Mediator Resume

Has over 25 years of family law experience. Began career as Principal Law Clerk to Hon. Jeffrey S. Sunshine of the New York Supreme Court. Conferenced and helped resolve hundreds of high conflict divorce and custody matters. Today, brings that court informed perspective to online mediation and settlement conferences, helping parties, including those represented by counsel, resolve equitable distribution, complex custody, co parenting plans, child and spousal support, and complex financial disputes involving real estate, business interests, valuations and other significant assets. Is a former ABA Mediation Committee Co Chair and the author of Better Apart and The Secret to Getting Along.

Gabrielle Hartley Online Divorce Law and Mediation - Owner & Principal Mediator NY and MA

Attorney, Mediator, Consultant, Author, Educator

Founder/Family Mediator, Gabrielle Hartley Law and Mediation, 2004-Present; Co-Founder, Virtual Gabby™, 2023-Present; Associate Attorney, Alderman & Alderman, 2003-2004, Judicial Court Attorney (Law Clerk), Office of Court Administration, New York Supreme Court, Matrimonial Division (Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine), 2001-2003; Attorney, Private Solo Practice, 1996-2000.

Highly experienced matrimonial attorney and mediator. Former judicial law clerk to Justice Jeffrey Sunshine, with more than 25 years of experience resolving complex divorce and family law matters. Early in career, clerked for the court, observing trials, judicial decision-making, and settlement negotiations both in the courtroom and behind the scenes. This rare exposure to how judges evaluate credibility, parenting disputes, and financial claims continues to inform her mediation practice. Following clerkship, litigated family law matters for many years, developing a practical understanding of trial strategy, evidentiary risk, and the emotional and financial costs of prolonged litigation. Now brings that courtroom-informed perspective into mediation, helping parties realistically assess options and resolve disputes efficiently without unnecessary escalation. Over the course of career, has mediated the full range of family law matters, including custody (parenting time and decision-making authority), child support, college planning, spousal support, property division (assets and debts), business interests, real estate, and retirement allocation. Is frequently retained in cases described by counsel or parties as “stuck,” “high-conflict,” or unlikely to settle, and is known for resolving matters others believe to be unresolvable. Is also experienced in mediating complex financial matters, including grey divorce and pro se cases, where organization, pacing, and practical guidance are essential. Without providing legal advice, helps parties understand financial considerations and tradeoffs, facilitating agreements that are durable, future-focused, and workable in real life. In addition to mediation practice, has built a national teaching and leadership profile, presenting for the American Bar Association, New York State Council on Divorce Mediation, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, AFCC-related programs, law schools, and professional organizations. Teaching focuses on advanced mediation skills, including managing escalation, preparing parties for productive mediation, resolving impasse, and closing difficult cases. Currently serves as a consultant to the American Arbitration Association (AAA) on the development and implementation of Family Mediation Panels, contributing to mediator onboarding, process design, quality standards, and outreach. Is the author of multiple books, two TEDx talks, and the co-founder of Mediator Gabby™, an AI-supported resource designed to strengthen communication, organize case flow, and expand access to high-quality family mediation.

Divorce & Family Mediation Over 25 years of experience mediating the full spectrum of divorce and family law matters in New York and Massachusetts through a virtual mediation practice. Regularly mediates cases involving child custody (parenting time and decision-making authority), child support, spousal support, property division, business interests, real estate, retirement assets, and post-secondary education planning. High-Conflict & “Unresolvable” Cases Frequently retained in high-conflict custody and co-parenting disputes, including matters described by parties or counsel as “stuck” or unlikely to settle. Known for resolving cases with repeated communication breakdowns, entrenched positions, and significant emotional escalation through structured preparation, reality-testing, and calm, directive process management. Court-Informed Mediation Approach. As a former judicial law clerk to Justice Jeffrey Sunshine and former family law litigator brings court-centered perspective to mediation, informed by observing trials, settlement conferences, and judicial decision-making from inside the courtroom and behind the bench. Uses this insight to help parties realistically assess risk, avoid outcomes courts routinely reject, and reach durable agreements without litigation. Represented & Pro Se Mediation Extensive experience mediating matters involving represented parties, mixed-representation cases, and fully pro se participants. Skilled in facilitating efficient, balanced mediation with or without attorneys present, ensuring procedural clarity, informed decision-making, and forward momentum toward resolution. Financial Mediation & Grey Divorce Experienced in mediating complex financial matters, including grey divorce, asset and debt division, spousal support, business interests, real estate, retirement allocation, and post-divorce financial planning issues. Facilitates clear, organized financial discussions without providing legal advice, supporting durable and workable settlement outcomes. Virtual Mediation Practice Operates a fully virtual mediation practice, allowing parties to participate remotely while maintaining structure, efficiency, and engagement. Experienced in managing emotionally charged disputes in a virtual setting, using preparation, pacing, and process design to support productive dialogue and resolution. Advanced Mediation Techniques Utilizes reality-testing, structured pre-mediation preparation, emotionally informed conflict resolution, and process design to stabilize escalation, clarify priorities, and move cases toward settlement. Particularly effective in closing cases that have stalled in prior mediation or litigation efforts. Mediator Training & Program Development National educator and consultant in family mediation best practices. Regular presenter for the American Bar Association, state mediation councils, law schools, and professional organizations. Consultant to the American Arbitration Association on Family Mediation Panel development, including onboarding, quality standards, and process design. Advanced training in mediation, negotiation, conflict psychology, child development, domestic violence, coercive control, and parenting plan design through national and state ADR programs.

Complex Financial Matters: Equitable Distribution - Division of assets including real property, businesses, personal property (furniture, art, antiques, instruments), debt allocation and all other property related issues. Maintenance (alimony) Child Support: Navigate the balance of spousal maintenance and child support across cases a wide spectrum of cases and income sources. Child Custody and Parenting Time - Mediation of legal custody, parenting time schedules, and decision-making authority, including cases involving contested motions and imminent hearings. High-Conflict and “Stuck” Cases - Matters characterized by entrenched conflict, repeated communication breakdowns, pending motion practice, or cases headed toward court intervention, where mediation is used to avoid further litigation. Pre-Hearing and Motion-Driven Disputes - Mediation of issues raised in motion practice, often enabling parties to resolve disputes and eliminate the need for court hearings through negotiated agreement. Impasse Resolution and Reality-Testing - Breaking stalemates through structured preparation, court-informed reality-testing, and focused negotiation that helps parties reach resolution where prior mediation or litigation has failed. Attorney-Represented, Mixed-Representation, and Pro Se Matters - Effective mediation with or without counsel present, including cases involving unrepresented parties and time-sensitive disputes. Financial and Support-Related Disputes - Mediation of child support, spousal support, add-on expenses, post-secondary education costs, and financial issues raised through contested motions. Complex Divorce and Grey Divorce Matters - Resolution of parenting and financial disputes in long-term marriages, including property division, real estate, retirement assets, and future planning. Post-Judgment and Modification Issues - Mediation of disputes arising after judgment, including modifications to parenting plans, support, and enforcement issues, often avoiding renewed motion practice. Virtual Family Mediation - Fully remote mediation of parenting and financial matters, including cases involving geographically separated parties or active court calendars. Court-Informed Mediation Strategy - Drawing on prior judicial clerkship and litigation experience to help parties realistically assess risk, narrow disputed issues, and resolve matters before judicial determination becomes necessary.

Balanced Evaluative–Facilitative Approach Employs a pragmatic mediation style that blends evaluative insight with facilitative process management. Provides clear reality-testing and focused guidance when appropriate, while supporting party-driven decision-making to ensure durable, informed outcomes. Conducts Settlement Conferences as well as direct mediation with parties. Responsive to Client and Attorney Needs Highly responsive to the needs of both parties and counsel. Adapts structure, pacing, and level of directive input based on case complexity, emotional dynamics, and attorney requests, while maintaining neutrality and procedural fairness. No-Nonsense, Results-Oriented Practice Known for a no-nonsense, efficient approach that keeps cases moving forward. Sets clear expectations, manages escalation directly, and focuses mediation on resolution rather than prolonged positional debate. Clarity, Enforceability, and No Loose Ends Brings a strong understanding of what is required for agreements to be clear, unequivocal, and enforceable. Focuses on precise language and complete resolution of issues so that, if disagreement later arises, the agreement itself provides a clear and workable roadmap—minimizing ambiguity, preventing future disputes, and reducing the likelihood of return to court. Court-Informed Reality-Testing Draws on prior judicial clerkship and litigation experience to help parties realistically assess risk, understand how courts interpret agreements, and avoid outcomes courts routinely reject. Durable Agreements with Low Return-to-Court Rates Prioritizes agreements that are not only acceptable in the moment, but sustainable over time. Emphasizes practical implementation, accountability, and clarity to reduce post-mediation conflict and repeat litigation. Comfortable with Counsel and Pro Se Participants Works effectively in attorney-represented, mixed-representation, and fully pro se matters. Adjusts communication style to ensure understanding, efficiency, and informed participation without providing legal advice. Flexible, Virtual Mediation Practice Offers fully virtual mediation and accommodates time-sensitive matters, motion-driven disputes, and cases requiring expedited resolution. Brings a sophisticated understanding of how mediated agreements function in real-world legal and family systems. Emphasizes precision in issue definition, sequencing, and drafting so that agreements are comprehensive, internally consistent, and capable of enforcement if necessary. Avoids vague language, unresolved contingencies, and aspirational terms that often lead to future disputes or renewed litigation. Skilled at managing cases where parties have very different levels of sophistication, emotional readiness, or access to legal support. Uses structured agendas, clear framing of issues, and transparent process explanations to ensure all participants understand the decisions being made and the implications of those decisions, while preserving mediator neutrality. Particularly effective in mediations involving pending motions, threatened hearings, or litigation fatigue. Understands how to align mediation outcomes with court expectations, procedural requirements, and statutory frameworks, allowing parties to resolve disputes before judicial intervention becomes necessary. Frequently assists parties in resolving motion-driven issues through negotiated agreements that eliminate the need for hearings. Balances efficiency with care, recognizing when matters require firm guidance to move forward and when parties need space to reach their own conclusions. Maintains momentum without rushing decisions, and prioritizes informed consent, clarity, and follow-through. Comfortable working with emotionally charged dynamics, including anger, fear, and distrust, while keeping mediation focused on resolution

Highly proficient in the use of technology to support efficient, secure, and effective virtual family mediation. Experienced in managing complex, emotionally charged mediations in fully remote environments while maintaining structure, engagement, and procedural fairness. Virtual Mediation Platforms Extensive experience conducting mediations via Zoom, including use of breakout rooms, screen sharing, document review, and real-time collaboration. Skilled at managing virtual dynamics, confidentiality, pacing, and participant engagement. Case Management & Legal Practice Platforms Proficient in MyCase and Clio for case organization, scheduling, document management, client communication, and workflow efficiency. Uses technology to streamline preparation and reduce administrative friction for both clients and counsel. Document Review & Agreement Preparation Experienced in digital document exchange, collaborative review, and version control using secure cloud-based tools, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications. Focuses on clarity, precision, and consistency in mediated agreements. Secure Communication & Data Management Knowledgeable about confidentiality, privacy, and ethical considerations in virtual mediation. Uses best practices to protect sensitive client information and maintain compliance with professional standards. AI-Informed Mediation Tools Co-founder of Mediator Gabby™, an AI-supported mediation resource designed to organize case flow, strengthen communication, and improve access to family mediation. Brings practical, ethics-informed insight into how technology can support—not replace—professional judgment in dispute resolution. Technology-Enabled Access to Justice Experienced in leveraging technology to expand access to mediation services for geographically dispersed parties, time-sensitive matters, and pro se participants, while maintaining quality, neutrality, and effectiveness.

Brooklyn Law School (J.D.); Cornell University (B.S.).

Admitted to the Bar: New York; U.S. District Court: Eastern and Southern Districts of New York; Massachusetts, U.S. Supreme Court.

American Bar Association (ABA); New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (NYSCDM); New York City Divorce Mediation Council.

Books & Authored Works Better Apart: The Radically Positive Way to Separate (HarperCollins); The Secret to Getting Along: Three Steps to Life-Changing Conflict Resolution (Sourcebooks). National & Regional Media Appearances Regularly featured as a divorce mediation and conflict resolution expert across national and regional media outlets, including: The New York Times Forbes Psychology Today People Magazine CNBC The Washington Post NPR Goop Yoga Journal Has appeared dozens of times on NBC affiliate, WWLP-22 News (Springfield, MA) as a recurring expert commentator on divorce, co-parenting, family conflict, and mediation-related issues, providing accessible guidance to a broad public audience. Television, Podcast & Digital Media Frequent guest expert on leading divorce, mediation, and relationship podcasts and digital platforms, with 100+ podcast appearances, including well-known shows focused on family law, high-conflict divorce, co-parenting, and emotional intelligence in dispute resolution. Topics regularly covered include: High-conflict divorce and custody Co-parenting and communication breakdowns Mediation versus litigation Emotional regulation during separation Conflict resolution skills for families and professionals TEDx & Keynote Speaking TEDx OakPark (2022) – The Secret to Getting Along TEDx San Diego (2024) – How Mediation and Technology Can Help Families Avoid the Courtroom National keynote speaker and presenter for legal, mediation, and professional audiences, including programs sponsored by the American Bar Association, state mediation councils, law schools, and professional organizations. Thought Leadership & Commentary Frequently sought out for commentary on the intersection of family law, mediation, emotional intelligence, and access to justice. Writing and speaking emphasize calm decision-making, clarity in conflict, and practical tools for resolving disputes both inside and outside the legal system.

All mediations occur via Zoom unless otherwise agreed.

Hourly Rate: $700.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $700.00/hr Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: Not provided Comment: Attorney assisted mediation and settlement conferences $700/ hour with four hour minimum engagement for Case Settlement Conferences (including preparation and debriefing). Client Only Flat Rate Packages: Flat Rate Packages Available: Step One: Mediation Sessions $5500 Includes: Up to FOUR mediation sessions (90 minutes each), Reasonable communication, email, text, telephone between sessions (no hourly fee) Term sheet for drafting 8 week engagement. *Extra sessions are available if necessary. Step Two: DOCUMENT PREPARATION: $5,500 for Separation Agreement + 2 review sessions. Step 3 Uncontested Documents (prepared by third party for approximately $2000). Total fee: $13,000. Reduced hourly and flat rates available on case-by-case basis. Inquire to learn more. Cancellation time is 72 business hours. Cancellation fee is 50% of time held.

English

United States of America

Brooklyn, New York