WENDY L. AIKIN “Architect of Change” Award
In recognition and gratitude for Inspirational Leadership of
The Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida
2006 – 2017
At the January, 2018 general meeting of The Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida, Wendy L. Aikin was presented with the “Architect of Change” award on behalf of the organization. When the group was first taken over by Wendy L. Aikin in 2006 the movement in Central Florida to bring collaborative law as an option for every divorcing couple had slowed considerably.
Wendy made the commitment to make the collaborative law practice option available to Central Floridians through the establishment of an insular and respected premier governing board that provided leadership and guidance to family law attorneys, mental health professionals, financial professionals and allied professionals.
Under Wendy’s leadership as President of The Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida, these trained collaborative group members have now grown from a couple of dozen to over 150 members strong, with hundreds of others locally who have also been collaboratively trained.
At the expense of thousands of hours of time and the commitment of personal funds, Wendy, with the help of the governing Board, has ensured the permanence of collaborative law in this area. She hands over the reins to Co-Presidents, Deborah Day, Psy. D. and Circuit Judge Alice Blackwell, secure in the belief that collaborative practice will continue to grow and flourish in Central Florida. Her vision and unyielding dedication to the cause have inspired this award from a grateful practice group.
Born and raised in Connecticut, I am a “double Gator,” having received both my undergraduate and my law degree from the University of Florida. In my practice, I have worked as a Guardian ad Litem with hundreds of children in both dependency and custody cases, frequently appointed by judges. I have been honored to receive many awards and recognition's for my work as a children’s advocate. I received the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for 2017 for my Guardian ad Litem work, and also received the highest award given for Guardian ad Litem representation, the 2016 Judge J.C. “Jake” Stone Distinguished Service Award.
In August 2020, I was one of the first collaborative lawyers to receive accreditation by the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (FACP), a designation I continue to hold today. I teach Collaborative Law as an Adjunct Law Professor at the Barry University School of Law, and serve as the Director of The Barry Collaborative Family Law Clinic. The Clinic represents modest income families with divorce and paternity through the Collaborative Process. I am a Collaborative Law trainer and speaker, and served as the Administrator and board member of The Collaborative Family Law Group of Florida from 2008-2018.
Whether working with clients in the conference room, by zoom, or in the court room, I am committed to empowering individuals and families to achieve healthier and more positive futures.
