Alfred A. Gollatz
John F. McKenna
Mary Ann Plankinton
Mary Ann Rossi
Jane M. Shields

• Private arbitration
• Court-mandated mediation
• Private mediation

There are many disputes that are suited to resolution through mediation or arbitration, or are required to be submitted to arbitration. For example, disputes regarding the performance of construction contracts often provide for mediation and arbitration through the American Arbitration Association. We have years of experience in presenting and defending these claims in arbitration.

If there is a dispute with a securities broker, or brokerage firm, the brokerage account agreement requires submitting the dispute for arbitration before the industry's trade organization, FINRA. Several of our attorneys are very familiar with these FINRA proceedings, and have participated as counsel for claimants, as well as in defense of brokers and dealers. 

In family law, mediation of custody disputes has become the norm. Also, the use of voluntary mediation to resolve divorce cases is growing. One member of our group provides these mediation services in both Pennsylvania and Delaware, meeting specific training and experience requirements that the courts in Pennsylvania have recently established for eligibility to serve as mediators in family court matters.

Motor vehicle personal injury underinsurance claims are usually submitted to arbitration before one or three arbitrators chosen by the parties.  Several of our attorneys have experience serving as arbitrations in these matters.

Courts may also appoint attorneys to mediate lawsuits before them through an informal selection process, or through a court-annexed settlement/mediation program. For example, the Orphans' Court in Chester County has a mediation program for will contests, guardianships and trusts and has appointed our attorneys to represent parties in these mediations. One of our attorneys also acts as a mediator in estate matters in Delaware.

When conflicts between co-workers become disruptive to the workplace, employers may turn to a mediator to help the employees resolve their issues. This form of mediation is relatively new to many, and one of our attorneys is specifically trained for these types of mediations.

Our attorneys have a wide range of experience in the various forms of ADR, including service on the panel of mediators in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, in the civil settlement program, divorce and Orphans' Court matters in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas and as mediators in custody, divorce and estate matters in Delaware.