Unique Mediation Experience
In addition to my private mediation practice I am a volunteer mediator for Community Dispute Resolution Program Centers in Washtenaw and Wayne Counties, winning awards for outstanding mediation work.
Experience that Matters
Forty-seven years combined experience in a wide variety of trials, litigation, and mediation as advocate, teacher, and coach gives me unique perspective on conflict and conflict resolution. There is not much that I have not seen or experienced myself first hand.
Knowing Michigan Law And The Case
A good mediator must be a “quick study” in the details of the case at hand, both facts and law. In most cases the need for process expertise will outweigh the need for subject matter depth. But I also have significant subject matter expertise in the conflicts I regularly mediate.
The Right Approach
We will work together to design the mediation or other ADR process that best meets your needs and interests. While I believe mediation is the best way to resolve conflict in a speedy, cost-effective, and lasting way, I am open to, and skilled in, negotiation coaching and arbitration as alternatives to get you where you need to go.
UNIQUE MEDIATION EXPERIENCE
In addition to my private mediation practice I am a volunteer mediator for Community Dispute Resolution Program Centers in Washtenaw and Wayne Counties, winning awards for outstanding mediation work. As president of the board of the Dispute Resolution Center for Washtenaw and Livingston counties for three years, (headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan) I gained unique perspective on how mediation can solve community conflicts. Having mediated business and commercial disputes, environmental clean-ups, divorces, adult guardianship problems, and estate distribution disputes, I’m able to help parties who may be stuck at an impasse to develop out-of-the-box solutions.
AN ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE
For the past decade I have taught negotiation at Michigan State University’s College of Law, including classes on mediation and mediation advocacy. Using proven negotiation techniques and the latest developments in the field, I’m uniquely qualified to guide participants through the negotiation and mediation processes to help them recognize and satisfy their interests.
SINGULAR LISTENING SKILLS
Specialized training in listening skills calculated to help disputants determine and satisfy their real interests, because “it’s never just about the money,” gives me a unique perspective; a mediator is much more than a messenger the parties use to trade offers and counteroffers. He is also a counselor charged with guiding the parties through sometimes emotionally charged and heated conflict.
COST-EFFECTIVE
My rates are competitive, whether by the hour, half-day, or day. Many mediations can be completed in less than a half day. There is no charge for travel within Michigan.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Antitrust
Auto suppliers
Auto product liability
Business disputes
Class actions
Commercial transactions
Copyright
Franchising
Environmental
Insurance
Intellectual property
Patents
Shareholder disputes
PERSONAL INJURY/
NEGLIGENCE/
PRODUCT LIABILITY
Auto negligence
Auto product liability
Construction accidents
Fires, explosions, electrocutions
Personal injury
Toxic torts
Industrial products
Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
General negligence
FAMILY SERVICES
Pre-Divorce
Divorce and Separation
Post-Judgement
Elder Care
Guardianship
Estate Distribution
Working with Joe Basta
BROAD TRIAL AND LITIGATION EXPERIENCE
Beginning as federal judicial law clerk in 1974, and after that for over 34 years with a large, Detroit-based firm, I have tried and litigated hundreds of state and federal lawsuits before judges and juries in the trial and appellate courts of Michigan…
EXTENSIVE MEDIATION TRAINING
I took my first 40-hour mediation training for general civil disputes over a decade ago. Since then my training has included mediation in domestic relations, adult guardianship, special education, and Native American peacemaking.
UNIQUE MEDIATION EXPERIENCE
In addition to my private mediation practice I am a volunteer mediator for Community Dispute Resolution Program Centers in Washtenaw and Wayne Counties, winning awards for outstanding mediation work. As president of the board of the Dispute Resolution Center…
Endorsements
“Your persistence and patience in pursuing difficult conversations in a highly contentious family shareholder dispute settled a case our first mediator could not resolve.”
“The parties appreciated and responded to your down-to-earth style.”
“Several months and many dollars after an “unsuccessful” mediation with you, the parties settled at the figure you had advocated. Too bad we did not all take to heart the realities of the case you cautioned us about.”
Join Me
Don’t Let the Complexities of Your Dispute Burden You Any Longer…
Let Me Help You Find Resolution…
With the help of a trained third-party neutral. Most people prefer to solve their own problems, rather than have someone impose a solution upon them. And mediation is well-suited for even the most intractable and emotionally-charged conflicts.