MCFM Professional Development Workshop (Online)
2 PM - 4 PM Eastern
via Zoom
"Looking Around the Corners: Mediation In Anticipation of Future Litigation"
by Jennifer Clapp, Clapp Family Law LLC
About the presentation:
When representing clients in mediation or serving as the mediator, the focus is often on finding the compromise that allows the parties to reach an agreement. But what happens when mediation clients are not represented with the possibility of future litigation in mind?
Compromise language can sometimes be difficult to interpret or may not be sufficiently “clear and unambiguous” to support a future finding of contempt. This roundtable will explore how to preserve the spirit of mediation and compromise while also protecting clients should issues arise in the future—and why doing so may require mediators and counsel to keep their litigation hats on throughout the process.
Meet Our Presenter:
Jennifer Clapp is passionate about her work on behalf of clients. She views her role as a principled advocate, problem solver, and reassuring presence. Together, she and her clients build the framework for the next chapter of their lives.
Over the past twenty years, she has acquired the substantive knowledge and built the professional network necessary to achieve favorable outcomes for clients. The majority of Jenny’s clients have complex marital estates and/or income structures. Jenny has worked with experts to value business or property interests; she understands executive compensation and the importance of adjusting for the tax impact of alimony and the monetization of assets. As an active member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliator Courts, an interdisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the court process for children, Jenny is able to connect her clients with therapists and other experts trained to support individuals; provide guidance on difficult parenting issues; or help developing a parenting plan tailored to meet each child’s specific needs.
Jenny has trial experience representing clients in a broad array of family legal matters including complaints for divorce; modifications and removals; and complaints for civil and criminal contempt. In addition to being a courtroom advocate, Jenny also has extensive experience in the negotiation of pre-marital and post-nuptial agreements; mediating disputes; and advising clients in paternity proceedings. She routinely assists clients with the negotiation of child support and alimony obligations. Jenny accepts pro bono appointments through the Norfolk Probate & Family Court “ARC” (Attorneys Representing Children) program.
Recognized by her peers in Massachusetts and nationally, Jenny has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America, a respected national peer review, since 2013. She was recognized by her colleagues as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2010 – 2013 and as a Super Lawyer since 2014. She is the former Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Family Law Section Council and former President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliator Courts.
When not working, you’ll find Jenny tending to her garden or watching the backyard birds with her two cats. She loves spending time with family and friends; sending handwritten notes; listening to music – preferably on vinyl; and visiting art museums. And, after growing up as a land-locked Midwesterner, she never tires of going to the beach — even on cold, gray days. Jenny travels as often as she can. She recognizes that seeing a new place or experiencing another culture helps her approach her life (and her work!) with fresh eyes.
Distinctions
- Best Lawyers in America (2013 – 2025)
- Super Lawyer (2014 – 2024)
- Super Lawyer Rising Star (2010 – 2013)
Affiliations
- Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliator Courts, Past President
- Massachusetts Bar Association, Former Chair of the Family Law Section Council
- Massachusetts Inn of Courts
- Child Support Guidelines Taskforce (2017)
- Education / Bar Admissions
- Bachelor of Arts, Hiram College (2000)
- Juris Doctorate, Washington College of Law – American University (2003)
- Massachusetts Bar (Admitted 2003)
COST: No charge to attend the Workshop but you must be a member of MCFM
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Please register in advance for this meeting below
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting via Zoom.
RECORDING: This presentation WILL be recorded.
CANCELLATIONS: If you discover after you register that you will not be able to attend, please let us know ASAP by emailing admin@mcfm.org.
QUESTIONS? Email Kacy Wiant, MCFM Administrator
