Erin Kopelman
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
United States
Profession(s)
Lawyer, MediatorErin Kopelman is a divorce attorney who handles cases involving domestic relations and family law, including divorce, custody, child support, property settlement, alimony, post-judgment issues, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Erin advocates for those she represents in negotiations and in the courtroom. She is straightforward and communicative, making sure her clients have the information to make the best decisions for themselves and their children. The daughter of two Naval officers, Erin brings a high level of precision and discipline to all her matters.
Erin also practices collaborative law and serves as a mediator and arbitrator. The collaborative process allows divorcing couples to work together with their attorneys to create mutually beneficial divorce settlement agreements without going to court. The collaborative process can be transformative and can avoid the escalation of hostility and overwhelming cost inherent in going to court. As a third-party neutral in mediation, Erin assists divorcing couples in reaching negotiated resolutions without messy litigation. In addition, Erin has a certificate in arbitration from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Prior to joining Lerch Early, she practiced law at a boutique divorce and family law firm in Montgomery County.
Erin is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Family Law, is listed in Maryland Super Lawyers, and has been named a “Rising Star” in DC Super Lawyers. The Daily Record named her one of Maryland’s “Leading Women,” and Bethesda Magazine readers gave her the “Family Law Practitioner of the Year” award. Active in the Family Law section of the county bar association, she has received both the “Section Chair of the Year” and “Bar Leader” awards.
Professional Activities
MEMBERSHIPS AND POSITIONS HELD: Montgomery County Bar Association (2019-2021, Executive Committee Member; 2019-present, Co-Chair of Legislation Committee; 2017-present, Member of Judicial Selections Panel Committee; 2017-2018, Co-Chair of Member Benefits Committee; 2012-2015, Chair of Law Day Programs for Family Law Section; 2013-2015, Chair of Breakfast with the Court; 2013-2014, Chair of Mentor/Mentee Committee for the New Practitioner’s Section; 2011-2012 Co-Chair of Family Law Section and Chair of Pro Bono Project for Family Law Section; 2010-2011 Co-Chair of Continuing Legal Education of Family Law Section; 2007-present, Member) Women’s Bar Association (2015, Co-Chair End of Year Party; 2012-2013, Liaison to Executive Committee; 2010-2013 Chair of Listserv; 2012, Co-Chair Holiday Party; 2008-present Member) Montgomery County Inn of Court (2018-2021, Barrister; 2010-2011, Associate Member) Collaborative Dispute Resolution Professionals (2021-present, member)Undergraduate Education
Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, Bachelor of Science in Business Management, May 2003
Major – Business Management, Minor – Sociology
Honors: Dean’s List (2002, 2003); PricewaterhouseCoopers Summer Leadership Program; contributor to Bucknell World’s Diversity Research
Activities: Bucknell Community Orchestra; The Bucknellian Copy Editor; The Bucknellian Campus Diversity Issue Writer
Volunteer Work: Evangelical Community Hospital, Heiter Community Center, National Night Out
Postgraduate Education
Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Juris Doctor, June 2006
Honors: Pro Bono Honors Award; Interviewing, Counseling and Negotiating Book Award; Public Service Fellowship Grant recipient
Activities: Student Bar Association secretary and class elected representative; Honor Court Revision Committee student representative; Governance Committee student representative; Public Interest Law Society officer; Jewish Law Students Association officer; Elections Committee chair; Fundraising Committee co-chair; Student Organization Affairs Committee officer
Professional Education
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS:
AAML’s Arbitration Training Institute Certificate, 2020
Court appointed mediator for the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland
AAML’s Harvard Law School Negotiation Workshop, 2019
20-Hour Property and Financial Issues Mediation Training, 2018
20-Hour Parenting and Child Access Mediation Training, 2018
Child Counsel Training, 2018
40-Hour Parenting Coordination Training, 2018
Certified to practice collaborative law by the Department of Family Administration, Administrative Office of the Courts, Maryland Judiciary, the Maryland State Bar Association and the Collaborative Practice Training Institute, 2011
Certified DC Superior Court Child Protection Mediator at the DC Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division, 2006
40-hour Basic Divorce Mediation Workshop, 2006
40-hour Mediation Theory and Practice, 2005
Completed professional training program in the art of Trial Skills at NITA’s Building Trial Skills: D.C. Program.