James R. Winkler is a Partner at Winkler Kurtz, LLP with over 35 years of concentrated experience in the area of matrimonial and family law. Known for his impressive litigation abilities, Jim has successfully settled numerous family matters and domestic relations over his career to secure favorable results for his clients and their loved ones.
Jim’s litigation style is assertive and compassionate, emphasizing the importance of settling all family and matrimonial matters in a fair and civilized manner. An effort is made in every case to fashion an outcome which meets the needs of his clients and their families. In some cases, Jim also serves as a trained mediator who offers mediation services designed for clients who seek to avoid extensive and expensive litigation.
As an active member of the legal community, Jim served as the 100th President of the Suffolk County Bar Association and was a former chair of their Matrimonial and Family Law Committee. He has also served as President of the Suffolk County Matrimonial Bar Association and has held every position available on the Executive Board of both associations. Additionally, Jim has chaired a variety of other task forces for the Suffolk County Matrimonial Bar Association such as the task force on the Future of Indigent Legal Services.
Jim’s exceptional achievements in the area of matrimonial and family law have earned him several noteworthy recognitions. Jim has been designated as a “Super Lawyer” in the area of matrimonial and family law by Law and Politics every year since 2008, joining only a handful of Long Island attorneys to receive this prestigious designation. He has also been the recipient of the annual President’s Award and Director’s Award and was named “Boss of Year” by the National Association of Legal Secretaries of Suffolk County. Moreover, Jim has been granted the “AV Preeminent” peer review rating by Martindale Hubbell- the highest rate achievable in both legal ability and ethical standards.
Jim has been an active member of the local community and served as President of the Port Jefferson Board of Education, President of the Matrimonial Bar Association of Suffolk County, and President of the Greater Port Jefferson/Northern Brookhaven Arts Council. In addition, Jim has participated in numerous continuing legal education programs as a lecturer and has been an active member of various committees at his local church.
Jim received his undergraduate education at the University of Virginia and State University of New York at Stony Brook where he graduated cum laude in 1971. He graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University in 1976, beginning his career as an associate to former Assemblyman Peter J. Costigan, Esq., and later becoming a partner under the firm name of Costigan and Winkler.