Laurie Israel and Karen Van Kooy also practice in the field of “Collaborative Law” in other civil law areas. In the Collaborative Law process, a series of four-way meetings (clients and their attorneys) often leads to productive results. Collaborative Law Practice is an alternative dispute resolution process that provides a welcome and effective alternative to litigation, often saving cost and preserving relationships. It is also a much more pleasant and productive way to deal with conflict and disputes, relying on an atmosphere of honesty, cooperation, integrity, and good will. It can be used in the context of divorce, dissolution of non-married domestic partnerships, business disputes, probate matters, and employment law.
Collaborative lawyers are trained in collaborative law, and many also have significant mediation training and experience. They are trained in breaking through impasse. The Collaborative law and mediation training and experience help lead the parties to mutual problem-solving and interest-based negotiation (as opposed to adversarial positioning), all of which lead strongly towards settlement. The settlement tends to be more creative, involving satisfaction of more of each party’s aims. Learn about other Collaborative Practitioners. Also, visit the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Web Site at www.massclc.organd the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).