For over two decades, I had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary individual who was not only my colleague, but also my mentor and dear friend. As full-time practitioners and members of CPSV’s professional training team, we shared a deep commitment to growth, collaboration, and excellence. His wisdom, integrity, and unwavering dedication profoundly impacted not only the legal field and our professions, but also the many families he supported through the challenges of Collaborative Divorce. One of the greatest honors of my career was presenting him with the 2007 Eureka Award from CP Cal; a well-deserved recognition of his tireless work and lasting legacy in peacemaking.
You are remembered, my friend Michael.- Cathy Daigle, CFP, CDFA
The first thing that I remember about meeting Mike was his size! Mike was a big man. What I later learned is that his heart was even bigger. It’s hard for me to talk about Mike in the past tense. He remains present in the work we do and the friends we have in common. Fortunately, he lives with us in our memories – memories of a man who always had time to talk about our families, our love of the law and its discipline, and our own hopes and concerns about the future. His intelligence, charm, and wit were without parallel. I hope that I will always remember the joy of debating with him and our training team about the best practices for Collaborative Divorce. There’s nothing like creating a whole new approach to addressing marital dysfunction with an anthropologist on the team! Mike’s training brought a fresh perspective to the divorce process, and we all were blessed to learn from his perspective
At least as much I remember Mike, the consummate professional, I love the memories of long drives to various homes and playing poker with a group of good friends on the first Friday of nearly every month for the last 25+ years. Of course, he loved to win, but he was always a great sport whether he won or lost. The game will go on, as will we, but it will be different.
Gonna miss you, Mike.
George Richardson, JD
To know Mike Lowy was to feel enveloped by his understanding, acceptance and support. He was always listening for the ‘human element’ behind the theory or legal approach. Whenever I watched him discuss ideas with his friends and colleagues, it was always with an open enquiring mine. He’d ask the core question, acknowledge the other’s contribution, and add some history or legal point that brought in a completely new element to the discussion. So many of his contributions to our Collaborative Practice endeavor were born out of this approach and incorporated his experiences in the field of anthropology. His vision was always one of compassion and humanity, challenging the win-lose court aspects of the court system to one that integrated law with understanding of the human condition. His keen intelligence, both intellectual and emotional provided the underpinnings for our work as Collaborative professionals and will continue to be a source of both grounding and inspiration.
I so valued him as a friend and so appreciated the loving relationship that he had with his wife, Ruth, and his family. His support, and belief that we could really make a difference was so important not only to our group, but to me personally. I miss him today and will always miss his loving spirit in my life.
Nancy J. Ross, LCSW, BCD
In my experience, Mike Lowy was a multi-dimensional man, who brought the wealth of his education and experience to the Collaborative table. During our client and counsel meetings he was consistently focused on finding solutions to disputes between the parties that were inclusive, keeping in mind, and listening carefully to, the goals of his client, as well as those of the other spouse and Collaborative counsel at all times.
If a roadblock or sudden problem arose, he worked toward creating options for resolution which were mutually beneficial to the parties. This was his starting point and end point. No exceptions. Knowing this,
it was possible to work together to create unique agreements which included input from all participants. This cooperative and compromising approach to advocacy reduced fees for both parties and concluded with a sense of fairness and peace.
Mike was a strong, committed, tireless, and sometimes amusing counterpart. His great mind, and firm but gentle spirit, has passed from our midst and will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.
Sincerely,
Susan Flax
Retired member
CPSV