Professional History

I had the good fortune to begin my legal career as a law clerk in the chambers of United States District Court Judge Robert C. Zampano (deceased), a nationally recognized and honored figure in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution.  As a mediator, Judge Zampano was patient, respectful, open-minded, persistent and strategic.  His approach to conflict resolution has remained with me as an advocate, counselor and mediator.

Over the course of more than three decades, I have worked for large firms and small and most recently have practiced in-house as General Counsel to a middle market company working in the restoration and construction fields.  

Throughout my career, I have been a generalist.  I have litigated in the state and federal courts, trying a variety of matters to juries and the bench, from personal injury cases (both sides) to commercial disputes.  I have  also worked on corporate and business matters from simple contracts to the negotiation, sale and purchase of multi-million dollar businesses.  

In my in-house role as as General Counsel to a middle market company working in the construction and restoration fields, I was called upon to exercise the full range of my litigation and business experience, but also to apply mediation skills to resolve conflicts that arose with some regularity between and among employees, management and principals, as well as external disputes  involving vendors, subcontractors, customers, insurance carriers, public and private adjusters, as well as private adjusting companies and property managers.

Neutral Experience

Extensive experience mediating and arbitrating personal injury cases, including product liability claims, as well as business disputes, insurance matters (first party claims), construction matters and employment claims. Service  as an arbitrator by selection of counsel and by court appointment. Past service as Federal Court Special Master and "Settlement day" mediator for a national carrier.  Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities mediator (pro bono).   Member, American Arbitration Association consumer mediation panel.

Mediation Philosophy

My mediation style is primarily facilitative. My focus is on guiding communications and process. My goal is to foster a structured, confidential environment where I help the litigants articulate their interests, understand each other’s perspective and creatively explore possible options. My core methodology involves active listening, strategic questioning, reality testing of positions and managing emotional dynamics. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the parties retain full control over the final agreement, leading to a clear, durable and satisfying solution.

When requested and appropriate, I will take a  more evaluative approach to resolution of a mediated matter.

Areas of Mediation Concentration:

Commercial:

·Sale and acquisition of businesses and assets

·Residential construction

·The Connecticut Home Improvement Act

·Contractor/subcontractor negligence 

·Franchisee - franchisor disputes

·Business-to-business disputes

·First and third party insurance claims

·Lender-borrower claims

·Service sector consumer complaints (quality of work, valuation, contract compliance)

·Management - employee relations

·Intra-corporate disputes

Personal Injury:

·Product liability

·Motor vehicle accidents 

·Premises liability cases