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…
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.
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, the Midwest, and beyond. Cases ranged from admiralty to antitrust, automotive and aircraft liability to franchising, family-owned business disputes to billion dollar environmental cleanups, class actions to patent and copyright litigation. Whether representing plaintiff or defendant, individual or corporation, I’ve been on, and seen, all sides. AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and listed in Best Lawyers In America, I completely understand the challenges of litigation: demanding clients, difficult opposing counsel, and impatient fact-finders.
EXTENSIVE MEDIATION TRAINING
I took my first 40-hour mediation training for general civil disputes almost two decades ago. Since then my training has included mediation in domestic relations, adult guardianship, special education, and Native American peacemaking. As a regular participant and coach in advanced mediation trainings and workshops, I’m able to keep skills current and sharp. Extensive and diverse mediation training enables me to help litigants to fashion the best process for reconciliation and to bring the right resolution technique to bear on each litigation problem.
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 taught negotiation at Michigan State University’s College of Law. Using proven negotiation techniques and the latest developments in the field, I’m uniquely qualified to guide participants through the mediation process 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.”
About Us
At Basta Resolutions there
is no Dispute too Big, too complex, or too heated to resolve.
Mediation can be scheduled quickly in a safe and confidential environment, tailored to your case, and without need for time-consuming and expensive discovery. Most mediations can be done in one day or less, sometimes much less.