Best Lawyers in America for Family Law: Arbitration and Mediation
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With over 30 years in the legal field, my journey as a lawyer has been marked by a commitment to fostering resolution and understanding through Collaborative Law and Mediation. Unlike traditional legal paths, something about mediation and helping people in conflict find a better, more productive way to resolve their differences attracted me to Mediation and Collaborative law. While starting my career at a notable Fifth Avenue matrimonial litigation firm, I volunteered as a court mediator, wit...
David focuses his practice in family law. He assists clients with divorces, child custody issues, post-decree modifications, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. David is experienced with high conflict family law matters and has tried numerous cases. He has particular expertise when dealing with issues relative to children both during dissolution and issues that arise after a client’s divorce or establishment matter. David passionately advocates for what matters most to his clients and...
Kristyl M. Berckes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law Mediation. Kristyl M., who practices law in Watchung, New Jersey, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristyl M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Leonard J. Frankel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law Mediation and Mediation. Leonard J., who practices law in Clayton, Missouri, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Leonard J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Amanda Gilbert represents clients in all aspects of family law, including separation, divorce, child custody, adoption, and assisted reproductive technology. She combines her legal knowledge and experience with a solution-oriented approach to address complex family matters. Known for her empathy, patience, calm demeanor, and common-sense perspective, Amanda provides both strategic guidance and compassionate support during challenging family transitions. A trained mediator and Collaborative pr...
My colleagues and I opened Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC with the goal of providing high-quality, effective, dedicated, and cost-effective representation to individuals going through family turmoil. Since 2004, we have worked to become a top family law firm in Northern Virginia. We have accomplished this by placing the needs and desires of our clients first. I am accessible, and will be by your side as you take each step through the legal process.My legal practice is dedicated to helping clients...
In her representation of Silicon Valley’s high earners or their spouses, Jennifer Crum draws upon nearly 20 years of experience untangling complex assets acquired in the unique tech economy.Jennifer combines her mastery of high-asset marital dissolutions with compassion for the emotional and personal transition her clients are experiencing. She is among an elite group of California attorneys recognized as a Certified Family Law Specialist. Jennifer is highly experienced in divorces invo...
Alexander H. Xanttopoulos is a principal attorney with Roop, Xanttopoulos, Babounakis. He joined the predecessor firm in Fall 2010, to focus primarily on family law. He works in cases involving divorce, child custody, support, visitation and equitable distribution. Prior to joining Roop Law, Alex worked for several years for Greenspun, Shapiro, Davis and Leary P.C. as an associate practicing in the areas of domestic relations, traffic, criminal defense and civil litigation. He also has experi...
“While many of my cases are litigated, my training in collaborative law ensures that every effort is taken to reach a resolution in the most cost-effective and clear manner possible.” – Aimee Pingenot With a compassionate focus and an eye towards the future, Aimee works with clients to skillfully assist them in identifying their goals and guide them towards a resolution in often complex and contentious family law matters. Having a Master’s degree in social work provide...
Joseph J. Russell, Jr. is the Founder & Managing Partner of RUSSELL LAW, LLC, Divorce & Family Lawyers. Prior to RUSSELL LAW, Joe spent more than two decades as a Shareholder, Chair of the Family Law Department, a Member of the Management Committee & Managing Partner of the Red Bank office at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. Joe ended his career at Wilentz on February 6, 2026 to launch RUSSELL LAW with the majority of his Family Law Department including Founding Partner Amy Fr...
David Sarif is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law, Family Law Arbitration and Family Law Mediation. David, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Rachel A. Pencu is a principal in Cohen and Wolf's Family Law and Litigation Groups. Dividing her time between the firm's Bridgeport and Westport offices, Ms. Pencu practices primarily in the area of family law litigation. Ms. Pencu serves as a Special Master, appointed by the Superior Court, to mediate divorce disputes in the judicial districts of Bridgeport, Danbury and Milford. She is admitted to practice in Connecticut and is a member of the American, Connecticut Fairfield County and Grea...
Charles C. Abut is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Arbitration, Family Law, Family Law Mediation and Mediation. Charles C., who practices law in Hackensack, New Jersey, has been recognized since 2001. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.