Erin E. McKinley

Erin E. McKinley is an Ithaca, New York, family law attorney and mediator who focuses on resolving family disputes outside court. Since 2009, she has limited her practice to collaborative law, mediation, and negotiated settlements. She works with people navigating separation and related family matters while seeking a process that reduces unnecessary conflict. Her approach emphasizes communication, informed decisions, and solutions developed by the people involved.

McKinley earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College and graduated cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She practiced family law for many years before narrowing her work to out-of-court processes. Her legal training and experience help her explain family law questions while facilitating dialogue about arrangements that affect clients and their families.

Before opening her solo practice in 2004, she was a partner at Wiggins and Masson, LLP. Her subsequent practice has concentrated on helping participants negotiate family law issues through mediation and collaborative methods rather than contested courtroom proceedings. She has also contributed to efforts to make collaborative practice accessible to clients with limited financial resources and has participated in professional initiatives promoting alternatives to litigation.

Erin E. McKinley is a past president of both the Tompkins County Bar Association and the Ithaca Area Collaborative Law Professionals. She has served on committees of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and on boards of local nonprofit organizations. Her professional involvement reflects a longstanding focus on constructive dispute resolution and helping families address changes through cooperative planning.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Erin E. McKinley
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Past President, Tompkins County Bar Association (2003-2004)
• Past President, Ithaca Area Collaborative Law Professionals (2006-2008)
• Member, Finger Lakes Women’s Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Board Member, Women’s Opportunity Center
• Board Member, Ithaca Community Childcare Center
• Board Member, City Federation of Women’s Organizations
• Board Member, Tompkins County Parents Apart Program
• Member, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• Member, New York Council on Divorce Mediation

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• Ithaca College
  Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance

Awards & Badges