Below is a roundup of the recent awards, recognitions, media, and other accomplishments of Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law attorneys from around the country.
October 28, 2022 – Sean R. Weissbart, Alan R. Feigenbaum, and Kyle G. Durante will present “Cohabitation Agreements, Property Rights, Property Division, Custody, and Economic Rights of Unmarried Cohabitants Act,” a myLawCLE program being held Friday, October 28, 2022, from 2:00 to 3:40 p.m. EDT, as a live online webinar.
How to Talk about Money with a Partner
October 24, 2022 – Morgan Fraser Mouchette is quoted in this Shondaland article about how to talk finances with your fiancé, spouse, partner, or loved one when money matters can make or break a relationship.
October 19, 2022 – Stacy D. Phillips published this first article of three on the topic of addiction in relationships in her new LinkedIn “Up Close and Personal” series. In this ongoing series, she will share candid experiences, tips, and advice from her personal and professional life.
Stacy D. Phillips Launches “EXES AND OHS” Mini-Podcast on JAM.IA
October 2022 – “Exes and Ohs with Stacy D. Phillips, Esq.” is featured on JAM.AI, a new mini-podcast platform. In the podcast, Stacy shares her personal thoughts, stories, and tips on domestic issues ranging from keeping families together to navigating separation and divorce from her viewpoint as a mom, twice-divorced spouse, and top family and divorce attorney to high-profile clients.
Herschel Walker’s ‘Kiss-Off’ Child Support Agreement
October 14, 2022 – Marilyn B. Chinitz was quoted in The Daily Beast article regarding Herschel Walker’s child support agreement with the mother of his child.
How a Change in Domestic Violence Law Is Impacting Hollywood Divorces
October 4, 2022 – Kristina Royce was quoted in The Hollywood Reporter article regarding a relatively new California law which allows a party to request a restraining order in response to not only things like assault, battery, destruction of property, and harassment but also if someone is destroying “the mental or emotional calm of the other party.”
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (“SLATs”), What You Need to Know
September 2022 – Partners from our Matrimonial, Finance, and Tax practices joined with Sotheby’s Chief Commercial Officer Madeline Lissner to analyze the collateral consequences of Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (“SLATs”). Blank Rome presenters included Marilyn B. Chinitz, Stephen D. Brodie, and Sean R. Weissbart.
My Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Family Dynamic, Post-Divorce
September 21, 2022 – Stacy D. Phillips published this article as the first in her new LinkedIn “Up Close and Personal” series, where she will share candid experiences, tips, and advice from her personal and professional life.
Michelle Gervais Moderates Panel at “Own Your Power: Wine, Women & Wealth” Event
September 2022 – Michelle M. Gervais moderated the “Panel of Women in Professional Sports” at Elegant Living Tampa Bay’s Own Your Power: Wine, Women & Wealth event. Michelle’s session, which included high-powered women in the sports industry, was presented by WISE Tampa Bay (Women in Sports & Events).
Look Ahead with Lois Liberman: Lost and Found
September 2022 – Lois Liberman hosted a “Women’s Salon Series” webinar with guests Donna Bloom, a board certified hypnotist with Wise Mind Hypnosis, and Colette Lettieri, an empowerment coach. Both counsel clients on accessing their inner guidance system and empowering them to become the ultimate version of themselves.
Survey Says: NY Continues to Embrace Joint Custody Arrangements
September 12, 2022 – Alan R. Feigenbaum authored this article published in the New York Law Journal discussing “New York’s decisional law [which] is evolving to the point where blanket statements to the effect that ‘there’s no such thing as joint custody in New York’ are shallow at best.”
Blank Rome Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Best Lawyers in America®
August 2022 – The following Blank Rome Matrimonial & Family Law attorneys were recognized on Best Lawyers in America’s 2023 list: Ryan J. Casson, Marilyn B. Chinitz, Alan R. Feigenbaum, Donald Frank, Steven W. Goldfeder, Norman S. Heller, Sophie Jacobi-Parisi, Stephen P. McSweeney, Dylan S. Mitchell, Morgan Fraser Mouchette, Stacy D. Phillips, Sheila G. Riesel, Kristina Royce, and Ashley Silberfeld. In addition, these attorneys were identified as “2023 Ones To Watch”: Jacqueline Combs, Ali L. Fishbein, and Anita S. Rooz.
Brett Ward Recognized as 2022 Distinguished Leader
August 2022 – Brett S. Ward, who serves as co-chair of the firm’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice group, was recognized as a 2022 Distinguished Leader by the New York Law Journal. The award honors attorneys in leadership roles who “achieved impressive results in the past year” while “demonstrating clear leadership skills leading to positive outcomes.”
Brett Ward Comments in Rolling Stone on Latest Developments in Depp-Heard Trial
August 8, 2022 – In the Rolling Stone article, “Johnny Depp Stans Rushed to Fork Over Cash for Unsealed Court Docs. Did it Backfire?” Brett S. Ward comments on the newly unsealed document dump and why much of the information was kept out of the trial.
What Is the Respect for Marriage Act, and Will It Really Codify Same-Sex Marriage?
July 26, 2022 – In this POPSUGAR article, Ashley Silberfeld comments on the Respect for Marriage Act introduced into Congress by bipartisan lawmakers in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned, and what it could mean for LGBTQ+ couples.
Repeat After Me: Coercive Control Is Domestic Violence
July 22, 2022 – Alan R. Feigenbaum co-authored this commentary article, along with retired New York matrimonial judge Richard A. Dollinger, published in the New York Law Journal which discusses New York’s antiquated definition of domestic violence when a spouse seeks an order granting temporary “exclusive use and occupancy” of a marital home during a divorce.
Chambers High Net Worth 2022 Highly Ranks Blank Rome Attorneys and Matrimonial & Family Law Group
July 2022 – International legal industry ranking firm, Chambers, has highly ranked Blank Rome’s Matrimonial & Family Law practice group in California and New York as well as co-chairs Kristina Royce and Brett S. Ward and partners Marilyn B. Chinitz, Norman S. Heller, Lois J. Liberman, Stacy D. Phillips, and Mary T. Vidas in its Chambers High Net Worth 2022.
Keeping Your Eye on the Prize with Lois Liberman
July 2022 – Lois J. Liberman was a guest speaker on In House Warrior, a daily podcast presented by the Corporate Counsel Business Journal, discussing what to consider before marriage, as well as the joys and challenges of representing high-net-worth individuals, prominent figures, business leaders, and celebrities in divorce.
Morgan Fraser Mouchette Named a 2022 “Notable Diverse Leader in Law”
July 2022 – Morgan Fraser Mouchette has been recognized as one of Crain’s New York Business’ 2022 Notable Diverse Leaders in Law. The lawyers named stand out for their counseling and the nature of their pro bono work, and demonstrate a commitment to community service, philanthropy, professional mentorship, and DEI initiatives.
Michelle Gervais on the Intersection of Business and Family Law
July 2022 – Michelle M. Gervais, co-chair of the firm’s Sports Law practice and a Matrimonial & Family law attorney, was a guest on Sport Shorts (Episode 38), presented by the Sports Lawyers Association, discussing the intersection of business and family law matters.
What’s Holding You Back from Your Career Evolution, Pivot, or Reinvention?
June 27, 2022 – Stacy D. Phillips authored this article, published in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s special 2022 Women’s Leadership Symposium & Awards supplement, discussing why professional change is natural, healthy, and reinvigorating and often evolves into new paths on a career journey.
Stacy D. Phillips Named One of Los Angeles’ 500 Most Influential People
June 2022 – Stacy D. Phillips was listed in the 2022 Los Angeles 500 Most Influential People by the Los Angeles Business Journal, marking her seventh consecutive year on the list. The publication highlights “the most influential, most powerful, and most impactful business professionals” in Los Angeles who serve as “dynamic leaders who are driving innovation, creativity, community, and industry.” Stacy was recognized in the Law category.