Mediator Resume

Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. - Managing Shareholder

Attorney, Arbitrator, Mediator

Managing Shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, 2007- Present; Managing Partner, Gambrell and Stolz, L.L.P., 1993-2007; Partner, Martin, Cavan and Andersen, 1986-1993; Associate, Nall and Miller, 1983-1986; Teaching Fellow, Washington and Lee University School of Law, 1982-1983.

Engaged in litigation involving construction, fidelity and surety law, negligence, employment law, and business disputes. 65% of practice is in construction law, primarily representing general contractors, architects, engineers, designers, owners, developers, public agencies, and some sub and specialty contractors and sureties/insurers involving private (commercial, industrial, and residential) projects. 20% of practice is in employment law. 10% of practice is in negligence including medical malpractice: 50% on behalf of plaintiffs and 50% on behalf of defendants. 2% of negligence practice involves automobile accident claims. Legal experience in automobile negligence cases since 1983.

Serves as a mediator numerous times throughout the year, with 75% of the mediations involving construction-related matters.

Has served as a neutral primarily in construction cases, including large manufacturing facilities, delay claims, construction defect claims, project collapses, and design defect issues. Has also served as a mediator in contract disputes between insurance companies, employer/employee disputes (including discrimination claims).

The purpose of mediation is to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of the parties. I do not quit. I prefer to read submissions by the parties several days (or weeks in a large case) in advance and begin the process on the phone, separately, with counsel for the parties. This allows us to be more efficient when everyone is together for the mediation. My role is to work hard to get the matter resolved. I am not afraid to work very long days. I believe I have a talent for keeping the parties excited about the process and respecting their attorneys. In resolving a case, the parties typically appreciate the good work their attorneys have done for them.

Washington and Lee University (JD-1983); Union College (BA, cum laude-1980).

Admitted to the Bar: Georgia (1983), District of Columbia (1984-inactive); U.S. District Court: District of Georgia (1985); U.S. Court of Appeals: Eleventh Circuit (1986).

American Bar Association (Past President); American Bar Association (Committee on Rules & Calendar of the House of Delegates; Coalition for Justice, Chair; Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Past Chair, Vice Chair; Trial Techniques Committee, Past Chair; Long-Range Planning Committee, Past Chair; Fidelity and Surety Committee, Past Vice Chair; Legislative Division, Chair; Membership Division, Co-chair); Atlanta Council Young Lawyers (Director); State Bar of Georgia (Past President; Professional and Liability Committee, Vice Chair; Uniform Rules Commission, Chair; Statewide Judicial Evaluation Commission, Co-chair).

Publications: Over 50 published works, mostly on construction topics Speaking Engagements: Speaker, "Ethics Issues for Your Practice," Institute of Continuing Legal Education Georgia, video, November 2, 2001; speaker, "Multidisciplinary Practice Issues in Commercial Real Estate," Institute of Continuing Legal Education Georgia, November 1, 2001; speaker, "Ethical Considerations for Construction Lawyers," Construction Law for the General Practitioner, Institute of Continuing Legal Education Georgia, October 5, 2001; speaker, "How to Start a Successful Professionalism Commission," American Bar Association Mid-year Meeting, San Diego, February 16, 2001; speaker, "Emerging Issues Facing Bar Associations," National Conference of Bar Presidents Mid-year meeting, San Diego, February 16, 2001; speaker, "Arbitration in the New Millennium," American Arbitration Association Joint Program, January 25, 2001; speaker, "Law Practice Management: Ethics, Conflicts and Money," Institute of Continuing Legal Education Georgia, January 11, 2001; speaker, "Defending Depositions Considering Especially the New Federal Rules," Georgia, December 15, 2000; speaker, "New Trends in the Legal Profession, Multidisciplinary Practice, Multijurisdictional Practice and Others," Atlanta Bar Association, December 7, 2000; speaker, "The New Ethics Rules and How They Could Change Your Practice," Institute of Continuing Legal Education Georgia," November 17, 2000; speaker, "Running for Bar Office," Institute of Continuing Legal Education Georgia, September 15, 2000; numerous other speaking engagements.

Hourly Rate: $950.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $950.00/hr Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: Not provided Comment:

English

United States of America

Atlanta, Georgia