A Different Kind of Family Law Firm in Buffalo, NY
Most divorce attorneys are litigators. We are litigators, mediators, child advocates, and human behavior specialists — and we bring all of it to every case we take.
What Sets Us Apart
These are not talking points. They are the specific reasons Weinrieb Law handles cases that other firms struggle with.
The Certified Mediator Advantage
Pieter holds a 42-hour certification in family and divorce mediation — a formal credential that takes most attorneys years to pursue, if they pursue it at all. This is not a weekend seminar; it is structured training in conflict resolution, interest-based negotiation, and neutral facilitation.
What does that mean for you? Two things most firms cannot offer:
- Strategic perspective. Pieter knows exactly how a mediator will read both sides of your case, which makes him a better negotiator even when you are in litigation mode.
- A real alternative. If your case is right for mediation, Pieter can serve as the neutral himself — saving both parties tens of thousands in legal fees without sacrificing a fair outcome.
- No artificial prolonging. An attorney who can mediate has no incentive to keep a case in court longer than necessary.
Trained in Human Behavior, Not Just Law
Pieter holds an M.A. in Humanities from SUNY Buffalo — a graduate credential in the social, psychological, and philosophical dimensions of human experience. Katrina’s undergraduate training is in Political Science with a Sociology minor, and she trained in law school’s Family Violence and Women’s Rights Clinic, working directly with survivors navigating the legal system.
This matters in family law because:
- Judges and child evaluators are deeply attuned to how parents communicate and co-parent — not just what documents say.
- High-conflict cases often turn on behavioral patterns: coercive control, parental alienation, substance issues.
- Understanding trauma responses, power dynamics, and social systems makes our attorneys better advocates for vulnerable clients.
- We recognize when a client needs a referral to a therapist or counselor — and we make that call without hesitation.
Two Attorneys. Complementary Strengths.
At Weinrieb Law, you are not passed to a paralegal once the retainer clears. You have access to a two-attorney team whose skills are deliberately complementary — not redundant.
- Pieter leads complex financial matters: equitable distribution, QDROs, business valuations, maintenance negotiations, and mediation. His 20+ years of experience cover virtually every fact pattern in New York family court.
- Katrina brings focused depth in child custody, domestic violence, family offense proceedings, and orders of protection. Her clinic training and Women’s Rights background give clients a powerful advocate who understands the dynamics of family violence at a granular level.
- Cases often require both sets of skills simultaneously — and we have them under one roof.
Weinrieb Law vs. A Typical Divorce Firm
Choosing the right attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you will make. Here is how we stack up against the typical option.
| Credential / Capability | Weinrieb Law | Typical Divorce Firm |
|---|---|---|
| Certified family mediator on staff | ✓ 42-hour certified | Rarely — most firms refer out |
| 100% exclusive family law practice | ✓ Since 2011 | Often one specialty among several |
| Two dedicated family law attorneys | ✓ Pieter + Katrina | Solo practitioner or large impersonal firm |
| Attorney for the Child panel appointments | ✓ Erie & Niagara Counties | Uncommon credential |
| Graduate training in human behavior & social science | ✓ M.A.H. + Sociology | J.D. only, typical track |
| Family Violence Clinic experience | ✓ Law school clinical training | Not standard curriculum |
| Ability to offer mediation as an alternative | ✓ Fully certified mediator | Litigation-only approach |
| NY & CT bar admissions | ✓ Multi-state licensed | NY only, typically |
| Experience with military divorce (SCRA / USFSPA) | ✓ Dedicated practice area | Rarely a specialty |
In Their Own Words
“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Katrina Marie Loss from Weinrieb Law for her exceptional dedication and support. As a disabled veteran facing a challenging situation, I was overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Katrina stepped in with incredible professionalism, care, and expertise to advocate for my daughter and grandson during a very difficult time.”
— Jana, Google Review“Pieter got me to the finish line of my divorce and I will forever be grateful. He was attentive and hard working, which far exceeded my first attorney. I highly recommend Pieter to anyone. He is caring and protects you along the way.”
— Brian F., Google Review“We interviewed 5 other lawyers before deciding on Mr. Weinrieb — we absolutely chose the best. He is calm, cool, collected, and thinks on his feet. He simply has his client’s best interest at heart. He is the best lawyer in Buffalo.”
— Richard, Avvo ReviewMeet Your Team
Two attorneys with distinct, complementary areas of depth — all under one roof, all focused exclusively on family law.
Pieter G. Weinrieb, Esq.
Founding Attorney — Certified Mediator
- 26+ combined years exclusively in divorce & family law
- 42-hour Certified Family & Divorce Mediator
- Attorney for the Child: Erie & Niagara Counties
- Erie County Assigned Counsel Program (Family Law)
- M.A.H., SUNY Buffalo — B.A., Hobart College
- J.D., Pace Law School
- Licensed: New York & Connecticut
Katrina M. Loss, Esq.
Attorney — Custody & Family Violence
- Focused practice in child custody, DV & family offense
- Attorney for the Child Panel, Erie County
- Family Violence & Women’s Rights Clinic (law school)
- Publications & Submissions Editor, Buffalo Public Interest Law Journal
- Co-President, Family and Children’s Law Society (UB)
- J.D., University at Buffalo School of Law (Family Law concentration)
- B.A., University at Buffalo (Political Science; Sociology minor)
- Women Lawyers of Western New York
Complete Guide to Divorce in New York
12 pages covering equitable distribution, maintenance, child custody, timelines and more — written by Weinrieb Law attorneys.