Pauline Tesler

Cooperative law focuses on settlement. Like collaborative practice, in cooperative law there is an agreement among the lawyers and clients for a peaceful settlement—however, it does not require the lawyers to withdraw if settlement cannot be reached. A leader in the development of cooperative law, the Wisconsin Cooperative Divorce website describes the principles of their agreement as follows:

Both parties and attorneys commit in good faith to do the following:

*Cooperate by acting civilly at all times and by responding promptly to all reasonable requests for information from the other party.
*Cooperate by fully disclosing all relevant financial information.
*Cooperate by obtaining joint appraisals and/or other expert opinions before obtaining individual appraisals or expert opinions.
*Cooperate by obtaining meaningful expert input (e.g., a child specialist) before requesting a custody study or the appointment of a guardian ad litem.

Neuro-Collaboration: How New Perspectives from the Neurosciences Can Enhance Your Collaborative Conflict Resolution Skills
Faculty: Pauline H. Tesler, M.A., J.D., and Thomas Lewis, M.D.

Approved for 18 hours of California CFLS (Certified Family Law Specialist) credit, including 18 credit hours for psychological and counseling aspects of family law

Truth in Labeling:

In this part, Pauline addresses the importance of fully informed consent for clients to understand the process. She talks about the "single coach model" and her deep concerns that it blurs the distinctions of coaching.