Honoring Ann Bauer: 27th Women's Justice Awards Mentor Award Winner

Allison Gerli • April 10, 2025

We are proud to share that Ann Bauer will be honored at the 27th Annual Women's Justice Awards on April 10, 2025, as one of this year's recipients in the "Mentor" category.  This award celebrates experienced legal professionals who have played an important role in guiding and supporting the next generation of attorneys.


Ann’s journey in family law began with co-founding her first firm in 2009, eventually leading to the establishment of The Center for Family Law in 2013.  What began as a small practice has grown into a dynamic firm with a team of attorneys and staff dedicated exclusively to family law.  Ann has been the heart of this growth—leading with purpose, mentoring with compassion, and consistently advocating for positive change.


Ann's unwavering commitment to transforming how families navigate legal separation has helped shift the focus from adversarial litigation to a more compassionate approach to resolution, especially within the collaborative divorce process and in mediation.  Her philosophy and approach to family law continue to influence and guide a new generation of legal professionals and practitioners she has mentored throughout her career.


Whether she's mentoring within the firm or taking the time to speak with a law student, Ann is always generous with her time, wisdom, and support. She also shares her expertise through active service on numerous committees dedicated to family law and domestic violence.


Please join us in congratulating Ann on this well-deserved honor.  We are grateful for her vision and proud to continue building on the foundation she helped establish at The Center for Family Law. 

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.

Second Saturday Workshop - 2026 Dates

December 29, 2025
The Center for Family Law is excited to kick off its fifth year of hosting the Second Saturday Divorce Workshops and to share the 2026 workshop dates. 

Honoring Four Attorneys for 2025 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars

December 3, 2025
We are thrilled to announce that four of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists! This distinction honors outstanding legal professionals across the nation who demonstrate excellence in their field, and we are proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our team. Celebrating Our Super Lawyer Ann Bauer has once again been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Missouri & Kansas, marking her 19th consecutive year on the list. Ann’s dedication, skill, and commitment to her clients have earned her additional prestigious honors: Top 50: Women Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers – 11th year Top 50: St. Louis Super Lawyers – 7th year Ann’s recognition is a testament to her decades of experience and unwavering commitment to families and individuals navigating complex legal matters. Rising Stars of 2025 We are also proud to celebrate our three attorneys named Rising Stars this year: Allison Gerli – 8th year Kristen Sparks – 7th year Hallie Van Duren – 5th year The Rising Stars designation recognizes outstanding attorneys who are making a significant impact in their field earlier in their careers. What This Recognition Means The Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists are highly selective, recognizing only a small percentage of attorneys in each state based on peer nominations, professional achievement, and other rigorous criteria. Being named to these lists reflects the consistent excellence, skill, and dedication our attorneys bring to every case.  We are proud to have a team of legal professionals who combine experience, empathy, and expertise to serve our clients. Congratulations to Ann, Allison, Kristen, and Hallie for this well-deserved recognition!