Michael Dikman

Michael Harry Dikman was born in 1936 in Queens, New York and died in October 2018. For 58 years he concentrated his legal practice in the field of  Matrimonial & Family Law and until his death. He was the consummate professional, revered by colleagues, clients and the judiciary for his competence, ethics and meticulous preparation. During his many years of practice he was surrounded by his partners:  Hon. Leo Dikman, his father, until January 2000; and David S. Dikman, his son, since 1995 and until the time of his death.

Mike Dikman was raised in Woodhaven and Fresh Meadows, Queens. He graduated Jamaica High School 1954, Dartmouth College with honors 1958, and Cornell Law School 1961. He was admitted to practice law in 1961. Mike was always devoted to his main loves: his family, magic, and the full time practice of law.

Mike developed an interest in magic at  a young age, and this became his lifelong hobby. Never without a trick in his pocket for many decades, he attended magician conventions all over the country, even becoming an occasional lecturer to other magicians at these gatherings. He performed regularly, but mostly for attorneys, judges, professional programs, family and friends. Mike performed his final magic show for the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the night before he died.

Mike had been an all-around athlete, but a complete standout in one-wall handball, winning four New York City handball high school championships for Jamaica High School, notching 23 national handball championship titles both indoor and out, and ultimately honored by his induction into the One-Wall Handball Hall of Fame.

Mike was a past president of the Queens County Bar Association (1978-79), served on its Board of Managers for 16 years and was the Chairman of its Family Law Committee  for 39 years. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 from the Queens Bar Association. He served as President of the Brandeis Association (1975). He was active in the New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, of which he was a Charter Member, and for which he served on the Board of  Directors for many years.

Mike Dikman worked in public service as well, as a Queens County Assistant District Attorney commencing February, 1966, served as a Small Claims Arbitrator and for 25 years as an Administrative Law Judge.

Mike lectured frequently to attorneys and published annual update articles in the Field of Family Law, for the Queens Bar Bulletin,  in 1984, 1988 – 2018, co-authored by David S. Dikman for the last decades. He was one of only six Family Law practitioners unaffiliated with the legislature, special interest groups, and court administration appointed to former Chief Judge Judith Kaye’s New York State Divorce Commission, which operated from 2004 – 2006. At the time, Judge Kaye was the highest-ranking Judge in the State of New York, presiding over the Court of Appeals.

Mike was the proud husband to Harriet, with whom they have 13 grandchildren spread around several states. From 1995 and until 2018 Mike practiced law and bestowed his knowledge and experience on his son, David S. Dikman, who continues to practice in the family name.

Contact Dikman & Dikman today to begin resolving your family law matters with the assistance of a qualified lawyer. David S. Dikman is committed to helping families and individuals work through complicated legal issues, including divorce, paternity, domestic violence, child custody, parenting plans, and asset protection. He carries forth as the third generation of the firm.