Boston Law Collaborative, a multi-disciplinary law firm that specializes in collaborative and conflict resolution, is proud to be called Boston Law Collaborative. We aim to reduce the time and money of our clients as well as emotional turmoil caused by litigation. Are we allowed to go to court? Not unless absolutely necessary. Our years of experience has taught us that effective negotiation and problem solving lead to better outcomes. BLC has a wide range of support services for clients, including experienced lawyers from law, mediation and finance. Frank Sander, a Harvard Law Professor in 1976, created the idea of the multi-door courtshouse. This was a venue where individuals could choose to go for trial or any other dispute resolution process (such as mediation or arbitration). BLC applies the multi-door principle today to deliver client services. Abraham Maslow: "If all you have is a hammer and a screwdriver, everything looks like a problem." BLC seeks alternatives to litigation, the adversarial and traditional method of dispute settlement in the legal system. We use collaborative law, mediation and arbitration as well as case evaluation. We seek to find common ground in order to achieve better solutions. David Hoffman founded BLC in August 2003. He left a Hill & Barlow-based mediation, arbitration, and litigation practice to start a multidisciplinary law and dispute settlement practice. BLC today consists of 10 dedicated professionals and an eclectic community of associates and coworkers. BLC stands out in many ways: Multidisciplinary practice. BLC collaborates with talented individuals in many disciplines, including psychology, accounting and tax, as well as business valuation. Although these people aren't part of our firm, we have established close working relationships to them in order to encourage inter-disciplinary teamwork - with the aim of finding more cost-effective and lasting solutions to conflicts. Collaborative Law. BLC seeks every possible way to solve conflicts without having to go to court. Collaborative law is a significant development in the field of law. It allows clients and lawyers to work together on problem solving strategies, rather than using threats or ultimatums. David Hoffman, a member of BLC was co-founders of Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council. Two of BLC's attorneys are also members of Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council. Dispute Resolution. BLC offers mediation and arbitration services. We also provide a range of services where we act as impartial mediators, such as parenting coordination and case evaluation. Through our Institute, we also offer training in dispute resolution. Several BLC members have led mediation trainings, including for the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education and the Community Dispute Settlement Center. The American Bar Association selected BLC to offer its first mediation training for divorce in 2009. It also offered advanced mediation trainings 2011 and 2012. All BLC lawyers and neutrals have been trained mediators. The ADR Panel at BLC is made up of experienced facilitators, mediators and conciliators as well as administrative judges who have worked in many areas.