Adam J. Halper, Esq.

05/05/2026

Had a great time speaking this past weekend at the New York Council of Divorce Mediation conference in Saratoga. I joined Kristen Lyndaker and Sheryl-Anne Sastow to discuss intimate partner violence and its impact on the mediation process.

We explored a nuanced but important point: while IPV can make mediation inappropriate in many cases, with thoughtful adjustments—structure, pacing, support, and safeguards—there are situations where parties can still safely and meaningfully engage.

Grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an engaged and thoughtful community.

02/13/2026

On the back of every U.S. dollar is the Eye of Providence, watching over an unfinished pyramid — a quiet reminder that the work of the nation is never fully complete.

Presidents’ Day isn’t only about the people who have held office, but about the ongoing project they inherit: guiding a country that is always evolving, always debating, always building.

In many ways, that’s the spirit of mediation too — progress not as a final victory, but as a continuing process of listening, adjusting, and finding the next workable step forward.

The structure isn’t finished. The work continues.

Wishing you a thoughtful Presidents’ Day. 🇺🇸

01/12/2026

I am pleased to announce my participation on the panel of the American Arbitration Association/ICDR, where I will be mediating cases related to matrimonial and family law. For further details, please refer to the following link: https://mediatorsearch.adrapps.org/resume/5168500.

11/11/2025

Veteran's Day. Reminded of this extraordinary, short documentary. Theater of War: A Warrior’s Last Words: U.S. veterans read the words of the Greek hero Ajax and his wife, Tecmessa....Hard to watch. Very much worth it.

Link Here:

U.S. veterans read the words of the Greek hero Ajax and his wife, Tecmessa, as he contemplates su***de.

11/03/2025

Honored to participate in Global Citizenship Day at my alma mater, Edgemont Junior/Senior High School in Scarsdale. I spoke to a wonderful class of eighth graders about my work with domestic violence survivors at Legal Services NYC, with individuals and families affected by serious illness at The Family Center, and about my current practice as a mediator and collaborative attorney.

As per the invitation, the goal of this presentation was to...[h]elp students understand critical global issues and motivate them to become active, responsible members of society who strive to make a meaningful difference....
..This involves nurturing empathy, encouraging openness to diverse viewpoints, and highlighting how global challenges are all connected. The end goal is to equip students with the tools and inspiration they need to take action and work toward a fairer, more peaceful, and sustainable world.

It was a remarkable day. Takeaways...

Middle school kids are surprisingly thoughtful. I think that they taught me;
They are activated by emotionally challenging subjects;
Edgemont HS is a special place.

Special thanks to friend, Rachel Ratcliffe at Edgemont for the invitation.

10/27/2025

Last Thursday, I attended a fundraiser for the Legal Wellness Institute at The Family Center (LWI). The Family Center is this incredibly special place that provides legal and social services to families and individuals affected by severe illness. I worked there for many years.

Ran into old friends Caroline Bersak (who took my place as Director after I left) and Lauren Groetch (who took Caroline’s place).

Last Thursday was a special night. There is a lot that I cherish from my time spent at The Family Center including the opportunity to work with remarkable clients on consistently challenging cases – with amazing colleagues such as Caroline and Lauren.

More about LWI here: https://www.thefamilycenter.org/what-we-do/legal-wellness-institute/

Donation link here: https://www.thefamilycenter.org/how-can-i-help/donate-today/

10/13/2025

10/06/2025

Six Years In… Still Choosing Collaboration Over Conflict.

Six years ago, I stepped into this work to help people untangle their hardest moments — with less damage and more dignity.

As a mediator, collaborative attorney, and parenting coordinator, I’ve sat at countless tables where tension was thick, hearts were heavy, and hope felt distant. I’ve witnessed something incredible: when people are heard, resolution begins.

To every client who trusted me in your hardest moments, to every colleague who referred with care, and to the professionals walking the high road beside me — thank you. You’ve made this journey meaningful.

Here’s to year 7: more clarity, compassion, and smarter ways to do conflict.

09/22/2025

Wishing all who celebrate a happy, healthy New Year this Rosh Hashanah.

Shana Tovah!

09/15/2025

Over the last three years, I’ve posted frequently about my work as Co-Chair of the Westchester County Bar Association’s ADR Committee. I cycled off in the Spring and I didn’t post anything about it. There was a lot happening in the Spring. As the school year begins and September invites fresh starts, I thought I might do so now.

-- It was such a privilege to Co-Chair the Committee with outstanding colleague, Russell Yankwitt. Over the last three years the ADR Committee promoted dialogue and learning through many networking, judicial luncheons and CLE events. My big takeaways were as follows:

-- There are many great lawyers, judges and mediators in Westchester.

-- Partnering with other groups, e.g. Westchester Women’s Bar Association, the New York Association for Collaborative Professionals, the Federal Bar Council, etc. is a great way for people who might not otherwise have a reason to meet, to connect with each other.

The local Federal and State benches are filled with very thoughtful people who take their work to heart and who hold the rule of law and public service in the highest regard.

I’ve been out of school for a long time, but this season always feels like a reset somehow —new notebooks, new calendars, new opportunities. A few days ago, I found some old photos of association events. I was reminded of how bar associations (and the ADR Committee) can be places for renewal as much as they are professional organizations.

Congratulations to new ADR Committee Co-Chairs, Steven Waldinger and Tara Fappiano. Special thanks to Marc Sherdian for inviting me to this opportunity. As always, special thanks to Isabel Barney and Melanie Zamenhof at the WCBA for their tireless efforts.

Wishing everyone of you good luck in the new school year; the next case or mediation; the next chapter or whatever comes as the leaves begin to fall.