Brian James is an experienced Divorce and Family Mediator who mediates throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. He started his mediation practice, C.E.L. and Associates, Inc. in late 2005 and currently sees clients exclusively via Zoom unless an in-person meeting makes sense, as he has found Zoom to be both cost and time effective for his clients, along with helping keep meetings more civil and focused on the facts.
Brian earned his B.S. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in 1994 and completed training in Mediation and Conflict Resolution through Northwestern University.
The first 10 years of his professional career, Brian worked in the Criminal Justice System helping domestic violence and divorcing families resolve family conflicts, by assisting with the healing process after these life-changing events occurred. His approach to mediation is client driven by aiding the resolution of their divorce issues outside of the courtroom. Through mediation Brian helps people work through their problems and the process gives them skills to use in future conflicts.
Education
Northern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science, Sociology and Psychology, 1994
Membership & Affiliations
Association for Conflict Resolution (National and Chicago Chapter)
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Wisconsin Association of Mediators
Frequent speaker at Chicago area Domestic Violence Shelters
Featured regularly in many online articles and ezine
