Ronnie Gouz's emergence among leading divorce attorneys stems in no small part from her remarkable personal experiences. "When I went through my own divorce, it seemed to be a small group of men making decisions about women and their lives," says the Long Island native. Gouz, a mother of two, resolved to get her law degree, which launched a career that continues its ascent. By the mid-80s she joined a prominent Nassau County matrimonial firm, and within five years was named a partner there. Because of her background, Gouz was often handed some of the firm's most emotionally difficult and challenging cases. Known for her positive approach and effective way with clients, Gouz works with them to resolve issues before they get to a courtroom - and by all accounts she has built with that a record of success. A decade ago Gouz relocated to Westchester, joining three partners (including Henry Berman, now her husband) in the six-attorney firm Berman, Bavero, Frucco & Gouz of White Plains. The firm is devoted almost exclusively to matrimonial law.