Mediator Resume

Highly experienced mediator specializing in divorce, separation, co-parenting, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and other family matters. Well-versed in all aspects of family and divorce law of New York, including division of real estate, small businesses, retirement accounts; parenting scheduling and decision-making; spousal support and child support. Goal is to navigate through a family transition in a respectful and collaborative manner, to reach an individually-tailored resolution that reflects the needs, priorities, and values of each person in the family.

ReSolutions Mediation and Collaborative Services, LLC - Mediator and Attorney

Mediator, Attorney, Trainer

Mediator/ Attorney, ReSolutions Mediation and Collaborative Services, LLC, 2008-Present; Director/ Owner, Music Fun, LLC 1999-Present; Assistant Corporation Counsel (1997-1999)/ Affirmative Litigation Division (1994-1997), NYC Law Dept, Division of Legal Counsel, 1994-1999; Associate, Berle, Kass, and Case, 1991-1994; Law Clerk, Southern District of New York (Hon. Kenneth Conboy), 1990-1991; Law Clerk, Northern District of California (Hon. William Schwarzer, Hon. Vaughn Walker), 1989-1990; Litigation Associate, Debevoise & Plimpton, 1988-1989.

Private practice as mediator, collaborative attorney, and consulting attorney since 2008 (always committed to non-litigated agreements). Original member of Kings County Supreme Court divorce mediation panel; also on Supreme Court panels for Richmond and Bronx counties. Extensive in-depth and continuing training in all aspects of family law mediation. Trainer/coach of mediation students. Prior career as a civil litigator, public law attorney, and Federal court law clerk. Small business owner in arts education field.

Family Mediator and collaborative attorney since 2008. Experienced in all aspects of separation, divorce, prenuptial and post-nuptial mediation, including parenting issues, income sharing, division of assets and debts, including real estate, businesses, intellectual property, retirement accounts, pensions, etc.. Deeply committed to working in a collaborative and amicable manner with families in transition, and helping to reach unique and personalized solutions reflecting the individual circumstances, needs, and values of each couple. Experienced working with high-conflict couples and people working in creative fields.

Separation and Divorce including: - Co-parenting - scheduling, allocation of expenses, decision-making, relationship with extended families, relocation, etc. - Division of assets and debt - real estate, bank and brokerage accounts, retirement accounts and pensions, intellectual property, small businesses, etc. - Income support and sharing. - Decisions around tax filing status, estate planning, health insurance. Prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements - including discussion of income sharing, economic roles and commitments, pre-marriage assets, marital home, etc.

I use an eclectic approach to mediation, grounded primarily in the Understanding model. My goal is to help each person identify their needs, values, and concerns, and to assist the couple in crafting a creative, uniquely tailored solution that reflects those priorities within the financial and practical realities they face. I view family mediation as involving a series of concrete and logistical decisions, while also making room for the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions that often accompany the restructuring of a family. I work almost exclusively with both people present in the session, which promotes transparency and mutual understanding. I believe this approach leads to more durable agreements, because each person is fully engaged in the decision-making process, understands how the agreement was reached, and recognizes the values and options that were prioritized. For couples with children who will continue to share a long-term co-parenting relationship, the experience of collaborating successfully during a difficult transition can help establish a foundation for respectful communication and joint decision-making as their children grow. The first session is typically devoted to explaining the mediation process in some detail and addressing any questions or concerns. This allows each person to assess whether mediation is the right process for them, and whether I am the right mediator. Mediation usually takes place over several sessions of 90–120 minutes. The timing, frequency, and focus of sessions are shaped by the needs and preferences of the couple. At times there may be an urgent, time-sensitive issue to address; at other times, longer gaps between sessions are useful to gather information or to test interim parenting arrangements. To the extent the couple finds it helpful, I can provide general context about how certain issues might be handled in court. I do not, however, assume that an outcome that would be typical in litigation provides the appropriate framework for a unique mediated agreement. I am firmly committed to self-determination and to the principle that each family is unique, with its own history, values, and circumstances that should be reflected in its agreements. My focus in sessions is to create a safe, respectful space in which each person can speak openly and feel fully heard. I encourage thorough exploration and information-gathering, while also keeping discussions focused and efficient, with forward-looking decision-making as a priority. It is often beneficial for each party to have the support of an individual, mediation-friendly consulting attorney, though I do not require this in most cases.

Experienced mediating over Zoom. Often use shared Google Docs and Sheets.

Yale Law School (J.D. - 1989); Oberlin College (B.A. - 1983). Center for Understanding in Conflict (Certificate, Divorce Mediation-2007; Advanced Certificate, Divorce Mediation-2014); Ackerman Institute (Certificate, Divorce Mediation-2008); Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (Certificate, Mediation-2008).

Admitted to the Bar: New York; U.S. District Courts: Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

New York State Council on Divorce Mediation; Family and Divorce Mediation Counsel of Greater NY (former Board member, former chair of Continuing Education committee).

Speaking Engagements: Presenter - "Switching Hats, ethical considerations when drafting mediated agreements" NYSCDM – 2024; Presenter - "Improvisation skills for divorce mediators" - FDMC – 2024; Podcast guest - "Keep the Kids in Mind" – 2022.

Hourly Rate: $425.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $425.00/hr Cancellation: $425.00/hr Cancellation Period: 1 Days Comment: One-hour initial consultation session: $150 Hourly rate billed for meeting time, emails, phone calls, meeting preparation and notes, and preparation of a detailed Memorandum of Understanding. Drafting of a formal Separation Agreement may in some cases be handled by another attorney associated with ReSolutions, at a different hourly rate. Preparation and filing of divorce papers: $2,850 including court fees.

English

United States of America

Brooklyn, New York