A Bittersweet Goodbye: Honoring Penny Robinson and Alan Zvibleman

August 7, 2023

In 2023, the firm bid farewell to attorneys Penny Robinson and Alan Zvibleman, and we cannot help but feel a mixture of emotions. It is indeed a bittersweet moment for our firm and all those who have worked with these family law champions.


Penny and Alan have been an integral part of our firm, dedicating their time, expertise, and compassion to those in need of their guidance and support. Their commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for families facing difficult situations has been unparalleled. Their passion for family law and unwavering dedication to their clients have impacted our firm and the legal community as a whole.


Alan has been practicing law since 1979. He worked at Capes Sokol for 15 years, before joining The Center for Family Law in 2013. Alan is a skilled family law litigator, mediator, and collaborative divorce practitioner. He is an American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) fellow and served as Missouri AAML chapter president from 2016 to 2018. In 2016, he was selected as “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in the area of family law in St. Louis.


Penny has been practicing law since 1991. Penny worked at Zerman Mogerman LLC as a family law attorney for 17 years, before joining The Center for Family Law in 2019. Penny is an excellent family law attorney, mediator, collaborative divorce practitioner, and Guardian ad Litem. Penny was a devoted and active member of the Collaborative Family Law Association of St. Louis.


Their departure marks the end of an era, and we are truly grateful for the legacy they leave behind. The wealth of knowledge and experience they have shared with their colleagues and mentees will continue to shape the future of our firm and the field of family law.


As we say goodbye to Penny and Alan, this year we also welcomed two new legal minds to our team—Lucy Weilbacher, a 2022 SLU Law graduate, and Beth Lewandowski, a seasoned family law attorney with over 20 years of experience. We are excited to see how their unique skills and perspectives will further enhance our ability to serve our clients and advocate for their best interests.


Although it is difficult to bid farewell to Penny and Alan, the next chapter in our firm’s history promises new opportunities and fresh perspectives as we continue our mission to provide exceptional legal representation to families.

 

The Center for Family Law Honored by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

September 16, 2026
We are proud to share that the Center for Family Law ha s received the Gerald R. Ortbals Law Practice Award at the 2026 For the Common Good Awards, presented by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM). The ceremony was held in August at the Ritz-Carlton, bringing together the region's legal community to celebrate outstanding contributions to access to justice. A Firm-Wide Commitment to Pro Bono Service The Ortbals Award recognizes The Center for Family Law's longstanding dedication to pro bono service. The firm's attorneys have consistently been among LSEM's most active, reliable, and supportive partners for family law referrals. Family law cases are rarely simple. They often sit at the intersection of a client's safety, stability, and the wellbeing of their family. The attorneys who take on this work do so knowing the stakes are personal and the outcomes matter deeply to the people they represent. While LSEM has previously honored individual attorneys from the firm for their pro bono contributions, this year's award is different: it celebrates The Center for Family Law as a whole. It reflects a culture, built over more than two decades, where taking on complex, often difficult family law matters for clients who could not otherwise afford representation isn't the exception, it's the norm. That kind of consistency does not happen by accident. It is the result of firm leadership prioritizing pro bono work, attorneys stepping up case after case, and a shared belief that access to skilled legal counsel in family law matters shouldn't depend on a client's ability to pay. Thank you LSEM for this honor !

Best Lawyers® 2027 Honors Four Attorneys and Names The Center for Family Law a Best Law Firm

September 16, 2026
We're delighted to announce that our attorneys' hard work and commitment to clients has once again been recognized by their peers. This year, four members of The Center for Family Law team have earned spots in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers. Ann Bauer - Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, and collaborative law (family law). This marks Ann's 13th year on the list. Allison Gerli - Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, and collaborative law (family law). This is Allison's 4th year of recognition. Kristen Sparks - Named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list for family law, family law arbitration & mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. This is Kristen's 2nd year being honored. Hallie Van Duren - Named to the Best Lawyers list for family law, family law mediation, and collaborative law (family law). This is Hallie's 3rd year of recognition. In addition, The Center for Family Law itself has been named a Best Law Firm for 2027 in St. Louis as Tier 1 for Family Law and Family Law Mediation. About Best Lawyers Since 1983, Best Lawyers has stood as one of the most trusted guides to legal excellence. Attorneys featured in The Best Lawyers in America are nominated and reviewed by their peers based on professional skill, and each undergoes a thorough verification process confirming they are actively practicing and in good standing. About The Center for Family Law. Founded in 2013, The Center for Family Law offers full-service representation across all areas of family law, guided by a philosophy of partnership with clients and fellow professionals. We believe an attorney's role is to work alongside clients — helping them understand their options and giving them the knowledge and confidence to make sound decisions for their future. To schedule a consultation, click here .

Honoring a Leader Who Lifts Others Up: Courtney Green Receives Women's Justice Mentor Award

April 22, 2026
The Center for Family Law celebrates Courtney Green's recognition at the 2026 Missouri Lawyers Media Women’s Justice Awards in the Mentor category, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her commitment to the development of attorneys starting their careers. The 28th annual Women’s Justice Awards on April 16, 2026 celebrated women across Missouri who exemplify leadership, integrity, service, and excellence in advancing the quality of justice. Honorees are selected from diverse sectors of the legal community, including private practice, the judiciary, public service, academia, and nonprofit leadership. The Mentor Award is presented to experienced legal professionals who have played a meaningful role in shaping the careers of emerging attorneys. Throughout Courtney's career, which she has spent with The Center for Family Law, she has demonstrated a deep dedication to mentorship, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to those entering the profession, both in and out of the firm. Courtney has been devoted to fostering professional growth and helping cultivate the confidence and skills of future leaders in the law. Please join us in congratulating Courtney on this well-deserved recognition. We are honored to have her as part of our firm and grateful for the example she sets within our profession and community.