In 1994, I founded Amherst Mediation Services. My decision to offer mediation as an alternative to the traditional litigation system stemmed from my years of experience in the Probate and Family Court and in particular my concern that in many ways the court system was not the most efficient and best equipped system for handling family crisis such as divorce. Mediation offers participants more control over their own destiny and works to increase rather than discourage communication. Mediation is also far cheaper and often far quicker than traditional litigation. However, mediation is not appropriate in every situation. I continue to provide my clients with legal services. In my capacity as an attorney I provide services which are professional, courteous and sensitive to my clients' financial needs, emotional needs and family situation.
In my ongoing effort to provide my clients with the widest range possible of solutions that meets their needs, in 2004 began offering collaborative law as yet another alternative approach to resolving divorces and other domestic relations issues. In the collaborative law model, I represent my clients just as I would in the traditional litigation approach. The primary difference however is that both lawyers and both clients sign a contract that the matter will be handled without resorting to the courts to resolve disputes. If a client decides to utilize the courts during the divorce process, both attorneys must withdraw and both clients need to retain new attorneys.
I now focus my practice almost exclusivley on helping clients through mediation. I offer services througout Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, Berkshire and Worcester counties including such towns as Amherst. Northampton. Springfield, Pittsfield and Worcester.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
Hebrew, Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MA | Active | 1988 | 02/22/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
BV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2016 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2016 |
Best Lawyers in America- Mediation | Best Lawyers in America | 2014 |
John A. Fiske Award for Excellence | Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation | 2014 |
Best laywers in America- Mediation | Best Laywers in America | 2013 |
Advanced Practitioner | Academy of Professional Family Mediators | 2013 |
Best lawyer- Mediation | Best Lawyer In America | 2011 |
Best Lawyer- Mediation | Best Lawyer In America | 2010 |
Best Lawyer- Mediation | Best Lawyers in America | 2009 |
Community Service Award | Massachusetts Bar Association | 2009 |
Advanced Practitioner | Association for Conflict Resolution | 2005 |
Certification | Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation | 1997 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | Law and Mediation Office of Oran E. Kaufman | 2004 - Present |
Associate/Partner | Burres, Fidnick, Booth and Kaufman | 1989 - 2004 |
Clerk | Massachusetts Superior Court | 1988 - 1989 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Academy of Professional Family Mediators | Certification | 2013 - Present |
Best lawyer- Mediation | 2009 - Present | |
Hampshire County Bar Association | Member | N/A |
Massachusetts Bar Association | Member | N/A |
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts | Member | N/A |
Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation | Member | N/A |
Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council | Member | N/A |
Parents and Children in Transition | Clerk | N/A |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Mediate.com | Lingerers, Malingerers and Those who Throw Zingers: Dealing with Challenging Clients | 2009 |
New England ACR Newsletter | So You Are Thinking of Becoming a Full-Time Mediator? | 2006 |
Mediate.com | Conflict Resolution Tips for Divorcing Couples | 2005 |
Mediate.com | The Benefits Of Self Reflection In Your Mediation Practice | 2003 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Northeastern University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1988 |
Washington University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1985 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Academy of Professional Mediators Annual Conference | Mediation Marketing | 2015 |
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. | Divorce Mediation | 2014 |
Divorce mediation Training 2011 | Divorce Mediation Training | 2011 |
MCLE Family Mediation Training- MCLE | Divorce Mediation | 2010 |
Divorce Mediation Training- TMTC | Divorce Mediation Training | 2010 |
Amherst Chamber of Commerce Brown Bag Series | Conflict Resolution Training | 2010 |
Family Law Mediation Training | Mediation | 2009 |
Family Law Mediation Training- MCLE | Mediation Training | 2008 |
Divorce Mediation Training | Divorce mediation | 2008 |
Annual Conference | “Alzheimer's: Dispute Resolution Options When Family Disputes Arise | 2008 |
Divorce Mediation Training | Divorce Mediation | 2006 |
Annual Conference | Alzheimer's: Dispute Resolution Options When Family Disputes Arise | 2006 |
American Bar Association | Using Parenting Coordinators to Resolve High Conflict Family Cases | 2004 |
Annual Conference | On What Level are We Mediating | 2000 |
Continuing Education | The Joy of Conflict | 1998 |
Annual Conference | Superglue or Velcro: How to Get Unstuck During Mediation | 1998 |
Continuing Legal Education Workshop | Updating Your Boilerplate | 1996 |
Continuing Education | Practical Skills Workshop: Divorce Demystified | 1996 |
Annual Conference | Drafting Separation Agreements: Can You be Neutral | 1996 |
Panelist | Family Law Motion Practice | 1995 |
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Lisa Smith, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 30, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Oran is a well respected member of the family law mediation community. For many, he has made important contributions to helping families resolve their divorces peacefully. I endorse this lawyer. I endorse Oran Kaufman!
Doris Tennant, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 29, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Oran as a very knowledgeable and caring attorney and mediator. He is extremely thoughtful and his diligence as a lawyer is evident to me. If I were seeking a divorce lawyer or mediator, I would not hesitate to engage him.
Lisa Smith, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 30, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Oran is a well respected member of the family law mediation community. For many, he has made important contributions to helping families resolve their divorces peacefully. I endorse this lawyer. I endorse Oran Kaufman!
Doris Tennant, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 29, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Oran as a very knowledgeable and caring attorney and mediator. He is extremely thoughtful and his diligence as a lawyer is evident to me. If I were seeking a divorce lawyer or mediator, I would not hesitate to engage him.
Vicki Shemin, Mediation Attorney on Jan 29, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Oran Kaufman is an icon in the field of family mediation. He is held in high esteem by colleagues and clients alike. He has made significant contributions to the field of family law and dispute resolution. His character and professionalism are highly regarded by those who know him well.
Les Wallerstein, Family Attorney on Feb 11, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer's work.