INTRODUCTION/GENERAL COMMENTS/PERSONALS GOALS FOR INVOLVEMENT IN COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW CASES:I have been practicing law for over 25 years, and I have seen the damage contested divorces cause families. I much prefer helping clients through the collaborative divorce process. In collaborative divorces, the husband and wife work with a team of professionals, who will give them the advice they need, so that they can make informed decisions on how to handle the custody of their children and how to divide their assets and their debts. Clients using the collaborative divorce process are the ones making the decisions instead of a Judge. Overall, the process is less adversarial and a healthier way of going through a divorce.
FIELDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:
Domestic relations and employment law
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES:
Ohio law license (earned in 1997); West Virginia law license (earned in 1996 but is currently inactive)
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION:
In 1996, I graduated cum laude from the University of Dayton School of Law.
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION:
In 1991, I graduated cum laude from Kent State University with a Bachelors’ of Science Degree in Public Relations.
COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE GROUP MEMBERSHIPS:
COACDP
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/ACTIVITIES:
I have been practicing law for over 25 years. I am a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association, COACDP, and I have been nominated by my peers as a Rising Star and a Superlawyer consistently for 14 years. For 2017, I have also been named one of the Best Lawyers in the U.S. For 2019, 2020 and 2021, my law firm was voted Best of Business in Columbus in Family Law.
PERSONAL INTERESTS/ACTIVITIES:
I love to spend time with my son and husband, read, and cross-train.
COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AND RELATED SKILLS TRAINING |
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Year | Training Type | Instructor | Hours |
2016 | Collaborative 2-day training | 16 |
2017 | Basic Mediation Training | 16 |
2018 | Specialized Mediation training in Divorce and Family Law | Supreme Court of Ohio | 40 |
2020 | Training in Collaborative Law | 16 |