The Needham Center for Arbitration is located within the law office of Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP. The firm’s partners are available to serve as arbitrators under separate engagement. You can, of course, choose to use an outside arbitrator as well.
Available Arbitrators
Maureen McBrien
Email | (617) 494-1227
Maureen McBrien’s extensive family law experience at both the trial and appellate levels informs and strengthens her approach to arbitration. She is a trained Family Law Arbitrator and has been a key advocate for the widespread adoption of the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act. Maureen is also a co-author of the Thomson Reuters 4th Edition of Massachusetts Practice – Family Law and Practice – a four-volume treatise relied upon by attorneys and judges in the Commonwealth. She is well regarded for her expertise in family law, with a special emphasis on financial support-related issues and is known for efficiently and fairly issuing decisions in cases.
Wendy O. Hickey
Email | (617) 494-1227
With over two decades of experience in family law, Wendy Hickey brings a depth of trial experience to her role as arbitrator. She is a Diplomat of the prestigious American College of Family Trial Lawyers and is a fellow of both the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (serving as President of the Massachusetts Chapter). She is also a columnist for the Boston Herald’s Divorce411™. Wendy is widely recognized for her expertise in international family law, particularly in cases involving parental child abduction. Her judicial temperament and impeccable reputation make her highly effective in resolving even the most complex family law matters.
James L. Brick
Email | (617) 494-1227
Jim Brick is regarded as one of the most experienced family law trial attorneys in Massachusetts and is a master of trial procedure and evidentiary issues. Jim promotes civility, has a great sense of humor and is extremely well regarded by attorneys, judges and litigants alike. Frequently appointed as Special Master, conciliator, and arbitrator, he has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Massachusetts from Super Lawyers. Jim’s experience makes him ideally suited to serve as a private judge in any family law matter.
Alexander Jones
Email | (617) 494-1227
Alex Jones brings more than two decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of family law to his arbitration work. His understanding of the law’s development over time enables him to apply the law to complex family law issues including those involving substantial family wealth, division of unusual assets, and sophisticated business valuation issues. He has served as Guardian ad Litem and is presently a board member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and is a past president of the AFCC’s Massachusetts Chapter. With a background in social work, Alex is known for his listening skills and ability to appropriately synthesize and distill complex and sensitive information.
Stephanie L. Curtin
Email | (617) 494-1227
Stephanie’s extensive experience spans a wide range of family law matters, including complex custody disputes. Valued for her empathy and understanding, Stephanie is known for her ability to connect with parties during times of personal crisis. She ensures that every arbitration is conducted fairly, with thoughtful attention to and appropriate consideration for a child’s best interests.