Suggestions
Adam J. Halper
Mediator, Collaborative Attorney, Parenting Coordinator
Adam J. Halper is an accomplished mediator and attorney based in the New York City metropolitan area, where he operates the Law and ADR Office of Adam J. Halper, PLLC. He specializes in dispute resolution across various fields, including family law, employment, business, and elder law. Halper has extensive experience in collaborative law and serves as a parenting coordinator, helping clients navigate complex legal issues.
Professional Background
Halper began his legal career at Legal Services-NYC, focusing on representing domestic violence survivors. He later served as the Director of the Legal Wellness Institute at The Family Center, where he led a team dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by severe illness. His work involved mentoring legal professionals and advocating for vulnerable populations, emphasizing access to justice and mediation.
Mediation Practice Areas
His mediation practice encompasses a wide range of areas, including:
- Business Divorce
- Family Law (Divorce, Prenuptial Agreements, Child Support)
- Employment Law
- Civil Rights
- Personal Injury
- Trust and Estates
In addition to his private practice, Halper is listed as a neutral mediator for the American Arbitration Association and several New York State Courts, handling both pre-litigation and litigation matters.123
Halper's commitment to his clients is reflected in his approach to mediation, where he aims to facilitate understanding and resolution in challenging disputes. His extensive knowledge and experience in various legal fields enable him to provide valuable support and guidance to those he represents.23
Highlights
Please join the Westchester County Bar Association's ADR, Business and Commercial Law and the Westchester Women's Bar Association Insurance Law Committees for an exciting CLE and Networking program which will be held on September 24th at the Westchester County Courthouse. Information below. Mediators, arbitrators and litigators welcome. Special thanks not only to our esteemed panel of Judges, but also to Isabel Barney, Melanie Zamenhof, Michele Kern-Rappy Esq. Claire Gutekunst and ADR Committee Co-Chair, Russell Yankwitt. Program sponsored by Resolute Systems, LLC.
Registration Link and Info here:
I’ve had several mediations in the last two weeks. All of them resolved. Almost all of the cases began in a place where the parties were VERY far apart in their initial offer and demand. At the outset, counsel (and parties) expressed fair cynicism that any progress let alone resolution could be obtained. Here are some observations that I wanted to share.
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Preparation is Key. Counsel prepared mediation strategies that included non-monetary remedies, their own suggestions for impasse-breaking and calculations on their costs beyond litigation (e.g. lost business). Privately, we worked together to prepare their clients (and expectations) for the mediation sessions. Some of this information was conveyed to the other side prior to the day of the mediation. In various ways, counsel transmitted that they were coming to the mediation to reach an agreement.
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Listening To and Acknowledging the Other Side’s Views. During the sessions, counsel made real efforts to show that they had heard and acknowledged the positions and interests of the other side – without conceding their own. They conveyed transparency in the thinking behind their offers and counteroffers. Largely they did this by…
3…Demonstrating an Appreciation of Risk. Counsel and parties made deliberate moves in ways that showed respect for everyone in the other room and their positions; again without agreement as to opposing positions. Rather, by moving in a deliberate way with carefully crafted messages, they telegraphed that they had heard the other side and appreciated the possibility that a judge or jury might not see it exactly their way.
Preparation. Listening. Demonstrating an appreciation of opposing views. Demonstrating respect for others and an appreciation of risk in the continued swapping of arguments. Commitment to process even if not wedded to outcome.
Maybe there’s a larger lesson in here. :) Maybe for another post.
Happy that these cases resolved.
Happy Monday. Good luck this week.
