Ann Bauer named Best Lawyers® 2026 "Lawyer of the Year" in Collaborative Family Law

September 1, 2025

The Center for Family Law is proud to announce that Ann Bauer has once again been named the “Lawyer of the Year” in Collaborative Family Law in St. Louis by Best Lawyers for 2026. Each year, this designation is awarded to only one attorney in each practice area and region, based on outstanding peer feedback—making it a truly exceptional distinction.


This marks Ann’s third year being recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" for her work in collaborative divorce, and her 12th year being recognized by Best Lawyers.  For 2026, she is listed for her work in family law, family law mediation, and collaborative law.


Ann is an active member of the St. Louis Collaborative Family Law Association and is deeply committed to the collaborative divorce process, valuing the positive and lasting impact it has on her clients and their families.


About the Collaborative Divorce Process

 Collaborative divorce is a respectful legal process that enables couples to resolve all aspects of their divorce—such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support—without litigation. Using a team-based approach, which includes attorneys for each spouse, a financial neutral, and a mental health professional, couples work together through negotiation and mediation to reach agreements without the stress and conflict of court. Learn more on the St. Louis Collaborative Family Law Association website by clicking here.


About Best Lawyers
Since 1983, Best Lawyers has been recognized as one of the most respected guides to legal excellence. Attorneys selected for The Best Lawyers in America are nominated and evaluated by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo a rigorous verification process to ensure they are in current practice and in good standing.


About The Center for Family Law
Founded in 2013, The Center for Family Law provides comprehensive representation in all areas of family law, with a culture built on partnership with our clients and other professionals. We believe the role of a lawyer is to partner with clients, help them understand their options, and give them the information and confidence they need to make well-informed decisions. To schedule a consultation, click here.

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.