About Me
Three decades of advocating
Now devoted to mediating
In my more than thirty years as a litigation lawyer the current litigation environment is one of the most challenging I have encountered for clients navigating a dispute through the courts. Access to the court system has continued to erode. The importance of mediation offering an opportunity to resolve disputes in an efficient and economical way has never been more important and I am very excited to contribute to our profession in my role as a mediator.
I have had the privilege of assisting colleagues and their clients in resolving disputes through the mediation process in various areas including commercial disputes involving contracts, real estate transactions and business relationships, as well as claims involving professional liability issues and personal injury damages.
My years of experience as a trial lawyer and my training as a mediator have equipped me to work with parties through careful listening, creative analysis and communication to reach a negotiated resolution of problems. I am skilled at having difficult conversations, without alienating a party, which is almost always needed in resolving disputes.
“The reality of today’s overcrowded, expensive system of justice has gradually worn down earlier resistance to creative dispute resolution… . Alternatives are not just more attractive, they look increasingly like the only way to ensure a more efficient system of justice”.
Talbot D’Alemberte,
Former President , American Bar Association
When to Mediate
Mediation most often occurs close to trial after all the preparation has been done. This happens because lawyers, understandably, want to know all the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of a case. However, I urge counsel and their clients to consider a more creative use of the mediation process, including early mediation prior to parties becoming entrenched in positions and in the economic investment that has been made in a case. I believe mediations can provide an off ramp to parties at various stages in the litigation.
Half day mediations are not a significant investment and can be used to test settlement opportunities, narrow and highlight areas where the parties most clash allowing concentrated investigation with a view to resolution versus trial. This is not a common approach. However, in this world where trial dates are not guaranteed and not getting a judge can mean waiting two or more years for a new date we all need to think creatively to help clients navigate disputes more efficiently.
The Approach
Practical. Principled. Personal.
The ability to bring reason to individuals in high-conflict situations and maintain trust with lawyers of every style.
A Practical Approach
Cuts to what matters. Focuses parties on real interests rather than positions, so settlements stick.
Exceptional Communication
Listens deeply, speaks plainly, and earns credibility with even the most difficult personalities at the table.
Early, Cost-Effective Resolutions
Knows the cost — and human toll — of prolonged litigation. Designs the process to resolve, not to delay.
Practice Areas
Mediation across complex civil disputes.
Commercial Disputes
Insurance Disputes
Professional Liability
Personal Injury
Get in Touch
Let's find a resolution.
Reach out for scheduling inquiries. I will respond promptly with availability.