physically draining and time-consuming demands of a divorce. She wholeheartedly understood my situation and was considerate of my limited time and limited knowledge of the divorce process.
Ms. Barnett knew the complications of out-of-state separations and seamlessly organized the necessary steps to guarantee the fair disbursement of marital finances. I appreciated how Jackie empowered me to fully understand every step of the process and all complexities in my case. She is a highly professional attorney who consistently arrived early to every meeting and court appearance, fully prepared for any situation. She put me at ease in front of the judge and even had her own flair with dealings in the courtroom, which admittedly brought a smile to my face.
Over twenty years ago, I hired a famous attorney at a big New York law firm. The experience with this firm cost an enormous amount of money, stress and resulted in a disappointing outcome. I knew I did not want to reexperience the same trauma of getting swept up again. Jackie is not a law firm she is an intelligent empathic female who gently guides her clients to a better life.
I am grateful for everything Jackie did for me and I feel lucky to have met an attorney with a sense of humor and a kind heart. Don’t think twice…hire her!”
— Kate Snyder King, LCSW
“Jacalyn came into my life as a new anxious dog parent filled with a mix of excitement and worry for her beloved Cappuccino, after having had a terrible experience with another veterinarian. We ended up rescuing one another. Jacalyn diligently followed my professional advice and became the most devoted DogMom and even helped us protect a dog in my practice, who was embroiled in a custody dispute. Similarly, when I realized her intelligence and commitment in righting wrongs, I shared with her how I was in the midst of a horrific experience in my divorce and Jacalyn stepped up and efficiently put me in the position to move forward positively towards my future. My family and I are forever grateful to Jacalyn and consider her part of our family and forever friends, as she does us.”
