Gravett, Willem H.

Current Employment Position(s)

Partner

Lawyer Overview

Willem H. Gravett is a trial lawyer practicing in all areas of family and matrimonial law.

Willem believes that to be an exceptional matrimonial lawyer, he first has to be a good trial lawyer. He knows that thorough preparation and knowledge of every detail of a case is critical, and he gives his full attention to the unique facts and themes of each case. His reputation as a skilled courtroom lawyer enhances his ability to negotiate advantageous settlements.

In advocating for his clients, Willem is very aggressive, but fair. He always strives to reach amicable, non-litigated resolutions to clients' matrimonial difficulties. That is why he believes in maintaining reasonable negotiating positions. However, if a settlement is not possible, he will not hesitate to vigorously represent his client in court. Willem has published in the area of trial practice and litigation technique.

He has extensive experience in litigating high-conflict custody and parenting disputes, and in cross-examining mental health professionals.

Willem's background in corporate law at two of the largest and most prestigious law firms in New York City gives him a sophisticated understanding of the financial and business issues unique to each case as they relate to income, business valuation, retirement plans, and other financial issues.

Areas of Practice

• Trial Practice
• Litigation & Appeals
• Family Law
• Child Support
• Custody & Visitation
• Divorce

West Practice Categories

Family Law, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Litigation & Appeals

Bar Admissions

• New York, 1999
• South Africa, 1997

Professional Associations and Memberships

• American Bar Association (Member)
• New York Bar Association (Member)
• Westchester County Bar Association (Member)
• National Institute of Trial Advocacy, 1998
• American Bar Association's Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute, 2003

Education

• Notre Dame Law School, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1998
  LL.M.
  Honors: summa cum laude
  Honors: Dean's Award for Excellent Achievement in International Law
  Honors: Dean's Award for Excellent Achievement in Human Rights Accountability
  Honors: Bradlow International Human Rights Law Scholarship
• University of Pretoria Faculty of Law, Pretoria, South Africa, 1996
  LL.B.
  Honors: cum laude
  Honors: Recipient, Grotius Medal and Harold Galasko Prize for Best Student
  Honors: Recipient, Butterworths Writing Prize
• University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, 1994
  B.L.C.
  Honors: cum laude
  Honors: Recipient, Schiltz Prize for Best Student

Published Works

• The Fundamental Principles of Cross-Examination in American Trial Practice: Part I, Advocate - The South African Bar Journal, April, Vol. 19, No. 1, at p. 48, 2006
• The Fundamental Principles of Cross-Examination in American Trial Practice: Part II, Advocate - The South African Bar Journal, August, Vol. 19, No. 2, at p. 48, 2006
• Cross-Examining Expert Witnesses in American Trial Practice: Part I, Advocate - The South African Bar Journal, December, Vol. 19, No. 3, at p. 25, 2006
• Cross-Examining Expert Witnesses in American Trial Practice: Part II, Advocate - The South African Bar Journal, April, Vol. 20, No. 1, at p. 36, 2007
• 'Thou Shalt Not Lead' - Basic Principles of Direct Examination in American Trial Practice: Part I, Advocate - The South African Bar Journal, August, Vol. 20, No. 2, at p. 21, 2007

Address

100 South Bedford Road
Suite 340
Mount Kisco, NY 10549-3444

Phones

(914) 358-0036

Faxes

(914) 358-0037

Emails

Contact Us

Websites

http://www.gravettdivorce.com