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(626) 332-1304
(714) 487-0500
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Collaborative Practice enables families in transition to achieve success as they define it for themselves. While divorce is not something that families enjoy going through, making a peaceful and family centered transition is far less destructive. Our team of highly trained Collaborative Professionals and staff members have received numerous accolades and gratitude from our collaborative clients. Some of them have authorized us to publish their comments. At The Law Office of Brian Don Levy we are proud of the work that we are doing for our Collaborative Divorce & Mediation clients, and we are grateful for having the opportunity to join hands with them in creating opportunities for a peaceful and family centered transition at a very difficult time in their life. We are also proud of our investment in training ourselves, and training other collaborative professionals. We are committed to raising up a new generation of peacemakers!
Thank you for trusting us at this critical time in your lives!
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"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for your expertise, patience, and understanding throughout my collaborative divorce process. During the entire process I felt I had your support and attention. I especially would like to thank you for your compassion during the very difficult meetings. You and the rest of the team were my rock. It has been a long, difficult journey but the reward of knowing that I, along with the team, kept the interests of my children first and foremost, makes me realize it was well worth it. Thank you also to your wonderful, responsive staff. I enjoyed working with you despite the unpleasant situation, and plan to keep in touch."
Thanks again,
Jennifer T. - Client
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"As our divorce is coming to a close, I was remembering times throughout the collaborative process that you showed amazing grace and care. I guess because my husband's ex-wife took us to court more than forty times in a year, I never expected that the attorney on the "other side" would be caring - make sure that I was heard - and that my opinion was shared before we went on.
I just wanted to thank you for that. I noticed!"
Tammie R. - Client
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"I hope this e-mail finds you doing well. I thought that I would check in with you to let you know that this past year was a good year for me, lots of new jobs, new people in my life, and most of all, lots and lots of time with my two beautiful children. It was because of the collaborative process that I am enjoying all of this time with our children and have a meaningful co-parenting plan that works for them. I am actually enjoying a better relationship with my ex wife as well! Thanks so very much for all of your support and help."
Mark H. - Client
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"You have exemplified a person whom is great to have on a team. I am pleased that Alan suggested you as my collaborative attorney. When you speak, you are clearly understood. You have been on for such a short time and you have checked in with me and ask "am I meeting your needs." That simple call or email takes 15 seconds and says you really care from your heart. (my divorce coach does the same thing) You have always returned phone calls and responded to what I have expressed a need. You have shown that you are plugged into the current status and information on the job. You have not shown any brash arrogance and put your self above the team or brag about yourself of how lucky we are to have you. I am sure you are very busy, though you always seem to work in a time for me to speak with you or meet with you. You keep your promise. I so truly enjoy working with a team that shows honesty and actions congruent with written and spoken words. To be in your office and to see your team and to feel a very good comfort level of whom I am working means everything to me.
Thank you so much for helping us. I am open to hearing your ideas!"
Doug A. - Client
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"I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for all you have done to open my eyes to the endless possibilities of what it truly means to be a collaborative team. Your tremendous skills and even bigger heart have struck a chord deep within me to let the sky be the limit when it comes to helping families in transition.
Regardless of what happens on the ----- case, I am so looking forward to the next case with you. You are the one attorney I have worked with so far that I feel a deep connection with, regardless of who is representing which client!
Brian, you are always spreading blessings in your messages. As I said in one of my texts to you, you ARE the blessing!
From my heart,"
JG - Collaborative Divorce Coach
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"Life can be full of happiness and beauty again. Thank you for helping me to let go of all the hurt and resentment. You and the collaborative team have helped me realize that it is far better to move on with a positive attitude and stay focused on what is important. Perhaps my ex-husband and I did not have many things in common. However, we did have one, which is our love for our children. And, this was a huge beginning. After having gone through the collaborative process, my family is healthier, more positive, more loving, and most of all, closer. Through the power of gentleness and communication, we were able to overcome huge obstacles. It is not worth it to go through a traditional divorce with adversarial attorneys. The lasting result is a lot of bitterness and hate. And unfortunately, the children lose and get hurt the most. Who needs that? I think most people would want to move on and look forward to their new, exciting future. Luckily, that is exactly what I have received in return for my willingness to have faith and trust in the process and Brian. It was certainly the right choice to go ahead with a collaborative divorce and with Brian as my Collaborative Attorney. It was all worth it for my children's happiness and peace! "
Anna K. - Client 8-16-2010
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"I was in attendance at the Collaborative Family Basic Training conference and found the experience to be fun, exciting, and highly informative. I apologize for being late in congratulating you on your excellent presentations. I had done a bit of research prior to attending and was already very impressed by your credentials and accomplishments. After meeting you, I was even more impressed. Your passionate and generous desire to carry forward the collaborative process and the personable and interactive manner in which you conducted the training more than did justice to your excellent reputation.
The progress made in recent years in alternative dispute resolution and, particularly, collaborative practice, has induced me to return to California and resume the practice of family law, from which I have been absent for a number of years. The opportunity to make a positive impact as more families find ways to avoid litigation with the assistance of well trained counsel and a collaborative team is very compelling.
Thank you for your foresight and your commendable efforts. I look forward to the opportunity to use the collaborative methodology to resolve difficult family problems, and thereby accomplish much good. I will be looking for ways to make the collaborative approach more affordable and available to families that find themselves, and their children, in divorce, with its related challenges.
Thank you very much!"
Doug M. - Newly Trained Colaborative Attorney 11-23-10
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"Brian is a consummate professional. He has taken the time and put in the energy to develop and refine his skills. He sets the bar high and then works in a focused, proactive manner to meet the goals. He is compassionate, knowledgeable, ethical and extremely articulate. Brian is a caring listener who helps his client to feel confident and hopeful about the future. I highly recommend him. "
Dr. Ellie Izzo - February 23, 2011
Principal, Course writer, Trainer, Consultant, Collaborative Divorce Institute, Collaborative Divorce Training Team
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“I met and shared 3 days of intensive work with Brian Levy at a Collaborative Divorce Team Training. I found him to be knowledgeable and compassionate, professional and ethical. I would recommend him highly. "
Vicki Carpel Miller, MS, LMFT” February 19, 2011
Trainer/Principal, Collaborative Divorce Team Trainings
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“Brian's commitment to the work of collaborative practice is evidenced by client satisfaction as well as the the many strengths he brings to a collaborative team. Brian adds value to teams with his willingness to think outside the box, being flexible and creative with team members all the while keeping a focus on the family. Brian has an unwavering commitment to training and education and finding ways to bring peaceful alternatives to familes in crisis.”
Susie D. - Collaborative Divorce Coach - February 25, 2011
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“I have had the great fortune to work with Brian as a collaborator in training professionals and in a mediation setting where he acted as a consulting attorney for my mediation clients. He has also been a great resource to me for brainstorming ideas and challenges that arise in everyday practice. Brian is someone who brings calm and clarity at a time when chaos and confusion reign. His re-framing skills make the point without offending and brings focus to what's really important. Beyond his many talents, I appreciate his willingness to share his knowledge and experiences so freely. I refer clients to Brian without hesitation and I will work with him in any matter and on any training with complete confidence that I and our clients/stuents will be in a comfortable and productive process.”
Diana M. - Collaborative Attorney & Mediator - February 19, 2011
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"After knowing Brian for several years, I finally had a chance to work with him on a collaborative divorce matter. The amazing thing about my experience with Brian was the amount of progress we made on the case just using telephone bridges. A bridge is a good analogy when trying to connect two divorcing people separated by sonflict. A good bridge, in that case, was definitely needed and Brian was a remarkable bridge builder (albeit just on the telephone). Thanks Brian for the positive experience..."
Greg R. - Collaborative Business Evaluator - March 5, 2011
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"I know Brian through my participation in Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County and have always known him to be thoughtful and sensitive in his deliberation of various issues that arise in connection with the collaborative process. He is an effective communicator who articulates his thoughts with clarity and credibility. I have known Brian to be always available to his colleagues at CDSOC for advice and mentoring and his enthusiasm for his work is very evident! "
Michael S. Collaborative Attorney - March 9, 2011
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"Brian is a top level practitioner. But everyone else will say that so I want to say something else. He is gifted. Among his many gifts are welcome/hospitality to all, vision and unmistakable wisdom. Add these qualities to excellence in his professional disciplines and you have one of the most excellent peacemakers you will ever work with, without a doubt. "
Bart C. - Collaborative Attorney & Mediator - April 7, 2011
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"I would like to encourage all of you who have an interest in, or questions about, collaborative practice, to come to one of our FREE brown bag lunches. Today, the lunch is at Brian Don Levy's office. We can all learn so much from Brian - a true peacemaker who balances an individual's legal protections with their ultimate goal of resolution, co-parenting, financial stability, and so on. So many people see collaborative professionals as either "door mats", who set their client's legal rights aside in the interest of resolution or as "litigators in peacemaker clothing", who are only interested in gaining a strategic advantage. Come and see what a true collaborative practitioner is like. I have the honor of serving as a board member of LACFLA alongside Brian, and have collaborated with him on several educational projects. He has also always made himself available as a guide when I have questions in various collaborative challenges. This is a great opportunity to meet other practitioners and learn more about what makes collaboration work and how we can do better.
I hope to meet you there. Today, at noon. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your practice!"
Diana M. - Collaborative Attorney & Mediator - June 3, 2011
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"Interesting how your presentation followed the steps of the Collaborative Practice Chart right through to choices and agreement for topics in the coming year.
By your approach, you facilitated our identifying the needs of the group (and individually), our commitment, hopes and concerns, and through the gathering of information which Carol organized, we brainstormed, we identified our interests and evaluated (by show of hands) the choices we most valued.
Among other things, you demonstrated active listening, validation, respect for different views, you kept us on track and finished on time, and modeled those professional behaviors and intentions.
Creating the mission statement was also a collaboration of each table member, and including it on everything we do this year will reinforce how important it is as a guiding principle of CDSOC and for teams who guide families through transition. It will serve to focus us on our commitment to the group, to families and one another.
Brian and Carol - you both inspired us to bring our best selves to the discussion and as a result we became invested in the process which will most likely lead to greater participation both as a group and individually. Clearly many of the group and individual needs were addressed and met today.
I felt excited and energized at many levels and thank you for your continued mentoring of me and your collaborative colleagues. I am grateful that Brian is in charge of programs and Carol is in charge of the roundtables on this my first membership year in CDSOC.
There's more to say but alas I have an appointment so must run but wanted to let you both know how much I enjoyed learning from you today."
J.T. - Divorce Coach & Practice Group Member - July 12, 2011
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"This article (CHOOSE WISELY) is absolutely brilliant! It is not only food for thought, but an entire banquet of provocative ideas EVERY COUPLE should consider before embarking upon combat divorce. I can't wait to get on another case with you!! "
J G - Divorce Coach - Colaborative Practice Group Board Member - July 22, 2011
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"Brian and Carol..
Great job of integrating everyone's words and ideas. Thank you for your hard work, vision, and dedication to the collaborative movement in general and CDSOC in particular. We're lucky to have you both!"
Jennifer W. - Collaborative Attorney - July 25, 2011
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"Brian and Carol...
What a great way to role model collaborative practice - by finally creating a long overdue Mission Statement for our luncheons and roundtables!
Bravo!"
Jann G. - Divorce Coach - July 25, 2011
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"Dear Brian..
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your new position as President and CEO of CDEI. I can think of no one better able to serve in this capacity and know you will bring your creative intelligence, expansive spirit, and professional expertise to enhance this work for all of us and those we serve.
In gratitude,"
Sheila J - Mediator and Collaborative Attorney - August 2011
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"Dear Brian...
I just finished reading your article entitled "Choose Wisely". Congratulations on a fine job! You have captured the very essence of how professionals in the family law field present themselves and to top it all off...you made the article "user friendly" with language understood by the public."
Fred G. - Collaborative Attorney & President of Practice Group - August 2011
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"Your sharing yesterday of your heart and the meaningfulness of your collaborative work and journey was yet another example of this. It is rewarding and an honor to consistently learn from you. The power of your authentic caring for others both transforms and heals. God has kissed me with the gift of you as teacher, mentor and friend. Thank you God, thank you Brian. "
J. T. Divorce Coach August 23, 2011
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My name is Kathryn and I am Attorney Brian Don Levy’s Dispute Resolution Assistant. I have worked in the area of family law for 15 years, the last five of which I have had the pleasure of working as a dispute resolution assistant in the collaborative divorce and mediation process under the guidance of Brian and have interacted with numerous collaborative professionals on various collaborative law cases. I see many clients come through our doors most of whom are bewildered by the situation they are faced with and the unknown future before them. Some arrive with a preconceived game plan or expectation based on experiences shared by family and/or friends who have experienced going through the family law court system. Others are numb as they are still processing the fact that their marriage is ending and their family is broken. Those who open their minds and hearts to the collaborative process often leave with a sense of reassurance and calm in their demeanor. Those who wish to proceed in the litigation process often leave in the same manner they arrive, lost and preparing for a battle.
I recall the day when I first meet Mr. S. He seemed very overwhelmed and essentially lost and defeated. Throughout this process, my communications with Mr. S were brief but I did notice a sense of calm and peace pour over him during his collaborative journey. Toward the final stages of the Collaborative process, specifically with his appointment with Brian to sign the Collaborative Judgment and related forms, he seemed confident and self assured. He no longer appeared to me as a lost and defeated man; but, instead, was a man with a strong sense of self and self worth. He had transformed into a man with a positive grasp of the future as a result of the life skills he obtained through this process.
It was a joy for me to witness this transformation and it is a tribute to the collaborative practice!
Kathryn Grelck - Dispute Resolution Assistant - September 9, 2011
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Our collaborative team had the privilege of inviting Brian to facilitate our Professional Team Debrief on a very difficult and challenging case that recently completed. There were, as you can imagine, high-conflict clients, and some splits on our team as how best to serve those clients. Many of us were reluctant to engage in the difficult conversations necessary to promote growth, choosing to "gripe among ourselves" rather than taking the risk and confront the true stumbling blocks. In his role of neutral facilitator, Brian skillfully guided the conversation where it needed to go - to process rather than content. His use of questionnaires to the professional team helped to kick off a productive, though tense meeting. It was an "operation" that needed to be done, but might have been far more difficult without Brian's assistance.
Jann G. - Collaborative Divorce Coach 11-20-11
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"I have had the fortune to know and work with Brian for many years. He is an exceptional collaborative lawyer. He truly cares about both clients, not just his client. His goal is to help both parties find the best solutions for the family unit. I would recommend him without any hesitation."
January 2012 - Cathleen C. Neutral Financial
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I just want to send you a short e-mail regarding last night's round table presentation. Although this was the first CDSOC Monday Night Round Table I have attended, I believe last night's presentation was exciting, enlightening and encouraging. The collaborative training you presented last night provided me with so many thoughts, experiences, suggestions and knowledge regarding de-briefing, many of which I have not thought about in the past. As I have been a collaborative presenter and trainer in the past, I am aware of the time it takes to make a presentation, and I wanted to thank you for your time commitment. You have encouraged me to attend every round table meeting CDSOC presents.
January 24, 2012 WS - Collaborative Professional
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