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.  Judge Zampano was an advocate of mediation well before it had gained wide acceptance and was remarkably successful in resolving many complex, high-profile disputes pending in the District of Connecticut.  He recognized that although some cases needed resolution through the trial process, the vast majority of them could be resolved with greater efficiency and efficacy through mediation.  As a mediator, Judge Zampano was patient, respectful, open-minded, persistent and strategic.  His approach to conflict resolution has remained with me throughout my career as an advocate and mediator.

Over the course of more than three decades, I have worked for large firms and small alongside and against some of the best lawyers in Connecticut. Resisting the trend toward specialization, I litigated in the state and federal courts, trying a variety of matters, from personal injury cases (both sides) to commercial disputes, but also worked on commercial matters from simple contracts to federal securities regulation to the purchase and sale of multi-million dollar businesses.  Most recently, I served as General Counsel to a middle market company working in the construction and restoration fields, a position that called upon the full range of my professional experience, but also required that I develop a new skill set necessary to resolve conflicts internal to the business between and among employees and/or the owners.  

Mediation Philosophy

My mediation style is primarily facilitative. My focus is on guiding communications and process, rather than imposing a solution. 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.

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 

·Slip and fall cases

Neutral Experience

Extensive experience mediating and arbitrating cases; 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.