Amongst my qualifications I have attained the following:
- Certified Mediator for both the Center for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) and the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR)
- Accredited by the Mediation Training and Consultation Institute in divorce/family mediation
- Judge for National and International Mediation Competitions
- Guest Speaker at divorce conferences/seminars
- Awarded a 2006 Elite Award for Outstanding Dedication and Exemplary Performance from CCR
- Certified trainer of mediators for CCR and NAR
- Finalist for the CEDR Awards for Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), 2006
- Appeared in Chicago magazine - August 2007 edition, Divorce: It's Ex-Pensive
- Member of the Association of Attorney-Mediators (AAM) - Chicago Chapter
- Member of the Association for Conflict Resolution, Center for Conflict Resolution and Center for Effective Dispute Resolution
- Member of the Mediation Council of Illinois (MCI)
- Member of the Illinois Bar Association
- Member of the Bar of England and Wales
- Awarded Scholarship for Bar School
I specialize in all aspects of divorce mediation and I have conducted over 1,500 mediations with 99% of cases reaching an agreement. My practice covers every aspect of divorce and/or separation including child custody, parenting time and all financial matters. I also have specialized training in post decree cases. I offer a personalized service which addresses the specific needs and interests of each party, recognizing every case is different. Divorce mediation is even more relevant during these difficult economic times with the need to look at costs and realistic options that are workable in your particular set of circumstances.
Divorce mediation does not need to be a long, drawn-out process. I hope to resolve all issues within one to two sessions in a relaxed and informal environment. This finite period often focuses objectives and narrows down the important issues. It also eases the emotional stress frequently associated with disputes.
A successful mediator is objective, independent and listens to the parties. It is the parties and not the mediator who control the outcome. As your mediator, my goal is to create an environment that is conducive to effective communication and to convey each parties' views in a way that they will be heard and considered. I hope to create opportunities for the parties to look at various options for them to be able to make a final decision. I am only too aware of the burden of divorce litigation, having been a UK barrister (trial attorney) for twelve years. The swift and confidential nature of mediation also ensures parties avoid excessive costs, stress and adverse publicity often generated in court. The parties are able to get closure and certainty as to the outcome. It is my practice not to involve the children during any stage of the mediation and therefore avoid them being drawn into the divorce process.