About Us

CLARA

The Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area, Inc. (CLARA) was founded in 2001 as a practice and study group designed to strengthen Collaborative Practice in Rochester. We are regionally affiliated with similar groups in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Ithaca. We are a recognized practice group of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

Though our name reflects our origins in collaborative law, in keeping with the evolution of what is now termed collaborative practice, we support the utilization of collaborative teams composed of lawyers (advocates) and non-lawyer specialists (neutrals).

We offer education, support and ethical guidelines to ensure the highest quality of practice. All of our participating professionals have been trained in Collaborative Divorce and are required to continue their education and training to maintain their membership.

CLARA Board Members and Officers

Kenneth Aufsesser, Vice President kennethaufsesseresq@gmail.com

Mark Chauvin Bezinque, Past President, Protocols Committee Chair mark@bezinque.com

Katie Castro, Membership Committee Chair Kathryn.r.castro@ampf.com

Kevin Clark, Marketing Committee Chair kclark@wcplaw.com

Renee LaPoint, President renee@mediationctr.com

Julie Mersereau, Reduced Fee Director julie@jmersereaulaw.com

Diana Deyo Ryan, Past President ddr@ryan-sayers.com

John Sobraske, Past President, Secretary jesobraske@icloud.com

Gregory Wise, Treasurer gwise208@gmail.com