Mediation

Diana has been a mediator for twelve years, since 2012. She has helped hundreds of couples resolve their divorce and custody conflicts through mediation, without the extra cost, delay, and emotional trauma of litigation. Diana is also an attorney and has represented people in family law cases, including divorce, custody, and paternity matters, for 30 years. She is intimately familiar with the law, courtroom procedure, judges and litigation. Diana is also skilled at diplomatic negotiation, and has resolved countless cases over the past 30 years as an attorney, through mediation. She was a founding partner of "Huntsman, Lofgran, Walton, PLLC, where she has led her firm in practicing law since 2005. She is presently of counsel with HLW, having retired from litigation in March, 2024. Whether helping a couple as a mediator, or representing a person as an attorney, Diana enjoys helping others find hope and resolution in difficult times -- divorce being one of the hardest things a person may face. That being said, if a couple is willing to try, Diana is passionately committed to the concept of mediation, as opposed to litigation and court rooms, as a far more positive, less costly, faster option of resolving conflict.

Michael Burton has worked at McFarling Law Group since 2008. During that time, he has acted as the initial point of contact for new clients. In his role, Michael has reviewed over 8,000 family law cases during his time at McFarling Law Group. Michael has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Management from UNLV and obtained his Juris Doctor from Boyd School of Law. While at Boyd, Michael was selected as the Outstanding Community Service Volunteer for Summer 2014 and also received an academic scholarship.

Christine graduated from Troy State University in 1990 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Sports Medicine. She moved to Mobile, as a graduate student and obtained her Master’s Degree in Education and Educational Leadership while working as an Athletic Trainer and teaching in the Education Department at the University of South Alabama and in the public school system in South Alabama. Christine worked as a teacher in the Parochial School System, the Mobile County Public School System, and at the University Level. Christine earned honors in the field of education being awarded Middle School Teacher of the Year and the first Nationally Board Certified K-12 teacher in Alabama. She was a frequent speaker for educational seminars across the state. In 2006 Christine graduated from Law School and was admitted to the Alabama Bar in 2007. With a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, she opened her own law practice in 2008 and the practice has grown over the years. Christine has offered argument in local and state courts across Alabama, in Federal Courts in the South East, Appellate Courts in both State and Federal Divisions and has been successful with the United States Supreme Court in Searcy v. Strange, the Alabama Marriage Equality Case. Christine is no stranger to controversy arguing the Constitutional Rights of her clients, handling Capital Murder defense and appeals, arguing under appellate review wrongful convictions in criminal cases and for compassionate release from prison. Christine has also been known to argue for judicial reform and against Judge’s that abuse their power and influence across the state. She has frequently argued for the rights of juveniles and for juvenile probation reform in the southern counties of Alabama. In the area of education, Christine has been an advocate for the rights of special education students, championing the fight against bullying and discrimination in schools, and protecting the employment rights of teachers and administrators against school systems. Drawing from her years of teaching and coaching experience, Christine has worked hard to level the playing field and strives to educate her clients and equalize justice for those clients the Hernandez and Associations Law Firm represents. The Hernandez and Associates Law Firm located at the Mid-Towne Works Building at the Loop on Airport Blvd offers in-person, Zoom, teleconferencing, Face Time and Skype for initial consultations and client meetings. We have a full staff working collectively on your cases. Christine personally understands how difficult, stressful, and even frightening the legal system can be, particularly if you are a litigant and this is your first encounter with the legal system. This firm was built from the ground up where the legal team has provided determined representation on difficult and challenging issues. Christine and the other attorneys in the law firm work hard for their success and reputation as a legal team that fights for your rights. Christine returns to Thomas Goode Jones School of Law as a guest lecturer in the areas of Constitutional and Family Law from time to time and has served as mentor to many interns over the years. Christine has also traveled to numerous locations to lecture at continuing education seminars over the span of her career as she is a firm believer in giving back to the community. In addition, to work, Christine coached for nearly 30 years in a number of team and individual sports. Christine freely gives her time, knowledge and experience to younger lawyers and has mentored several attorneys over the years. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her spouse, children and the five family dogs.

From his Orlando, Florida, law firm, Matthew L. Cersine represents clients in the Orlando community in family law, divorce and child custody cases. While he is a capable litigator, he is also a skilled mediator, having conducted the Supreme Court of Florida's mediation training for three years as well as having served as a mediator for Orange County's Dispute Resolution Center from 2005 to 2007. In addition to handling family law cases, Mr. Cersine handles cases involving international law, business law, foreclosure, debt collection, landlord-tenant disputes, probate matters and real estate. He prides himself on giving personal attention to his clients. He is admitted to practice in Florida as well as in the U.S. Tax Court. As an attorney with a track record of achieving effective resolutions in a variety of cases, Mr. Cersine is recognized for his knowledge in the legal field and his background in mediation matters. He also taught classes from 2006 to 2010 on foreign business practices for EXIM Bancorporation, a company that focuses on business development. He has represented clients and corporations both large and small in a number of industries, including companies such as Luxury Vienna, Global Beratung and Megatrend University USA. Mr. Cersine is also involved in related, although separate, businesses as an independent mediator and a consultant, and he was an adjunct professor for three years at Barry University School of Law. Mr. Cersine gives back to the community through his pro bono involvement as an Orange County mediator, offering free mediation for citizen disagreements and family law matters and encouraging a fair resolution without a trial. Additionally, he is a member of the American Association for Justice and the American Bar Association.

Erin Webster O'Brien is a skilled divorce and family law attorney who is dedicated to providing reliable and effective legal representation to individuals and families throughout Will County. Recognized as a knowledgeable mediator and litigator, Attorney O'Brien has over 15 years of legal experience. In 2008, Attorney O'Brien established her private practice, Erin Webster O'Brien, P.C., in Joliet, Illinois. To schedule an iniital consultation with Attorney O'Brien, visit her website or call 815-727-2100.

Andrew concentrates his family law practice in divorce, alimony and spousal support, child support, collaborative law, custody, prenuptial agreements, litigation and appeals, complex litigation, federal trial practice, state appellate practice, state trial practice, business law and mediation. Andrew has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer since 2012. He is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, Will County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. He is currently a Fellow for the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and also served as a past member of their TEC Committee. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, we assist clients in all aspects of the law relating to the needs of today's families,

Angel M. Traub is a family law and estates attorney and principal owner of the all female law firm of A. Traub & Associates in Lombard & Arlington Heights. She practices primarily in the areas of family law, adoption, estate planning, probate, trust administration, guardianship, and real estate. Angel graduated in 1998 from Northern Illinois University with her B.A., summa cum laude, and University Honors. She majored in Corporate Communications, with a minor in Spanish. She also was a Presidential Academic Awardee. In 2001, Angel graduated from The John Marshall Law School with a J.D., cum laude. She was selected a John Marshall Distinguished Scholar and was a member of the Order of John Marshall, Honorary Scholarship Society. She served as a member of The John Marshall Law Review (1999-2001). In the Fall of 2000, she was published in The John Marshall Law Review, ("The Wall is Down, Now We Build More: The Exclusionary Effects of Gated Communities Demand Stricter Burdens Under the FHA"). She participated in the National Mock Trial Competition (NTC) in 2001 and is a regional winner of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) Trial Advocacy Competition in 2000. She also served as an intern for Honorable Ronald Guzman, Federal District Court, Northern District of Illinois in 2000. Angel was admitted to practice in the State of Illinois and the Northern District of Illinois in 2001. To schedule an appointment, contact an Arlington Heights Divorce Lawyer by calling 847-749-4182.

Practice Areas: Insurance Litigation, Bad Faith, Products Liability, Ciguatera Poisoning, Establishing Insurance Coverage As one of the few Triple Board Certified attorneys, Mr. Stewart’s practice involves complex litigation in both Federal and State Courts, including helping individuals and businesses who’s insurance companies have abandon them. Mr. Stewart also assists individuals who have been poisoned with a fish borne toxin known as Ciguatera. In addition to receiving dozens of multi-million dollar awards, he received the largest collectible punitive damage verdict in State history, the largest Ciguatera settlement in the Country, what was reported as the largest Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy verdict in Florida, and the largest personal injury verdict ever in Okeechobee County. He also took on the automobile insurance industry for its practice of under-reimbursing health care providers. Mr. Stewart was the first attorney in many years to defeat GEICO in a Powell type Insurance Bad Faith case. Mr. Stewart has been recognized with awards by many organizations for the work he has done, including as a Florida Super Lawyer (given to the top 5% of attorneys) since 2007, Top 100 Trial Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers since 2013, Top Lawyer in Florida by The Legal Network since 2013, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 1996 and he and his firm have attained the highest rating possible, AV, with the Martindale-Hubbell legal directory of exemplary lawyers. He has published and frequently speaks to lawyers, paralegals and law students across the Country. He has taught several courses at Stetson Law School. He also has served as an Adjunct Professor of Constitutional Law at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. Mr. Stewart stays active in his community; including Harmony House, the Miami Project, Habitat for Humanity, The American Cancer Society and public television and radio. However, he has spent most of his time as a member of Palm Beach County Special Olympics’ Steering Committee, where he coordinated the community volunteers for more than ten (10) years. With a proven track record as a trial attorney and multiple a significant victories to his credit, Mr. Stewart’s career has been dedicated to the pursuit of justice. If you have any questions regarding a matter for which you believe Mr. Stewart can assist, he welcomes you to contact him at TStewart@ForTheInjured.com.

Thomas Stagg, managing partner at Stagg Wabnik Law Group, LLP, focuses his practice on commercial, general and appellate litigation. He represents clients in federal and state courts in New York and New Jersey, as well as in Connecticut federal court, and has argued before New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, on behalf of international banking clients. Each year since 2003 Thomas has achieved an "AV" Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, which is assigned to lawyers who have reached the height of professional excellence and who are recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity. He has also been selected annually as a New York Metro Super Lawyer since 2012. No more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected to Super Lawyers, which is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement made after a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews. In 2012, Thomas was named by the New York State Bar Association as an Empire State Counsel® for providing more than 50 hours of free legal services to low-income individuals and in 2016 was awarded Top Legal Eagle in Litigation for Nassau and Suffolk Counties, which is assigned annually to only ten attorneys. Thomas has represented the firm's banking and credit clients in connection with Uniform Commercial Code matters and federal and state consumer credit statutes, including the Truth in Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Electronic Fund Transfer Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. On behalf of corporate, municipal and private clients, he has successfully litigated numerous actions involving federal and state environmental laws, class action constitutional and land use issues. He has also served as counsel to a large municipality in its negotiations with New York State for a multimillion dollar grant and regularly represents clients in trust and estates litigation and administration matters. Thomas completed advanced commercial mediation training and is an active member of the Southern District of New York Mediation Panel and the New York State Commercial Division Mediation Panel in New York, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties. He has also been certified as a guardian ad litem by New York State. In addition, Thomas is registered with and has volunteered hundreds of hours to the American Bar Association's Military Pro Bono Project, a nationwide program that connects junior-enlisted servicemembers in need of pro bono legal help with volunteer attorneys throughout the nation. He is a 2015 recipient of the ABA Military Pro Bono Project Outstanding Services Award. After graduating from the State University of New York at Binghamton and St. John's University School of Law, where he was Associate Notes and Comments Editor of St. John's Journal of Legal Commentary, Thomas began his legal career with the Washington, D.C. based firm of Beveridge & Diamond. His publications include, as coauthor, "Contractual Protection: An Existing Remedy for Bondholder Distress." 4 St. John's Journal of Legal Commentary 2. He lectures on environmental lender liability and has served on the Long Island Sound Nonpoint Source Pollution Committee.

Steven Felsenfeld, Esq., the sole member of Felsenfeld Legal, PLLC, has been admitted to the NYS Bar since 1996 and is also admitted to the Eastern and Southern Districts of the Federal Courts of New York, as well as the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. He maintains membership in the American Bar Association and its section on Labor & Employment Law and Alternate Dispute Resolution. An excellent legal researcher, writer, and orator; as appellate counsel, he has briefed and argued on many occasions and engaged in a broad array of litigation, not limited to commercial as well as Labor and Employment law, including civil rights and sexual harassment claims. He has represented numerous clients in arbitration and mediation and is qualified as a neutral in arbitration and mediation having sat on dozens of such matters. Experiences in Labor and Employment include his research, guidance, and appearances before the EEOC, SDHR, and with regard to UI, WC, Title VII, ADEA, ADA, NLRA, ERISA, FLSA, and OSHA, and ADR; as well as planning and participating in Union Negotiations. His strong business background includes six years of experience in cost and management accounting.