BRENDAN HAMMER

COMPLEXITY DEMANDS CREATIVITY

Divorcing spouses deserve more from litigation, mediation and other ADR processes than a "one-size-fits-none," "paint-by-number," or "top-down" approach. That is why front-end design of an individualized strategy specific to each case is critical. Efficiency and Efficacy reinforce each other. By the same token, while focusing on a bespoke approach in service of meeting the Client's ultimate goals and interests, spouses often need to both know and feel that their resolution has a rigorous, informed, and quantitative benchmark in the law as it is actually practiced - as opposed to in theory. My record in litigation results is second to none. No less than in litigation strategies, successful ADR processes for crafting durable and "doable" solutions do not follow a script or a recipe. Instead, they require an artisanal sensibility and a focused, calibrated ability to open, explore and advance the terrain where multilateral team and trust building can take root between spouses, attorneys, other professionals, and a neutral. The difficult financial, child-related and emotional issues that are found in every divorce require both proven, sophisticated, and nuanced strategy as well as mindful care for the deep undercurrents of feeling that accompany every divorce. I know complex divorce cases both personally and professionally -- from the inside. I know because I’ve been there. YOUR FUTURE IS MY FOCUS…

What I Do

Strategy. Execution. Performance. Results.

For over 15 years, Brendan worked as an attorney at two of the nation’s premier matrimonial law firms, Berger Schatz LLP (Chicago) and KoonsFuller (Texas). He has litigated, negotiated, arbitrated and mediated face-to-face with the most experienced and well-regarded attorneys in the area. With the training and experience he acquired in those two settings, Brendan learned what works and what doesn’t in family law. As a divorced parent himself, who amicably and peacefully resolved his own matter from a fellow divorce lawyer almost a decade ago, Brendan also knows the emotional and psychological issues, challenges, and opportunities that arise in every family law matter.

MEDIATION, ARBITRATION AND HYBRID ADR SERVICES INFORMED BY REAL WORLD DIVORCE LITIGATION

Brendan acquired a demonstrated record of trial and appellate court success in litigating issues of: custody, relocation, visitation, child support, maintenance/alimony, non-marital claims, property division, reasonable compensation, retained earnings, equity awards, fraud claims, and business valuation matters. With his finger on the pulse of what trial court judges do today, he can assist facilitating and evaluating solutions for tomorrow.

LITIGATION AND CONSULTING IN FAMILY LAW MATTERS

Brendan provides unique and collaborative litigation services, trial consulting and support to family law practitioners nationwide. From trial work to witness preparation, theme and examination preparation, remote and on-site conferencing, to client and attorney coaching and development - the performance and performative aspects of family law litigation cannot be overstated.

MARITAL ASSETS, INCOME, MAINTENANCE (ALIMONY) AND SUPPORT

Addressing financial matters in family law and divorce requires experience, knowledge, and access to a seasoned legal professional who can grasp the nuances of complex estate, asset and income structures.

CHILD RELATED / CUSTODY MATTERS

From custody (decision making) and parenting time (visitation) to relocation and child support, some of the most difficult family law issues relate to children. Informed, skillful and experienced professionals can help you navigate the legal process effectively and efficiently.

MEDIATION, ARBITRATION AND HYBRID ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Certified by Northwestern University in Divorce Mediation, and by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in Arbitration, Brendan provides efficient, informed and experienced services as a neutral in family disputes for clients in alternative dispute resolution processes.

COACHING, COMMUNICATIONS AND CRISIS STRATEGIES

From interviews with media and court appointed professionals to the daily management of communications with a spouse or opposing litigant - words matter. Something Brendan knows well and has mastered.

PREMARITAL AND POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS

Brendan is an experienced and creative draftsman with significant experience in fashioning Premarital and Postnuptial Agreements and litigating their validity and enforceability. His track record enables him to review disputes regarding agreements with an informed and proven eye.

ANCILLARY LITIGATION SERVICES

Brendan frequently is sought to co-counsel and represent clients in complex litigation matters. On a case-by-case basis, Brendan continues to litigate high-conflict and complex custody and financial matters as part of a collaborative litigation team.

FORENSIC EXPERT SUPPORT

Brendan knows how to unpack the work of forensic experts in psychological and financial matters and provides customized consultation to both litigants and practitioners, as well as guidance in ADR processes where a forensic expert is necessary.