Mediator Resume

Skilled family and matrimonial law mediator and arbitrator. Proficient in resolving custody, division of assets and liabilities, spousal support and child support in both divorce and post-judgment of divorce matters. Additional experience as parenting coordinator to assist parties resolve parenting issues post-divorce.

Lee Anav Chung White Kim Ruger & Richter LLP - Counsel

Judge, Attorney

Counsel, Lee Anav Chung White Kim Ruger & Richter LLP, 2000 - Present; Judge, New York State, 1987 - 1999; Chief and Assistant Chief, Rackets Bureau, Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, 1982 - 1987; Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, 1976 - 1982; Associate, Proskauer Rose LLP, 1973 - 1976.

Extensive experience mediating all aspects of divorce and post-divorce matters, including legal and residential custody; distribution of assets and liabilities; spousal support; and child support. Proficiency in distributing the value of businesses, private equity fund interests, real estate interests, stock options, investments, art collections and other valuable property. Familiarity with valuation reports prepared by accountants and appraisers. Expertise in distinguishing separate property from marital property and the impact of prenuptial agreements. Frequently asked to lecture judges and lawyers on a variety of matrimonial law issues. Taught a course on matrimonial law for 15 years as an adjunct professor at New York Law School.

Settled many of the over 5,000 matrimonial cases over which presided over as a judge. Since leaving the bench, have mediated over 70 divorces of parties at all economic levels from multi-million-dollar commercial business owners, real estate developers, private equity fund owners, established artists, owners of valuable collections, trust beneficiaries to W-2 wage earners. Resolved custody matters involving mental and physical health issues, addiction, different parenting styles, and relocation situations.

I conduct mediations with parties represented or unrepresented by counsel. My preference is to meet in person, although I will meet virtually if an in-person session is impractical. My style is dictated by the stage at which the matter comes before me and the issues that need to be addressed. If the parties have counsel, I first meet virtually with the attorneys to understand the issues requiring resolution and the best way to proceed. I determine if counsel obtained all financial documents and expert reports necessary to enable resolution and will review those documents before the mediation session. I typically ask counsel for financial and custody settlement proposals - which, by agreement, may or may not be given to the other side- in advance of our mediation session. Where parties are unrepresented, I conduct a virtual screening to determine if mediation is appropriate. During mediation, I help the parties understand the issues they need to address. If custody is in issue, I will help the parties create a parenting plan. I advise the parties about the information they need to gather to resolve their finances and I offer suggestions to guide them to resolution based on their expressed concerns. I believe it is important to hear directly from the parties even if they are represented, as well as from the attorneys. I encourage parties to share their concerns and endeavor to help parties reach a resolution that satisfies their emotional needs as well as the financial and custody issues. I caucus with each side as warranted by the circumstances. I strive to create an atmosphere where neither party feels pressured by the other side; where each side feels a fair resolution was reached notwithstanding the intensity of a divorce.

Familiar with online platforms (Zoom, Teams) and willing to conduct virtual mediation sessions.

Columbia Law School (J.D. - 1973); University of Rochester (B.A. - 1970).

Admitted to the Bar: New York (1974); U.S. District Court: Southern District of New York; U.S. Supreme Court.

New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section Executive Committee; New York Women’s Bar Association; New York City Bar Association; Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.

Hourly Rate: $850.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $850.00/hr Cancellation: $850.00/hr Cancellation Period: 1 Days Comment: Does not charge travel time to office or AAA office.

English

United States of America

New York, New York