• I am a therapist and sent [clients] to you. I want to thank you for the great experience that they had working with you. I am so glad to know about you. I am now sending [other clients] to you. I think you have calls with them today. I am hoping they move forward with you. I would love to meet you sometime. I am sure I will be sending more couples your way. Thank you so much for the tough work that you do. --August, 2024
• After a lengthy mediator pursuit, a simple Google search of 'empathetic mediation services' brought us to Lisa. Our experience in consulting with mediators prior to this was more of a 'divide and conquer' approach that didn't sit right with us and did not seem to prioritize amicability and respect for the other party. From our first consultation with her, we realized she was going to be a perfect fit. She was patient, as settlement has taken the better part of a year to complete. She was great about following up/checking in, without being pushy. And when the time came, she handled our mediation with a calm and compassionate demeanor. She carefully took us through the entire process of creating our Marital Settlement Agreement, informing us of each piece, always deferring to our needs and clarifying and/or making helpful suggestions if need be. Overall, we cannot recommend Lisa enough, especially for couples who are looking to go through this process as a team. --Matthew S., June, 2024
• I was a student of Ellice’s mediation class during law school. Her class was honestly one of the best classes I’ve ever taken during law school. In a day of mundane classes that drone on and on, I always looked forward to attending her class. It was so obvious that she put a lot of thought into each class and made sure it was an educational (and fun!) experience for everyone. It was also very obvious that she was really passionate about mediation and ADR and I fully trust that she is a fabulous mediator that actually and truly cares about her clients. --Julie, May, 2024
• Highly recommend Little Falls Mediation. --D.K., April, 2024
• Ellice is an excellent mediator. --Ana, March, 2024
• I went to Little Falls Mediation to interview Ellice Halpern for a school project. After speaking with her, I was very impressed with everything that I learned about her. Ellice Halpern's exceptional experience in the field makes it so that all her clients experience a smooth mediation process. She is a great listener, compassionate, and committed to the work that she does. I highly recommend going to Little Falls Mediation for any sort of mediation that you may need. --Natali Artiga, November, 2023
• I highly recommend Ellice Halpern for your mediation services. She showed professionalism and displayed an extensive amount of experience and a strong ability to articulate complex situations. She maintained her creditability with us and made me feel comfortable trusting her during such an emotional time in my life. Ellice was companionate and neutral with both of us and reminded us both to be mature, respectful and "do our homework and be prepared". She was very patient with both of us during the entire process and truly went out of her way to make sure we would get what we were paying for and we understood every step of the way from the start and what would potentially be ahead of us. She thoroughly went over the contract with precise numbers and made sure knew exactly what we were paying for. There were no hidden costs or secret agenda. Ellice respected our privacy and on many occasions due to our personal changes in the schedule, accommodated us and truly helping us come to a resolution in the most cost-effective and least emotionally painful way. With her having the experience of being a mother and career women, she could relate to issues on both sides and was truly trying to empathize with both of us, while following what the state law rules and regulations are. This being a very new and harrowing point in my life, she made me feel secure and confident in knowing we could trust her. I highly recommend reading her background and experience and would advise you to hire her for your mediation services. --Natalia Azimi, November, 2023
• I'm very appreciative of your services and the results, but do not provide Google reviews online. That being said, I'd be happy to recommend you via word of mouth! --L.M., October, 2023
• I highly recommend Little Falls Mediation! Ellice was very professional, compassionate, and detail oriented to ensure that we arrived at the best possible outcome for our situation. Ellice took time up front to walk through a process I have never been through, was patient with all of my questions and guided me efficiently through the process. Again, I would highly recommend Ellice! --Amy T., March, 2023
• I am very grateful for your guidance, empathy, and insights, which nurtured a renewed company culture of collaboration, understanding, and support. --Client, January, 2023 • Thank you so much for your quick work on [the agreement]...it is an extremely thorough reflection of our mutual agreements. Thank you so much for your patience, professionalism, and kindness throughout this process. --Client, January, 2023
• Ellice is an excellent listener and provided guidance as to our next steps with regard to our dispute. We had previously discussed this dispute a few months back and upon my return for guidance, she knew who I was and immediately provided guidance and possible solutions. She promptly responds to my emails as well. Little Falls Mediation is your best choice! --Anita H., January, 2023
• I thought you were amazing in hearing both parties and not letting your personal opinions interfere with mediation. You seem to really care about each of us and getting to a decision which I truly appreciate, not just trying to have someone cave in to get the session over with. I appreciate you checking in so much! It shows why you are such a respected mediator! --M.P., December, 2022
• Lisa helped me with a landlord/tenant dispute. We were able to find a resolution that worked for all. Thanks so much for making a stressful time much easier! --J.B., Arlington, VA, December, 2022
• Ellice provided excellent mediation services. She guided us through the process, explained things clearly, answered all questions and was a great communicator. --J.K., Arlington, VA, December, 2022
• Ellice was great with the process. As stressful as it was she helped us get to the end. Answered all of our questions and was a true professional. --F.M., Arlington, VA, December, 2022
• I am a lawyer and aspiring mediator and enjoy consulting with Ellice about mediation. Ellice has spent years mediating, teaching, and distilling her practice down to procedures that work. --Allison Zack, Washington, D.C., November, 2022
• Great session today! I read the notes and everything looks good. I cannot believe that we are actually making progress. FINALLY! THANK YOU, Lisa! --Client, November, 2022
• A truly sound, trustworthy, honest and ethical person and overall experience. Ellice has a lovely way about her making high-stress, high-emotion, even high-stakes topics manageable. All the best and thank you. --D.P., Annapolis, Maryland, October, 2022
• I cannot thank you enough for your support through this situation. You helped to empower me to stand up for what I knew was right. I would like to send you a small token of my appreciation. --P.C., Fairfax, VA, October, 2022
• You did an extraordinary job this morning during mediation! Thank you for managing our case. --Client, October, 2022
• I will gladly refer you to my friends. I greatly appreciated your responsiveness, professionalism, and credentials. --Client, October, 2022
• Ellice is a great mediator, she helped us draft the perfect agreement for our case; she also helped us find middle ground and reach solutions that satisfied both parties, We strongly recommend her. --Halima Andour, Falls Church, VA, September, 2022
• I appreciate your insight, concern and sensitivity. You are an amazing person who is making a difference in peoples’ lives. --Client, Woodbridge, VA, May, 2022
• I am an aspiring mediator and met Ellice last year during my search for a mentor. She replied so quickly, immediately willing to help and guide me through this journey. Time after time, Ellice has provided me with advice, reading recommendations, and opportunities to grow as a mediator. I have also gotten to know Ellice through our meetings, and she is so kind and authentic. I would highly recommend going to her for your mediation needs. --Tali Lazar, Arlington, VA, February, 2022
• I've known Ellice for several years now, and have had multiple consultations with her regarding various issues, and she's always been very knowledgeable, professional and empathetic. She truly cares about her clients! I would definitely recommend working with her! --Olia Legoshina, Alexandria, VA, January, 2022
• Careful listener, competent, detail-oriented, law background a plus. --Dr. Joyce Fingeroth, MD, Worcester, MA, January, 2022
• Ellice was excellent and professional throughout the mediation and agreement writing process. I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking a mediator. --Client, January, 2022
• Ellice helped us so much with our mediation process. She was a great listener and communicator. I would highly recommend Little Falls Mediation for your mediation needs! --Rachael Stein, Arlington, VA, October, 2021
• Fantastic at communicating throughout the process. Highly recommend for all mediation needs! --James Gnann, Alexandria, VA, September, 2021
• I truly enjoyed what I learned throughout the duration of this course and look forward to the opportunity to continue to apply these skills in future settings and use what I learned in the class throughout my career after law school. --GMU law student, Arlington, VA, May, 2021
• Ellice was the perfect PERSON to help my former spouse and me see our way to a better future. She made smooth what could have been an extremely painful and arduous process. We both strongly recommend. --Paul Schaaf, Arlington, VA, March, 2021
• Ellice did a great job and is an excellent communicator. I would recommend Little Falls Mediation to anyone requiring mediation. --Dennis Emsley, Providence, RI, February, 2021
• Ellice is a fantastic mediator. I would refer her without hesitation. --David Thomas, Arlington, VA, February, 2021
• I first heard Ellice speak at an event for Law School Alumni. As a speaker, she was knowledgeable, confident, and engaging, so I asked her to give a presentation for our firm as well. Having worked with her, I can add warm, compassionate, and easy to work with to the list. I can certainly see why her clients love her and how she's earned all those glowing reviews! --Mika Dewitz, RLI Design Professionals, December, 2020
• Thank you for the amazing course! --GMU law student, Arlington, VA, December, 2020
• Thank you for providing such a wonderful, informative, and engaging lecture to my students last Tuesday. As I"m sure you could tell from their questions and enthusiasm, my students were thoroughly engaged throughout. They even asked my subsequent speaker about his thoughts on ADR and about mediation in particular! Anyway, I do hope you know how much I appreciate your time, effort, and expertise. Hope you'll be interested in a repeat performance this spring semester! --Matthew Pascocello, American University, November, 2020
• I found Ellice from Google reviews and I’m very happy that I chose her. She writes in plain English rather than all of those confusing law terms. Working with her was a complete joy and even my soon to be ex husband gives her props! She made this process as easy as possible and she’s also just a really nice person. Highly recommend her. Stop looking and hire Ellice. 😊 --Kira Sayarath, Falls Church, VA, October, 2020
• I first met and learned a lot from Ellice when she presented during the Relationship SOS webinar, which provided resources for getting along during the height of the COVID quarantine. The tips and ideas she presented were incredibly practical and helpful. Since then, we've stayed in touch and her advice has been invaluable. She is an objective yet compassionate listener, as well as insightful problem solver. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for mediation services. --Shannon Madden, Reston, VA, October, 2020
• True to her brand, Ellice demonstrates true kindness, real competence, and timely follow-up when helping her clients through difficult times. --M.P., Arlington, VA, September, 2020
• Ellice is a very wise women. Helpful, kind and compassionate. --Florence Jones, Arlington, VA, August, 2020
• Ellice is an incredible listener and brings so much thoughtful care and detail to her work. It's wonderful to have such knowledgeable and compassionate professionals within reach for difficult family matters. --LCD, Falls Church, VA, August, 2020
• Recently, as well as in the past, Ellice has mentored me as I wish to take a similar career path as she has. She's been candid and transparent about her journey to where she is now and engages with me enthusiastically about the steps that I am taking, and may take, to become a successful mediator. I appreciate her genuine nature and passion for mediation and mentoring others! Thank you Ellice! --Lydia Ray, July, 2020
• Recently, I worked with Ellice on a publishing project and presenting a webinar. She is experienced, capable, and responsive -- and she was a generous and thoughtful collaborator on both projects. She is competent and caring, two qualities that in more than 40 years as a family mediator I have learned to appreciate and respect. --Michael Lang, Sarasota, FL, June, 2020
• Little Falls Mediation was voted Best of the Best 2020! --Arlington Sun Gazette News, May, 2020
• ...I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with this mediation class....I feel that this class provided me with a strong foundation of mediation techniques...For me, this class has shown that you can be an effective lawyer without being in an adversarial mindset or engaging in adversarial behavior. For me, that was an invaluable lesson. --GMU law student, Arlington, VA, May, 2020
• Ellice is an excellent listener and mediator and maintains neutrality at all times. She exceeded all of our expectations and we are so thankful for her tremendous skills. We are all so glad we went through Ellice, rather than any other process. Ellice is truly amazing. --Rachel J., February, 2020
• I was very nervous about mediation going in, never having had any experience with it before. Ellice set my mind at ease almost immediately and it turned out to be a great experience. I think it helped us and I highly recommend her if you want to give mediation a try. --Dave B., Falls Church, VA, February, 2020
• A collaborative, effective approach to resolution -- highly recommend! -- Jessica J., February, 2020
• Thank you once again for an enlightening and engaging semester. This was truly one of the best classes I have taken in law school, and I will definitely recommend your courses to students in the future. --GMU law student, Arlington, VA, November, 2019 • Ellice is competent, caring, and empathetic. Highly recommend! --J.B., Arlington, VA, November, 2019
• Highly recommend Little Falls Mediation! --Nick T., Arlington, VA, November, 2019
• I am so grateful to have Ellice as our mediator and advisor. She encourages communication and group solutions just when you do not think you can go any further. She leads with intelligence and is very aware of the strength of individual personalities and is keen to make them harmonize. She is ahead of her time and an asset to this vocation. --Jennifer H., October, 2019
• Ellice is delightful to work with on issues that are rarely a delight. She is an excellent active listener, responsive, helpful, available for questions, and doesn't "pick sides" which is exactly what a mediator should be. I will happily recommend her to others who are navigating situations that can work with mediation. --Lori Hoffer, Arlington, VA, August, 2019
• What can I say about Ellice Halpern? I came to her desperate, broken, and in serious need of a mediator who wanted to truly help me. Ellice was able to talk me through the process and get my spouse to finally communicate about custody. Ellice is kind, warm, and welcoming in every capacity. I trusted her with the unfortunate details of my separation and she reassured me I would make it through my situation. I reached out to several mediators in NOVA and Ellice was the only one to truly take the time to understand what the best way to move forward was. I am so incredibly happy I chose her and if you need mediation in NOVA, choose the absolute best. I hope I will never need her assistance again, but in event that I or my family and friends do, Ellice Halpern of Little Falls Mediation comes highly recommended by me. Ellice can help you and if you need a mediator, you would be doing your case an injustice to choose anyone else.
6/5 stars
Thank you so much Ellice! You took a terrible circumstance and gave me much needed hope and comfort. --James Deter, Jr., May 2019
• I want to sincerely thank you...for a wonderful class and enjoyable semester. In addition to my enhanced understanding of mediation, my communicative and listening skills have greatly improved and will further my career. From the role plays to reflective journals, this was one of the most well-organized courses I have ever taken! In short, thank you so much for helping me end law school on a high note. --GMU law student, Arlington, VA, May, 2019
• Ellice Halpern, Little Falls Mediation, was voted Best of the Best in the Arlington Sun Gazette 2019 reader poll. --Arlington Sun Gazette, March, 2019
• Ellice is very easy to talk to and level headed. She has such a positive energy and calmness that inspired me to follow in her footsteps and become a mediator. She is extremely generous with her time and energy and I would not hesitate to recommend her to mediate any dispute. --Julie Hamilton, Arlington, VA, March, 2019 • Ellice has helped me several times with questions leading up to divorce and beyond, with questions regarding custody and other shared parenting disputes. She always answers with an open mind and sound advice. She has been a great resource during often difficult and challenging times. I highly recommend her. --Matt C., February, 2019
• Ellice is extremely professional and extremely detailed. She listens to you and explains all aspects of the plan she has for your needs. Her ideas are creative and to the point. She is so easy to work with, very pleasant and always knowledgeable. We highly recommend her services. She is top in her field. --Bellina Lambdin, Great Falls, VA, February, 2019
• Ellice is an impressive mediator and a known leader in the mediation profession in Virginia. --Kristen Kalina, January, 2019
Ellice was extremely generous with her time and helped me to identify resources and brainstorm next steps -- sunny disposition and helpful approach. --Ben Staub, Washington, D.C., January, 2019
• Ellice was great to work with. She helped me find the right resources for my friend. She listened to what I needed and responded accordingly. --Suzanne Dunn, LICSW, LSW, Washington, D.C., December, 2018
• I also wanted to thank you....Our class this semester was nothing short of amazing and I can say with confidence that it is one of the best law school classes I have had. I wrote a lot of this down on our class evaluations, but I think it is worth mentioning that you... have a very positive effect on the students that you teach. I am very pleased to have met you...and learned so much. Please stay in touch and enjoy the holidays! --GMU law student, Arlington, VA, December, 2018
• Ellice was extremely helpful in my discussions with my landlord about a heating issue in my apartment. Her skills and her thorough, detailed advice helped me reach an agreement with my landlord and get the problem fixed. Superb service! --Leah von Essen, November, 2018
• Ellice provided fair, calm and thorough advice, helping me to see all perspectives through my divorce. She kept me focused on the issues rather than the emotions and helped me to negotiate and compromise. She's incredibly warm, and I am grateful for her guidance. I highly recommend her for an amicable divorce. --Laura M., Arlington, VA, October, 2018
• Ellice is a compassionate and caring person. She genuinely listens, finds compromises and solutions to problems. She is authentic and honest in her approach. I don't know another mediator who goes the distance and puts it all on the line for her clients. She is sensitive to the difficulty involved in what she does and treads gently with individuals as they sort through challenges. --Melissa Sporn, Ph.D., MSW, Psychologist, McLean, VA, October, 2018
• Ellice, You’ve made my day! Thank you! After speaking with you... it’s the most empowered I’ve felt! Thank you! --Kelly G., Arlington, VA, September, 2018
• Over the years you have been incredibly supportive to several of my clients. I hear over and over again how helpful and caring you are as they struggle through difficult times. Thanks for being there. I will continue to send people your way. -- Beulah L., LCSW, BCD, McLean, VA, June, 2018
• We've really enjoyed working with you. You made the process of dealing with a seemingly complicated issue go smoothly. Thank you for making this process less scary and daunting. --Client, Arlington, VA, June, 2018
• Ellice Halpern, Little Falls Mediation, was voted Best Attorney 2018 by the readers of the Arlington Sun Gazette in its March 22, 2018 issue that contains the Best of Arlington 2018 Poll. http://www.insidenova.com/best_of/ --Arlington Sun Gazette, Arlington, VA, March, 2018
• As a divorce attorney, I have helped a number of clients get divorced who were able to settle their issues through mediation with Ellice Halpern of Little Falls Mediation. Her clients have ended up with durable agreements they feel good about. Ellice is a skilled mediator! --Teresa Cole, J.D., Cole Miller, Vienna, VA, March, 2018
• Ellice was outstanding! The separation agreement between my husband and me went smoothly and in large part because of Ellice. Call her if you want an easy, amicable separation or divorce. --D. Motley, McLean, VA, February, 2018 • In the short time I consulted with Ellice, I was immediately struck by her kind and welcoming demeanor. She is an excellent communicator, with strong experience, and I am confident she will facilitate an unbiased mediation process with care and compassion. --Karen, February, 2018
• After consulting with Ellice, I walked into mediation with confidence. She helped me prioritize the things that mattered most to me, coached me through negotiation strategies, and offered diffusing phrases and questions that I could not have found on my own given my emotional involvement. I appreciate that Ellice helped me negotiate within my comfort zone, and that she offered a real-world perspective on my situation, and kindness. If I had to start fresh, I would have used Ellice for my entire mediation process. --H.M., Vienna, VA, January, 2018
• When my family was in need of mediation, our search ended quickly when we found Ellice Halpern of Little Falls Mediation. Having the opportunity to work with Ellice is a wonderful and rewarding experience! She unbiasedly and patiently facilitates the mediation process. Additionally, she provides quality service and demonstrates a genuine care and concern for my family and our issue. Ellice has proven to be trustworthy and honest as she works diligently and masterfully to ensure she positions us to achieve full resolution. I am appreciative and well pleased with the service Ellice provides. Her professional approach to mediation is second to none and I’d recommend her above all. She is truly a Godsend! Thank you Mrs. Ellice Halpern. God Bless! -- Jude, Alexandria, VA, November, 2017
• Ellice taught us negotiating skills that are priceless and helped us tremendously. She also helped us improve communication in all aspects of the relationship. -- Virginia T., Falls Church, VA, May, 2017
• We met with Ellice of Little Falls Mediation on two occasions for mediation to discuss an out-of-state move between divorced parents. We were able to have a consultation with her before to discuss our side of the mediation and feel like she was really able to understand where we were coming from. Because of this we felt good going into the mediation. The first mediation didn't end as we wanted it to end, but we were able to have a productive conversation with the help of Ellice to understand both sides of the situation. She was able to explain a little better where the other parent was at, which all-in-all helps the relationship to co-parent. The second mediation was about 9 months after the first mediation and we felt that Ellice was just as up to date as the first session. She knew our key points in the discussion and was able to talk to both parties before to see what had changed. Because of this, we were able to mediate within an hour and a half and come up with an agreeable MOU, which was delivered very quickly on behalf of Little Falls Mediation. We were very happy with the professional services that Ellice and Little Falls Mediation provided and would recommend them to anyone who is trying to mediate, commercially or personally. --Natalie S., Arlington, VA, April, 2017
• It was a pleasure to co-teach a session on mediation and negotiation with Ellice for Leadership Arlington at the Virginia Tech Arlington Campus. She is a dynamic, knowledgeable, and energetic presenter, and I hope to have the opportunity to work together again in the near future. --Renee Kostick Reynolds, Family Law Attorney and Certified Mediator, Alexandria, VA, January, 2017 • Ellice is a knowledgeable mediation expert and public speaker. Her warm demeanor and articulate depiction of the mediation process convey her vast experience and deep passion for her work. Sharing experiences and examples, Ellice teaches conflict resolution for today’s complex world. There’s no one better to learn from about negotiation and mediation than Ellice Halpern. -- Maura Fredericks, Founder of Thrive Consulting and Coaching, Arlington, VA, December, 2016
• Many thanks for being in touch and for allowing me to observe your successful mediation. I thought you did very well indeed in helping those ladies to agree; the initial atmosphere in the room suggested that you had your work cut out for you (not sure if you use that phrase in the US - it is a reference to a very difficult task!). I was especially impressed by your ability to note with accuracy what was being said and relaying it back. I will certainly be making reference in my report to JAMS, the funding body, the Scottish Government and the Scottish judiciary to the systems you have in the DC courts. I may have one or two questions as I write up the notes of my visit, I will be in touch if I do. I hope our paths cross again, they may well do as I am aiming to sustain collaborations between DC and Scotland in this area. Many thanks again for your help and hospitality. -- Derek Auchie, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, October, 2016
• Ellice has been great to work with. She is an excellent listener and excels at facilitating communication in difficult situations. She helped me feel empowered to find solutions when I felt trapped, and I always felt our sessions were incredibly productive. -- Courtney, Fairfax, VA, May, 2016
• Ellice has a way of simplifying situations that could easily become very messy. She offers not only extensive knowledge but also empathy, creating a warm, supportive atmosphere in a difficult circumstance. -- Ingrid Martin, May, 2016 • Arlington Sun Gazette Best of 2016; http://www.insidenova.com/best-of-arlington/article_86b6d838-ec4c-11e5-b798-33d840a3d5fa.html -- Little Falls Mediation was voted the best under Professional Services, Arlington, VA, March, 2016
• The book you suggested was very helpful in understanding how we could move forward...we ended up using a sample separation agreement...we have signed that and now have our ore tenus hearing on Tuesday. Again, thank you so much for your helpful thoughts on the phone as well as this book recommendation. You were generous with your time and insight, and it's helped us navigate this process. -- Couple seeking amicable and low cost divorce, Arlington, VA, January, 2016
• They kept two hardheaded people on task and focused. When we were being counterproductive, they kept us calm and on topic...we made the agreements in language we chose. If we had gone to mediators from the start, we would have been done in two months at a fraction of the cost...We got a chance to talk and be heard, ask for what was important to us and fight for what we wanted amongst ourselves. I can't say enough about how much we appreciate {our mediators}. -- Praise for Ellice Halpern, Family from McLean, VA, excerpt, Northern Virginia magazine, December 2015 Cover Story "Til Divorce Do Us Part"
• I am very comfortable with your sincere handling of our mediation...I very much appreciated your style and helpfulness...I have recommended your firm to another couple already...You were solid. -- R.P., Arlington, VA, September, 2015
• ...I don't think divorce is ever easy, but Rick and Ellice certainly saved us from what was looking like a complete nightmare.
We were on a hamster wheel of disagreements and back and forth, each one with the hefty price tag of our lawyers. I was skeptical that anyone could help us get to a point where we could agree on anything. Rick and Ellice were both such a blessing. They worked well as a team to keep us on topic, remain objective, help unscramble the emotions and get to the bottom of what needed to be sorted out. They worked really well as a team and made me feel like I was being heard -- finally! They also had a lot of knowledge in regards to the law, and what was actually fair.
In the end, we were able to avoid both of the trials that were set, and come to our own, non-traditional agreement that we felt worked best for us, and kept the best interest of our children at heart. We had a total of 4 sessions with them, it was a fraction of the cost of legal fees, and when we finally signed our agreement, it was like a weight of 1000 lbs was lifted from both of us. I am very thankful for the experience. -- Melissa S., Washington, D.C., Yelp Review, April, 2015
• Ms. Ellice Halpern is a very skilled mediator with great success with helping parties with a variety of types of conflicts find options and resolution. Her interpersonal skills enable her to assist parties move from impasses to agreement. Because of her legal education and warm professional manner she is able to meet difficult challenges with excellent results in this often highly charged and assertive negotiating arena. -- Andre R., Washington, D.C., 2015
• A highly equipped and talented mediator...I have had the pleasure of working with Ellice Halpern as her co-mediator and mentor. Ellice possesses all the skills needed to be a highly effective mediator. She listens well, uses a very effective model for progress, and always has empathy for both sides of the discussion. Ellice helps her clients understand and clarify their issues, develop possible solution options, and facilitates their discussions into mutual agreement. She has the ability to move agreements into clear and precise written statements of intent for client use in the next step forward. It is always a pleasure to work with a mediator as able and effective as Ellice. -- Angus MacInnes, Alexandria, VA, Fifteen Year State Certified Virginia Mediator, 2015
• It has been my pleasure to have co-mediated a number of cases with Ellice Halpern. In all of the cases, Ellice has managed to bring a calm and purposeful atmosphere to the proceedings which has led to constructive and creative agreements between the parties. Utmost in the family cases has been her focus on the best needs of the children and how the parents can cooperate to meet those needs. -- J. Richard Schapira, Esq., Alexandria, VA, Certified Family Mediator, 2015
• One family case that Ellice Halpern and I co-mediated was unusually complex. The two parents, already divorced, had very different ideas about what parenting schedule would work best for their children and what child care arrangements were appropriate. The parents had low levels of trust for each other. None of that is unusual. The complexity came from each parent having serious concerns about the other's thinking and emotional processing. While I can't say more without compromising confidentiality, I can say that Ellice did a marvelous job of understanding and respecting each parent's perspective and helping both to negotiate constructively -- crucial skills for a good mediator to have! Ellice was warm and professional with our clients throughout all of our mediation sessions. -- Virginia Colin, Ph.D., Alexandria, VA, Radio Talk Show Host at VoiceAmerica Talk Radio/Director and Professional Family Mediator, Colin Family Mediation Group/Research Psychologist/Author of TheGuide to Low Cost Divorce in Virginia: How to Do It Yourself, 2015