My practice focuses on resolution of disputes in contract and commercial settings, with a special emphasis in the construction industry. I have served as a third-party neutral in arbitration and mediation involving construction defects, delays, extra work, inefficiencies, material production, design professional negligence, corporation and partnership disputes, real property, personal injuries, trespass and waste. I have also worked as an advocate on behalf of parties to arbitration and mediation for more than twenty years. I provide on-line mediation and arbitration services as well.
I am a member of the state bars of Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, and Oregon, and I actively practice in all of those jurisdictions.
I provide private mediation and arbitration services, and I am also a member of the American Arbitration Association’s panel of construction industry arbitrators. I have served as an arbitrator in over sixty proceedings over the last fifteen years. I have also served as a mediator in over seventy cases, many involving multiple parties.
I have also received specialized training in mediation and arbitration, including: (a) 25th Annual Northwest Dispute Resolution Conference, 2019; (b) 20th Annual Northwest Dispute Resolution Conference, 2013; (c) AAA Advanced Mediator Training: Managing the Dynamics of a Multi-Party Case, 2012; (d) AAA/ICDR Neutrals Conference, 2009; (e) Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law, Mediating Construction Disputes, 2007; and (f) multiple AAA training courses.
While I still litigate cases on a regular basis, I believe that the alternatives to dispute resolution are better for everyone involved in the process. From the standpoint of mediation, my initial approach is to develop a process for dialogue and to facilitate a resolution driven by the parties. If the process stalls, I will provide evaluation as needed to help keep the dialogue moving towards resolution. From the standpoint of arbitration, my approach is to establish a hearing process that is expedient and cost-effective and that is a true alternative to litigation, not just a substitute. I provide parties with a neutral, experienced, and fair perspective on issues presented to me for decision.
University of Washington, B.A., History, 1994, Magna Cum Laude; University of Oregon, J.D., 1996 with a Statement of Completion in Business Law and with distinction as a member of the Order of the Coif
My fees are $365 per hour (including study and decision time), with no charge for non-productive travel time. I do not charge extra for multiple parties. Expenses are billed at cost. I will consider flat fee rates depending on the circumstances.
