Mediation
Mediation with a trained and experienced ADR professional results in resolution in a very high percentage of cases. And statistics show that the most important factor in achieving settlement is the experience of the mediator, i.e., generally, the more experienced the mediator, the higher the rate of settlement. I have been actively mediating cases since 1988, and I pride myself on leaving no stone unturned in the search for settlement. For example, I do not believe that a mediation "ends" simply because the parties are unable to reach agreement on the day of the formal mediation hearing. Instead, I continue to follow up with counsel, making certain that all prospects for settlement have been explored and that any changes in the settlement landscape have been taken into consideration. For more insights into my approach to mediation, please see the "Recent Articles" page of this website.
Also, because I am willing to work evenings and weekends, and to rearrange my personal life when possible, I am often able to schedule mediations on short notice.
Please call or e-mail me for scheduling and fee information, or if you would like references.
Arbitration
I have acted as neutral arbitrator in a variety of employment and labor matters. In my view, the hallmark of a good arbitrator is not only the utmost fairness and neutrality, but also the ability to prepare a decision that lets the parties know that their arguments have been heard and understood--and if the arbitrator has been unable to accept those arguments, precisely why that is the case.
Issues recently arbitrated: discrimination, unlawful harassment, disability, employment contracts, reasonable accommodation, discipline and discharge, seniority rights, neutrality agreements, bargaining unit work, subcontracting, layoff, bumping and recall, performance evaluation, employee theft and dishonesty, privacy rights, workplace violence, public teacher contract nonrenewal, promotion, contract interpretation, pay grades, employee benefits, overtime, drug and alcohol testing, and drug and alcohol use.
Industries: public transit, food processing, retail, hospitals and health care, manufacturing, agricultural products processing, meat packing, public schools, laundry and uniforms, refineries, nuclear waste, police and fire, local government, higher education, home care, rental vehicles, bottling, distribution and warehousing, power generation and distribution, waste management, and media
Recent Published Decisions:
Fors Farms and Teamsters, Locals 313 and 599, 112 LA 33 (1999)
St. Clare Hospital and SEIU, Local 6, 112 LA 602 (1998)
Waste Management and Teamsters, Local 174, 120 LA 175 (2004)
Also, several of my decisions are published on Ross Runkel's online National Arbitration Center, part of LawMemo.com.
Please call or e-mail me for scheduling and fee information, or if you would like references.
Expert Testimony
I am also available as an expert witness on any of the myriad of labor and employment issues I have dealt with as advocate and neutral over my more than twenty years in the labor and employment field.
Downloadable Documents:
Mediation Agreement
Labor Arbitration Fee Schedule
Please call or e-mail me for scheduling and fee information, or if you would like references.