Simpson, Robert

Collaborative Divorce Lawyer & Family Law Mediator There are a few decisions you will need to make in order to settle your case. Besides what method to use (such as mediation and collaborative law), you will need to make sure you and your mediator and/or lawyer are a good fit. Leslie Howell is an experienced yet passionate mediator and lawyer. She cares because she understands what parties in your situation are going through. Leslie comes from a bi-racial, musical family and is an adoptive parent as well. She was a jazz singer for several years before (and after) attending law school. She has also worked for years in a corporate setting. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, but has lived in New York City, Japan and Hawaii. Her background makes her approachable and she has insight that most other mediators and lawyers may not have. This insight allows Leslie to understand, as well as creatively think, about the issues at hand. Although Leslie's focus is on settling cases, she continues to litigate in various courtrooms within Los Angeles County. The fact that she continues to litigate gives her insight into current judicial trends, which knowledge is quite valuable at settlement meetings. However, Leslie has recently reduced her rates for mediation and collaborative divorce in order to encourage you to settle your case. You are welcome at the Law Offices of Howell and Howell regardless of your socio-economic class. On one hand, Leslie feels it is important to give back to the community by keeping costs down, especially in these challenging economic times. On the other hand, she has represented high-profile clients in Century City who have had more complex, and therefore, much more expensive cases. If you have a family law matter that you wish to resolve amicably, Leslie can keep your costs down through mediation, collaborative law or limited scope representation (where she can do certain tasks for you but you continue to represent yourself). When emotions run high, it may be critical that other professionals are brought in to settle your case, such as coaches, a neutral financial specialist and child specialist. While the professionals work as a team for you, they should not bill you as a team. Ask Leslie whether a collaborative or mediation team would be cost effective for your case. Leslie belongs to practice groups that include these other professionals and could help you choose the one that is right for you. Leslie earned her B.A. in 1998 and J.D. in 2001, at the University of Southern California. She was admitted into the State Bar of California in 2001 and has been practicing family law since, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support and community property issues. Leslie has attended formal training sessions in mediation and collaborative divorce. Through these processes, she empowers parties to creatively resolve their concerns with integrity and promote a successful future for their families without a court appearance. 

Leslie is a member of the Black Women Lawyer's Association of Los Angeles, John M. Langston Bar Association, Pasadena Collaborative Divorce Group, Pasadena Bar Association, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association (LACFLA), Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), American Bar Association, and the State Bar of California.

Here is the link to Leslie's blog to learn more information about her: http://www.pasadenamediationlawyer.blogspot.com/