Mediator Resume

For more than 50 years, focused almost entirely on civil litigation, principally commercial cases. Arbitrated and mediated cases. Chaired medical review panels in medical malpractice cases. Testified as expert witness on trial strategy and reasonableness of attorney's fees. Active in State Bar Association activities.

Riley Bennett Egloff LLP – Of Counsel

Attorney, Arbitrator, Mediator

Of Counsel (2002-Present)/Partner (1989-2002), Riley Bennett Egloff LLP, 1989-Present; Partner, Callahan & Riley, 1979-1989; Partner, Linder Riley & Taylor, 1976-1978; Partner/Associate, Lowe Linder Gray Steele & Wiles, 1972-1976.

Tried catastrophic personal injury products liability cases. Litigated power plant cooling water line collapse case and related insurance coverage case. Mediated trademark and patent infringement cases as an advocate. Arbitrated: consumer cases against financial institutions and vendors; auto dealer software cases; employment cases; linen supplier cases; and business financing cases. Defended medical malpractice cases. Defended asbestos and tobacco cases. Defended mortgage commitment case. Defended premises liability cases.

Has served as a mediator since 1986 when the Indianapolis Bar Association started the Settlement Week program to assist Marion County courts eliminate stale and neglected cases from the courts' dockets. The program was very successful in clearing dockets and was repeated for a number of years. The mediation process became of a staple of trial practice such that virtually not case goes to trial without first being mediated. Has mediated cases ever since then, focusing on commercial cases, rather than personal injury cases.

Employment, construction and commercial disputes.

Preparation is essential to know the issues before the mediation session. Require confidential mediation statements and call with counsel before the session. Open with explanation of the mediation process and my role as the neutral hired to help the parties settle their disputes. Opening statements allowed if counsel requests. Separate sessions with each side to discuss realities of continued litigation: costs, emotional toll, and diverted attention from business operation. Use patience and humor to move the process along. Encourage realistic moves to close the gap. Brackets can be very helpful in revealing parties' positions. Keep everyone focused on the goal, settlement. Once settlement is reached, document and sign the material terms.

Proficient with Zoom and Teams. Starting to utilize AI for my personal use. Conduct remote hearings.

University of Michigan (JD-1972); Purdue University (BS ESE-1969).

Admitted to the Bar: Indiana, 1972; U.S. District Courts: Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana; U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; U.S. Supreme Court.

Indiana State Bar Association; American Arbitration Association; National Arbitration and Mediation.

Indiana State Bar Association Leadership Development Academy annual presentation on "Advice from a Mentor" covering all aspects of the practice of law, including ethics considerations, professionalism, settlement, mediation, arbitration, lawyer as problem solver, technology proficiency, communication styles, dealing with the media, health and well-being, and the State Bar Association.

Indianapolis and central Indiana

Hourly Rate: Not provided Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: Not provided Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: Not provided Comment: Compensation rates, established by the AAA, are set forth in the applicable Consumer Mediation Procedures.

English

United States of America

Indianapolis, Indiana