Alternative Dispute Resolution
Dispute resolution in forums other than the courts has been commonplace for decades. More recently, with court closures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, ADR processes have grown exponentially. Not only does ADR offer parties a way to resolve their disputes using an impartial third party, but it can be done virtually, saving time and significantly reducing costs incurred through traditional litigation.
A number of Shipman lawyers serve as impartial third-party arbitrators and mediators. In particular, Joette Katz was a Superior Court Judge before being elevated at age 39 to the State Supreme Court where she served as an Associate Justice for 18+ years. During her tenure, Justice Katz heard approximately 2,500 cases and authored nearly 500 opinions. Justice Katz also served as the Administrative Judge for the State of Connecticut Appellate System. She retired from the Supreme Court to serve as the Commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families for eight years. Another member of our team, Bob O’Brien, a partner in the firm’s Real Estate, Environmental, Land Use and Construction practice group, serves on the American Arbitration Association's National Panel of Arbitrators and is frequently selected as a mediator, principally in construction disputes. Other members of our ADR team also act as neutrals for mediations and arbitrations.
We regularly represent clients in arbitrations and mediations in matters with the AAA, JAMS, and other ADR organizations. We also have significant experience handling international arbitrations for clients, including matters before the ICDR, ICC and LCIA. We also have extensive experiencing applying the UNCITRAL rules depending on the particular body. Similarly, they have considerable experience handling arbitrations and mediations involving employment and labor matters before the CHRO, the State Board of Mediation and Arbitration, the State Board of Labor Relations, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
