Services

Arbitration

Arbitration allows parties to present their best case to the arbitrator in a private hearing. The arbitrator issues a binding Decision and Award. Arbitration is usually faster and less expensive than litigation. Pre-hearing conference calls or video meetings are used to resolve discovery issues, exhibits, use of experts, number and nature of witnesses, and other logistics for the arbitration hearing. Parties have the option of an in-person, video, hybrid, or documents-only arbitration. The arbitration may involve discipline, breach of contract, collective bargaining disputes (interest arbitration), discrimination issues, and/or interpretations of State and federal statutes and regulations.

Fact-Finding

Fact-finding occurs when parties and/or an agency select me to serve as an impartial expert to determine the facts in a labor dispute. I will meet with party representatives, schedule the exchange of information, hold hearings, and invite party presentations to gather evidence to make determinations on the issues in the dispute. I often provide sample language and recommendations to be considered by the parties.

Mediation

Mediation provides a safe and structured setting for individuals, companies, and/or organizations to discuss disputed issues and develop workable solutions. The mediator acts as a neutral third party to help disputants communicate the issues at stake, consider the impact that the conflict has had on them, assess the strengths and weaknesses of their positions, and explore options available for a satisfactory resolution. A customized intake and interview process is used to make the best use of our time and resources.

Industry Experience as an Arbitrator or Mediator

K-12 Education, Colleges, State Agencies, Law Enforcement, Fire & EMS, Banking, Telecommunications, Cryptocurrency, Manufacturing, Package Delivery & Logistics, Transit & Transportation, Pharmaceutical, Health Services, Gig Economy work, Correctional Facilities, Military installations, Trades, Food production, Software development & sales, Legal services & collection of fees, cruise lines, retail, corporate security, County and Municipal employees, office employees, Drivers as independent contractors, ERISA & Pensions, and issues regarding Work from Home and multiple employment positions.

Professional & Community Service

• College Of Labor & Employment Lawyers – selected in 2025
• Former Chair of King County Bar Dispute Resolution Section, 2015-2019
• Vice-Chair of WA Bar Dispute Resolution Section – current
• Pacific Coast Labor & Employment Law Conference Committee since 2017
• NW Dispute Resolution Conference Committee since 1990
• Conference presenter on Mediating Workplace Disputes, Arbitrability Challenges & Responses, Ethics for Labor Lawyers, Generations in the Workplace, Preparing for Arbitration, Mental Health & Wellness, Mandatory Arbitration clauses, U.S. Supreme Court Decisions on Arbitration, Sexual Harassment, Nondisclosure Agreements, Interest Arbitration, and Working with Neurodiverse Parties as an ADR Practitioner.
• Volunteer Judge for Mediation, Negotiation, and Arbitration law school competitions
• Former Board President and current Board Member for NAMI Eastside – East King County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness since 2018
• Licensed to practice law in Washington State since 1983