Experienced as Family Law Attorney, Divorce Mediator, Guardian ad Litem, Parenting Coordinator and Psychotherapist, Trainer/Coach of Family Law Mediators, Divorce Mediation Training Associates (Basic and Advanced Certificates), Collaborative Law Training,Parenting Coordinator for High-Conflict Families

J.D., Cum Laude, Boston University School of Law 1989 (Note Editor, Law Review) M.S.W. University of Maryland School of Social Work 1979 B.A., The Johns Hopkins University (Phi Beta Kappa) 1977 Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Former Adjunct Professor, Boston University School of Social Work (Mediation, Family Law, Ethics) Former Adjunct Professor, Boston University School of Law (Trusts and Estates) Parenting Trainer, State Approved Parents Apart Program Massachusetts Association of Guardians Ad Litem (MAGAL), Board of Directors

Although I still go to court on occasion for contested matters, my work mainly involves working on collaborative and mediated matters. Whenever possible, I urge clients to take control of the process rather than face the time, expense and uncertainty involved in litigation. I have a particular interest in working with families where the best interests of the children are involved.

Professional Memberships: Boston Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association, Former Board Member of Massachusetts Association of Guardians Ad Litem (MAGAL) for over a decade, Academy of Certified Social Workers, Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council – Continuing Education Committee, Academy of Professional Family Mediators – Board Member and Founding Member, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation (MCFM) Vice-President/Executive Board of Directors/Annual Institute Featured Speaker/Annual Institute Committee Member, The Divorce Center – Frequent presenter to the public on topics including alimony, custody, emotional impact of divorce and property division, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education – regularly serving as mediation coach, Mediation Works Incorporated (MWI) – volunteer mediator/trainee supervisor at Norfolk County Probate Court, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCP)

Awards & Certifications: 2017 Top Rated Lawyers: Women Leaders in the Law (Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating); 2016-2017 Top Ten Family Lawyers in Massachusetts (American Institute of Family Law Attorneys);2015 Boston’s Top Rated Lawyers in three distinct categories – Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law and Mediation/Collaborative Law (by Martindale-Hubbell, based on peer review ratings); 2014 Top Rated Lawyers: Legal Leaders; Since 2011, continuously recognized for selection in the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers as one of the Top Women Lawyers in the Northeast (less than 5% of female attorneys are accorded this honor); 10.0 “Superb” AVVO rating – Top Divorce Attorney; Certified Family Mediator, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation; Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator; Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator; ACSW (The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential obtainable); LICSW (This designation signifies the most advanced of the social work licenses in Massachusetts; as such, it, allows the professional to function as an independent clinical social worker in private practice; to engage in counseling, treatment and diagnosis of psycho-social issues; and to provide a full range of supervisory and consultation services); WorldWide Registry – Inclusion In Top 101 Industry Experts; Note Editor, Law Review, Boston University School of Law; American Jurisprudence Book Award in Family Law (1/110); Best Cross Examiner, Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (1994); Edward F. Hennessey Distinguished Scholar (highest honors in third year of law school); Paul J. Liacos Distinguished Scholar (highest honors in second year of law school); G. Joseph Tauro Distinguished Scholar (highest honors in first year of law school); The Johns Hopkins University Honors Program, Phi Beta Kappa (founded in 1776, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society); Marital Mediation Training; “Engaging High-Conflict Clients in Positive Problem-Solving” Master Class with Bill Eddy, LCSW, JD, CFLS

I have written articles/chapters on prenuptial agreements, estate planning and divorce, durable powers of attorney and health care proxies.