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Peter and Mary Ellen Breen, Shannon Roberts, Mayor Richard Alcombright, Jennifer Breen Kirsch, Daniel Kirsch and Michele Alcombright at the ribbon cutting to open Breen Kirsch's new law office.

North Adams Attorney Offers Mediation Services

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Local attorney Jennifer Breen Kirsch has opened a new office on the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art campus and announced a new focus to her services.

Kirsch is expanding her firm to include divorce mediation services in an effort to help entire families successfully meet the complicated challenges that often accompany divorce.

"The reason I'm entering mediation practice is to save people the pain and anguish of litigation, and to preserve the integrity of co-parenting," she said in announcing the new service.

In addition to divorce mediation, Kirsch also practices criminal law, family law, Juvenile Court proceedings and CHINS cases. She also handles real estate, probate, and care and protection matters. She was admitted to the bar in 2004.

Kirsch opened her new office on the second floor of Building 13 with a reception and ribbon cutting on Thursday afternoon with the help of friend Mayor Richard Alcombright.

"I truly appreciate the mayor's support in my new endeavor. This is not just a change of address, but a big change in my practice," she said. On Thursday, she also thanked her family and friends for their support, particularly her husband Daniel Kirsch.

Alcombright said Kirsch is an example that opportunities exist in the city.

"We hear a lot that there are no opportunities for young people, that they don't come back because they can't come back," he said on Thursday. "And Jen is kind of living walking proof of someone I would suggest clawed her way back here ... in the nicest way ... in the sense of her working her way through the district attroney's office and working as a defense attorney ... and working so hard to establish an office.

"I'm really proud of you and welcome to North Adams."

Kirsch earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology and political science from Union College, her law degree from Northeastern University, and is certified in divorce mediation. She served as a prosecutor in the Middlesex County district attorney's office from 2004 to 2006, before returning to her hometown of North Adams to enter private practice.

"Mass MoCA is a beautiful location and the campus is striking in architecture and tradition,” Kirsch said of her new office location. "I grew up with a father who worked for Sprague Electric, and now appreciate what this space has become, given the changing times. I'm looking forward to expanding my practice in such a professional and unique space."

Kirsch is chairman of the North Adams Housing Authority and serves on the Berkshire Commission on the Status of Women. For more information, contact Kirsch at 413-441-5905.



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McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Landon LeClair and Superintendent James Brosnan with Landon's parents Eric and Susan LeClair, who is a teacher at McCann. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Superintendent's Award has been presented to Landon LeClair, a senior in McCann Technical School's advanced manufacturing course. 
 
The presentation was made last Thursday by Superintendent Jame Brosnan after Principal Justin Kratz read from teachers' letters extolling LeClair's school work, leadership and dedication. 
 
"He's become somewhat legendary at the Fall State Leadership Conference for trying to be a leader at his dinner table, getting an entire plate of cookies for him and all his friends," read Kratz to chuckles from the School Committee. "Landon was always a dedicated student and a quiet leader who cared about mastering the content."
 
LeClair was also recognized for his participation on the school's golf team and for mentoring younger teammates. 
 
"Landon jumped in tutoring the student so thoroughly that the freshman was able to demonstrate proficiency on an assessment despite the missed class time for golf matches," read Kratz.
 
The principal noted that the school also received feedback from LeClair's co-op employer, who rated him with all fours.
 
"This week, we sent Landon to our other machine shop to help load and run parts in the CNC mill," his employer wrote to the school. LeClair was so competent the supervisor advised the central shop might not get him back. 
 
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