ABA book provides a transformative call to reshape family law as a force for healing and justice

March 04, 2026

ABA book provides a transformative call to reshape family law as a force for healing and justice

CHICAGO, March 4, 2026 - The American Bar Association Family Law Section has released a new book, "Family Lawyer as Peacemaker," a pioneering work by Forrest S. Mosten and Lara Traum that redefines the role of the family lawyer as a healer, guide and changemaker.

The authors draw on decades of hands-on experience, deep reflection and commitment to justice with a human face and offer a visionary blueprint for practicing law through empathy, collaboration and sustainable conflict resolution.

This comprehensive volume explores the principles, practices and mindsets that transform family law into a peacemaking profession. From reshaping legal practice around healing and collaboration to cultivating self-awareness and emotional intelligence, the authors guide readers through the practical and philosophical foundations of peaceful lawyering. Whether navigating mediation, collaborative practice, prenuptial agreements or long-term client relationships, the book provides concrete tools and frameworks to help professionals lead with presence and purpose.

"Family Lawyer as Peacemaker" is available now from major retailers, including ABA and Amazon.

Title: "Family Lawyer as Peacemaker"
Publisher: ABA Family Law Section
Pages: 216 pages
Product Code: 5130273
ISBN: 9-781-63905-714-6
Size: 7x10
Binding: Paperback
Price: $79.95
Orders: 800-285-2221 or ShopABA.org and Amazon

About the Authors:

Forrest (Woody) Mosten has been in private mediation practice in Los Angeles since 1979 and teaches mediation as adjunct professor of law at the UCLA School of Law.

He can be reached at mostenmediation.com

Lara Traum is a collaborative attorney, mediator, parenting coordinator and conflict resolution educator. She practices as an attorney in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and as a mediator nationally and internationally.

She can be reached at https://www.goodlawfirm.com for mediation, legal and parenting coordination services and at https://www.peacechord.com for training and strategic planning services.

What others are saying about "Family Lawyer as Peacemaker"

"From my seat as a mediator, I have seen litigation win cases at the cost of ongoing conflict and burned-out lawyers. 'Family Lawyer as Peacemaker' offers an alternative to the adversarial norm by redefining what zealous advocacy can mean as collaboration toward resolution. Woody Mosten, Lara Traum and top peacemakers are leading systemic change through healthier conversations, a change that is transforming how many of us work with families in conflict."
-Matthew Carroll, mediator, adjunct faculty, Northwestern University and Aurora University; president, Indiana Association of Mediators

"Family Lawyer as Peacemaker' offers a road map for lawyers to help parties be constructive problem solvers. This fabulous book overflows with practical advice to guide lawyers to shape a rewarding and fulfilling career as peacemaking problem solvers."
-William J. Howe, III, former partner Gevurtz Menashe, Portland, Oregon

Editor's note: Author interviews and review copies of this book are available by emailing Jeff Salyards at [email protected]. If you publish a review of this book, please share a link.