Jump To Navigation

Attorney Profiles

Willem H. Gravett 
Mount Kisco, New York
Partner
phone (914) 358-0036
fax (914) 358-0037
email Email Me

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
Bar Admissions:
New York, 1999
South Africa, 1997
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


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