On August 11, 2011, Alec Baldwin sparked the momentum needed for revolutionary change within the family court system. He spoke frankly, sometimes emotionally, and sometimes with his wicked sense of humor, about the current family law system and the damage that it can cause. He very pointedly stated that he holds judges responsible – for issuing timely orders that protect parent-child relationships, for enforcing those orders and conveying the absolute expectation of compliance, and for reigning in the lawyers who can add fuel to the already present fire of the litigants.

He challenged the room to respect the parties, the loss of a marriage, and the broken family they are experiencing. He endorsed collaborative law as one of the answers, if not the answer, for dissolving marital relationships respectfully and with dignity. The focus should always be on making a successful transition to the new form of family the parties assume after ending a marriage. He reminded all in attendance that families leave the system, attorneys, and judges behind, but continue to deal with the effects of the process long after, especially when attempting to raise children together.

Alec Baldwin with Brenda Storey, Chair of the Family Law Institute

As the event ended, members of the audience expressed utter enjoyment at being part of the event and the rejuvenation and hope they felt as a player within the divorce process. Several lingered after and shared their own similar experiences within the system. Even a judge in attendance chatted with Mr. Baldwin for a time about her observations on divorce law and her frustrations with what it has become.

The fundraiser component of the evening, a new component of the Institute, was also a huge success. Thousands of dollars were raised for the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado.

As the lights went out on the event that night, the energy for change remained lit.

That momentum continued into the next day. As attendees arrived in Breckenridge, that same energy from the previous night was in the air. People talked excitedly about the successful kick-off and the message delivered by Mr. Baldwin. Attorneys shared stories of their brush with the celebrity, as well as continued their conversations about their own similar experiences within a flawed system that has left clients, and themselves to an extent, bruised and damaged.

The pre-conference, also new to the Institute, had close to 100 participants. The Institute itself welcomed 446 attendees. Mr. Baldwin truly delivered the catalyst effect desired! The “Revolution” theme was enhanced by the classic and iconic Beatles song playing at the start of sessions, and numerous social opportunities helped further open attendees’ minds to the idea of change. The sessions offered at the Institute delivered the promised education and entertainment, and challenged everyone there to join the revolution to reform the practice of family law.

Pam Gagel, with the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, shared solutions from other states, and even other countries. She offered suggestions to streamline the process and requested forward-thinking involvement by the bench and bar.

The Plan B Committee had a captive audience who listened intently to and contributed additional ideas about a rather innovative alternative: taking divorce out of the court system and providing a team approach with triage treatment and education.

At the “Open Memo to the Bench” session, Jim Miller took to heart Mr. Baldwin’s criticisms of the judiciary and opened the topic to further discussion about early judicial intervention, enforcement of orders, and judicial education. Dr. Dana Cogan delivered an inspiring lunchtime presentation on “Change, Life’s One Constant,” and Gina Weitzenkorn, the 2011 Family Law Icon Award recipient, challenged the room to join the revolution by taking more pro bono cases. Eric Six and Bill Vincent, both CPAs, presented on avoiding the battle of the experts. Terri Harrington finished off Saturday with a presentation on “Lawyers as Peacemakers” that had attendees talking well into the following cocktail hour about what events changed them for the better along their careers in the divorce system.

The Institute had wonderful sessions on innovative ways of looking at substantive law and family law practice. Other topics included discussions of when 50-50 parenting time is not the best solution, how to get around the double-dip case law, and what HIPAA is not, among many others. Attendees were provided with written materials, expert referrals, and inspiration to approach their cases, arguments, practice, and careers in a different light.

I have to say, the Institute, from kick-off to conclusion, was everything I had hoped it would be and more.

On August 14, the slow, acoustic version of “Revolution” played and the Institute came to a close. But the revolution had only just begun. Plan B is becoming a reality, moving into the pilot project phase. Jim Miller is generating an actual “Open Memo to the Bench” to be disseminated to the judiciary, reflecting the input provided during his session. Providing more family-law-focused training for judicial officers is a priority, with State Judicial and CBA-CLE joining forces. The Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System has been granted new access to court cases to conduct research and facilitate further change.

And lastly, the Family Law Section is rolling out a new webpage that links its members to all of the judicial districts and has started a two-year process of implementing statewide the family court “Best Practices,” as identified by the Family Law Task Force. The Section is focusing on being an even bigger resource for its members – we hope you join us in making our vision for the future a reality!

Thomas Jefferson once said, “Every generation needs a new revolution.” This revolution has truly only begun and I look forward to reporting on our progress and success!