At the collaborative table, I have sat in many spots: first as a client in my mid-thirties with two young sons … then, because of what I learned in my own divorce, as an attorney establishing my own law firm with a focus on Collaborative Practice … and now, with the support of my colleagues and family, stepping into the role of President of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois (CLII) for the next 12 months.
It will be a busy year as I continue to serve clients in my growing law practice while working with my peers to create a culture where Collaborative Practice is the first option people consider when divorcing. CLII has been raising the visibility of Collaborative Practice in Illinois but we still have a ways to go: Too often, I have heard from people I meet that they learned about Collaborative after their divorce, and they wish that they would have had it as an option.
With over 10 years under my belt as a Collaborative lawyer, I feel a sense of responsibility to help mentor those just starting out in Collaborative family law. As president, I intend to strengthen CLII as the go-to resource for training and networking. In this community, Collaborative professionals of all three disciplines CLII represents – legal, financial, and mental health – share best practices, discuss new laws, and inspire each other to do our best for our clients.
So please join me in spreading the word about Collaborative Practice so that it is the first option people consider when divorcing!
