Mediator Resume

Seasoned mediator and family law professional for high-conflict family law matters and cross-cultural issues, with a focus on child-centered outcomes. Mediation services emphasize structured negotiation to assist parties in reaching informed agreements of their own making. Extensive legal experience supports realistic settlements. A respectful process promotes durability of agreements, reduced future conflict, and improved cooperation where children are involved.

Kent Collaborative Law - Principal

Attorney

Principal Attorney/Mediator, Kent Collaborative Law, 2025-Present; Partner/ Attorney/ Mediator, Esser Kent Family Law, 2015-2025; Managing Attorney, Law Office of Diane Esser 2010-2015; Staff Attorney, University of Massachusetts Student Legal Services Office, 2003-2008; Attorney, Lesser, Newman, Souweine and Nasser, 2001-2003, 2008-2010; Legislative Attorney/ Legal Advisor, Gabel Associates, 1998-2001; Attorney, Office of Legislative Services, N.J. State Legislature, 1996-1998; Litigation Attorney, Drinker Biddle and Reath, 1993-1996; Litigation Attorney, Smith, Stratton Wise Heher and Brennan, 1991-1993; Visiting Lecturer in English, Fukui University, 1986-1989.

Work and professional education in parent coordination, and as a Guardian ad litem, is the basis for expertise in parenting plans. Helping parents create arrangements that set children up for success. Have had settlement of cases for clients who were once embroiled in heated, protracted litigation. Experience litigating large, complex litigation. Settlements of high-stakes insurance, medical malpractice cases gave expertise in handling all kinds of difficult personalities and problems. Work as a drafter of complex legislation taught translation of intricate concepts into precise language. These skills are particularly useful in high-conflict matters requiring carefully-worded, durable agreements. "Pre-lawyer" experience as an English teacher in Japan grounds mediation work. It created a sensitivity to cultural differences and communication barriers. Teaching in a vastly different culture developed ability to be patient with others; to adapt communication methods; and to be attentive to cultural contexts. To this day, in every mediation, this teaching experience helps participants engage meaningfully in the mediation process. In 2010, certified as Guardian ad litem.

Since becoming a lawyer, have represented parties in many types of mediations -- personal injury, medical malpractice, and landlord tenant. Since 2005, mediated divorce, child-related and prenuptial cases. Additionally, have coached many individuals in how to conduct themselves and achieve the best outcomes in divorce and parenting mediations. As a Collaborative Law attorney, pledge to avoid all litigation, and work directly with another represented party.

High-net worth asset division; Intercultural families; LGBTQIA+ families; Alimony; Bankruptcy; Special Needs Children/Trusts; Polyamory and other non-traditional family structures.

I try to meet with each party separately and confidentially to learn about their positions and their individual needs in the mediation process. I strongly support each party educating themselves about the divorce and mediation process, so that they are ready for mediation. I will supply each party with educational videos and neutral guidance for completing each step of the divorce process. For example, my office staff and I provide guidance on how to complete financial statements. My office will assist the parties in completing all paperwork required for their divorce separation agreement to be court-approved. I believe that the best divorce outcomes are co-created by the parties themselves. However, when requested, or if it will assist in the resolution of issues, I will provide information about options to help the parties generate their own ideas. I will advise as to judicial norms and typical ranges of settlement, if both parties think it will be helpful.

Use of technology can help parties proceed through the mediation process more quickly. With the parties' permission, use an AI-note taker during sessions to generate summaries and transcripts. Use these transcripts and summaries to prepare comprehensive notes for each mediation session, and to assign "homework." Prepare Excel spreadsheets for illustrations. Will assist each individual with completing other forms to support the parties in their process. When the mediation process is done, e-file the divorce forms and separation agreement. Proficient using Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.

Rutgers University School of Law (JD, Articles Editor, The Rutgers Computer and Technology Law Journal-1992); Rutgers University, Douglass College (BA, cum laude, English-1985; BA, cum laude, History-1985).

Admitted to the Bar: Massachusetts (2003), New Jersey (1992-inactive), Pennsylvania (1992-inactive).

Association of Professional Family Mediators (APFM); Massachusetts Council of Family Mediators (MCFM); Massachusetts Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (MAFCC); American Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC); International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP); Massachusetts Council of Collaborative Law (MCLC).

Hourly Rate: $385.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $385.00/hr Cancellation: $385.00/Day Cancellation Period: 2 Days Comment:

English

United States of America

Amherst, Massachusetts