Find the Right AAA-ICDR® Mediator for Your Dispute

Over 40 years of experience as a litigator in federal and state court litigation, domestic and international arbitration, mediation and appeals; became an arbitrator in 2006 and a mediator in 2011 in domestic matters; and currently serve as an arbitrator and mediator on the AAA Commercial, Construction, Employment and Consumer Panels and in international matters with the AAA International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR). Appointed as a Chair of many three-member arbitration panels and also as an Emergency Arbitrator. The areas of law practiced most often include: COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS LITIGATION: breach of contract, family and generational business including trust and estates, corporate, partnership, limited liability and joint venture entities, shareholder, corporate dissolution and derivative actions, business valuations, mergers and acquisitions (Delaware and New York law), property appraisals, intellectual property including trademark, trade dress, unfair competition, copyright, trade secrets and ideas, art law, entertainment matters, securities and investment litigation, hedge funds, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference and business torts, insurance, licensing, franchise, supplier, manufacturer/distributor agreements, software licensing and development, technology, manufacturing, machinery, energy including oil and gas, False Claims Act qui tam litigation, housing and other discrimination matters, banking, UCC, sales, secured transactions, equipment financing and leasing, product liability, class actions, professional malpractice, RICO and Indian gaming law. CONSTRUCTION AND REAL PROPERTY: commercial and residential construction, delays, defects, remediation, change orders, surety bonds, real estate financing, acquisition, sale, development and leasing, co-op and condominium, zoning, easements, mechanics liens, trust funds, environmental, wetlands, architectural fees and related disputes, property appraisals, HUD and Section 8 housing; large construction projects have included apartment building, hotel, cultural center, office building construction and battery storage facilities and involve owner, general contractor, subcontractor, architect, engineer and multiple trade disputes. EMPLOYMENT LAW: employment contracts, severance, wage and hour, FLSA, disability, whistleblower, False Claims Act, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, trade secrets, executive compensation, stock options, severance, commissions and bonuses, covenants not to compete or solicit, misappropriation, independent contractor issues and breach of fiduciary duty. CONSUMER: Banking, construction and commercial. REPRESENTATIVE INDUSTRIES: energy, oil and gas, energy storage, construction, real estate, telecommunications, publishing, entertainment, manufacturing, technology, computer software and software and website development, securities, financial advisors and financial services, banking, e-commerce (and Amazon), insurance, education, health care, medical, home health care and related practices, the Government of Taiwan and Indian gaming. Have also worked with experts in many industries including: construction, engineering, architecture, securities, computer hardware, software and programming, accounting, economics, appraisal/valuation, statistics, insurance claim auditing, questioned documents, environmental and Indian gaming. AWARDS AND HONORS: Recipient: 2026 Best Lawyers in America in Arbitration; 2021 "Who's Who" in Women in Professional Services (Long Island Business News); 2018 Long Island Power Women in Business award (Long Island Press); 2005 and 2013 Long Island Top 50 Women in Business awards (Long Island Business News); 2010 “Who’s Who” in Women in Professional Services (Long Island Business News).

Over 45 years of construction law experience, involved in all aspects of construction law on a state and national level, representing the full spectrum of the construction industry, from owners, contractors, subcontractors and sureties. Practice includes time-related claims and litigation (e.g., delay/impact), legal advice and counsel regarding the contracting process (e.g., bidding and contract disputes/performance bond claims), payment enforcement/defense (e.g. payment bonds/mechanics liens/stop payment notices), administrative and scope claims and litigation (e.g., differing site conditions, change and extra work orders/inadequate plans and specifications and subcontractor substitutions) and counseling and transactional services to the construction industry (e.g., general advice and counsel, including contract preparation, evaluation and negotiation). In addition, extensive experience in dispute resolution including litigation, trial, appeals, arbitration and mediation. Pride in being a hard-working “straight shooter.” Early in career, became a pioneer in construction law, being one of the first women attorneys to practice in the primarily male-dominated field. Through passion and unique intelligence, established a vital, nationwide practice involved in all aspects of construction law and a career marked by increasingly prominent leadership positions. Recognized as an innovator in legal problem-solving and as a thought leader who is a frequently published author and sought-after speaker for professional legal, construction and educational publications and organizations. Loves humor and thinks everyone is way too serious. Using all of the above to focus on serving as a neutral (arbitration, judicial reference, and mediation).

Focuses exclusively on domestic and international construction litigation and dispute resolution, serving as advocate, arbitrator and mediator. As advocate, has represented general contractors (including several large international EPC contractors), owners, subcontractors subcontractors. Experience includes the following types of projects: power plants, oil & gas, cogen, oil refineries, oil terminals, hydroelectric power plants, offshore wind, onshore wind, LNG facilities, solar facilities, power transmission lines, schools, dormitories, prisons, chemical facilities, infrastructure, rail, bridges, tunnels, residential/condo, healthcare facilities, office/commercial buildings, and VDC/BIM. Also experienced with handling insurance coverage disputes arising out of construction projects, including builders risk, professional liability/E&O, general liability, additional insured and OCIP/CCIP issues.

A business, commercial and employment dispute-resolution professional with more than thirty years of experience as a litigator and legal consultant. Brings balanced insight from more than three decades representing both corporate and individual clients both prosecuting claims as plaintiffs and defending claims as defendants. Known for professionalism, preparation, impartiality, and practical problem solving, focuses on efficient, durable outcomes and respect for all. In the commercial/business area, has experience with shareholder, partnership, member, joint venture, majority/minority ownership, mergers and acquisitions, breach of contract, operating agreement disputes, buy/sell disputes, limited liability company (LLC) disputes, membership, stock and partnership disputes, breaches of fiduciary duty, fraud, unjust enrichment, conversion, unfair business practices, insurance and coverage, financing, loan, retail installment sales contacts (RISC), reps and warranties, government contracting, management, development, operations, indemnity, duty to defend, real estate, leasing, product liability and other matters. In the employment arena, has represented both employees and employers in discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge/termination, disability, retaliation and other employment claims. Has also represent employers and employees and competing businesses in non-competition, non-solicitation, trade secret, confidentiality, non-disclosure and related claims. In addition, has consulted related to the hiring, firing and layoff of employees and severance issues. For approximately two decades, represented numerous healthcare insurers on all aspects of litigation and dispute resolution. This work involved medical billing, coverage, denial of coverage, medical necessity, standard of care, hospital, doctor contracting and other healthcare issues. Has also worked as an arbitrator for doctor/hospital disputes. Represented doctors in litigation addressing ERISA, medical billing, billing codes, medical contracting and medical practice ownership, partnership issues. Prior to law school, spent four years working for two members of the United States House of Representatives as a Legislative Assistant handling research, writing, administrative and policy issues. Has served as the Chairman of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and the Litigation Section of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. Also previously served as Chairman of a midsized, well respected law firm's Litigation Group for many years.

Partner for more than 30 years at one of the premier construction and real estate litigation law firms in the tri-state area. Adjunct Professor teaching Legal Principles and Practices and Negotiation and Dispute Resolution in Masters Program, Real Estate and Construction, New York University, 1991 to 2021; New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate/Construction Advisory Board Member; Panel of Mediators, American Arbitration Association; Construction Master Mediator Panel, American Arbitration Association; Member, Arbitrator National Advisory Committee, American Arbitration Association, 2015-2016; Adjunct Professor teaching "Construction Law" at Cardozo School of Law, 2018 to 2022. Litigated and arbitrated complex construction disputes in NY, NJ, MA and federal courts for numerous clients, including owners, construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, sureties and manufacturers. Negotiated multi-million dollar contracts on behalf of private and institutional developers, owners, design professionals, construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. Counseled clients on day-to-day issues arising during construction projects including contract, payment and insurance. Extensive litigation and drafting experience in construction contracts and design services agreements and under the UCC relating to product warranties and disclaimers. Sat as sole arbitrator or Panel Chair in international arbitrations including, most recently, disputes (i) between an Israeli company and a New York developer over the alleged breach of a partnership agreement to construct a high-rise residential building in Manhattan; (ii) a Turkish manufacturer and a U.S. distributor involving performance/payment issues pursuant to a distributorship agreement; (iii) between a U.S. contractor and foreign supplier over the performance of AC traction motors for locomotives; and (iv) a gc and a sub in an ICC arbitration involving multi-million dollar delay claims. Commercial: Litigated and arbitrated complex commercial disputes for numerous corporate clients involving breach of contract and payment disputes, conversion, fraud, tortious interference with contract, breach of fiduciary duty and shareholder disputes. Negotiated contracts and commercial leases on multi-million dollar projects on behalf of private and institutional developers, owners, retailers, landlords and tenants. Counseled corporate clients on day-to-day matters, including contract and real estate issues, real estate tax disputes, commercial and residential leases, joint ventures, shareholder and employment disputes and insurance matters. Representative cases include disputes concerning a container facility and port, a sewerage authority, new building construction for schools, colleges/universities, commercial and residential building envelopes, excavation and underpinning/foundation work, masonry work, drywall work, painting work, concrete work, electrical work, curtainwall and window work, roofing work, heavy construction work, HVAC work, plumbing work, condo and coop renovations and high-end office interior renovations. Extensive experience representing clients in more than 200 complex arbitrations and mediations involving disputes over payment, employment agreements, shareholder disputes, asset purchase agreements, construction contracts, architectural service and surety agreements, wrongful termination, construction and design defects, insurance coverage issues, roofing systems and roofing warranties, fraud, client billing, high-end residential and commercial construction, water damage claims involving building envelopes, foundations, masonry, concrete, wall systems, roof assemblies, EIFS applications, reservoirs and floating covers, environmental issues and coverage disputes involving insurance carriers and their insureds.

Four decades of complex litigation and business advisory experience at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and then as a full-time arbitrator and mediator, with significant expertise in disputes involving business contracts, mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures, insurance, manufacturing and distribution, pharmaceuticals, IP, beverages, securities and financial services, healthcare, accounting and law firms, real estate, corporate governance class actions, product liability and mass tort and antitrust.

Commercial litigation attorney. Approximately 80% of practice focus split between energy/energy services and related industries, including petrochemicals, engineering services, industrial monitoring, manufacturing, and marine. About 15% in healthcare, financial services, IT and managed security, and construction. Commercial & Energy: Represented (i) partners and land owners in disputes involving oil and gas asset valuations and lease payments; (ii) energy infrastructure company in dispute over payments for gas treatment equipment and gas treating services at well sites; (iii) natural gas provider in dispute alleging breach of a long-term natural gas sales contract; (iv) oil and gas company in lease and royalty dispute; (v) an energy performance contracting company in an equipment lease and financing dispute; (vi) landfill operations companies in partnership dispute involving operations and federal tax credits; (vii) industrial fabrication company in contract performance and collections dispute; (viii) an industrial compliance services company in a dispute concerning licensing and distribution of proprietary technology; (ix) non-franchise restaurant partners in operational dispute; (xi) partners in franchise restaurants in disputes involving commercial lease obligations; (x) national retail landlord in lease disputes; (xiii) a skilled nursing facility (landlord) against a former tenant involving a Medicare CHOW, transfer of operations, fraud and valuation of real estate and going concern healthcare operations. Employment: Represented (i) worldwide chemicals company and its president against claims of age discrimination and defamation; (ii) multiple companies and employees in claims alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, violations of non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, (iii) former executives in dispute over separation agreement involving common law and stock fraud claims; (iv) a closely-held marine company in an executive compensation and corporate governance dispute; (v) global engineering services firm against discrimination claims involving Texas, American, and Saudi labor laws; (vi) the former parent company of a marine services company in a Seaman's wage class action; (vii) international medical research fellow in an investigation concerning research integrity; (viii) closely-held company in dealing with day-to-day employment matters; (ix) executives in disputes involving employment agreements, including short-term incentive pay and long-term incentive pay (LTIP & STIP); (x) equine breeding ranch in dispute with former key employee involving theft, conversion, and breach of contract claims.

Private law practice experience includes civil and appellate litigation, and employment, commercial, education, and public utility law. Employment litigation and counseling experience includes wrongful discharge, sexual discrimination and harassment, age discrimination, disability discrimination, and ERISA. As General Counsel of Arizona State University advised senior university officials and counseled the purchasing, procurement, construction, research, student affairs, public television, and other departments. As a judge on the state's intermediate appellate court, heard over 1000 appeals in all areas of law including cases involving breach of contract, personal injury, medical malpractice, real estate, administrative law, domestic relations, insurance coverage, civil rights, securities, intellectual property, constitutional law, and employment. As the founder and director of a public interest law firm, represented parties in class action litigation, consumer rights litigation, and in public utility rate proceedings. Adjunct Professor at Arizona State University College of Law teaching courses in Arbitration and Mediation.