Mediator Resume

Polished and successful mediator who gets results based on good judgment, intuition, perseverance, and over three decades of experience in high-end civil litigation. Recognized as a leader in the federal and state bar, as a past president of the State Bar of Michigan and the Federal Bar Association’s Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, among other positions, earning the trust and respect of judges, practicing lawyers, and litigants. Honored as the 2023 recipient of the FBA’s Julian Abele Cook, Jr. - Bernard A. Friedman Civility Award, created to recognize a civil practitioner who is an outstanding example of professional excellence and civility.

Dennis M. Barnes, PLLC - Mediator

Mediator, Dennis M. Barnes, PLLC (BarnesADR), 2022-Present; Partner, Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC, 1988-2022; Attorney, Butzel Long, 1986-1988.

More than 36 years representing clients in complex commercial litigation and business disputes, with extensive experience resolving matters through mediation, arbitration, facilitation, and special master appointments.

Served as mediator in over 500 cases while a partner at Barris, Sott, then established BarnesADR to pursue full-time ADR practice in 2022. Since then, served as mediator and/or Early Dispute Resolution (“EDR”) Neutral in hundreds more cases, primarily complex commercial and business disputes. Recognized for sound judgment, practical problem-solving, and a calm, disciplined approach that promotes constructive dialogue and durable settlements. Trained by the Early Dispute Resolution Institute as an EDR Neutral and has worked with attorneys and their clients in dozens of cases by applying the Institute’s EDR Protocols (edrinstitute.org/protocols) to achieve the shared goal of seeking an early, economical, and principled resolution.

Family trust disputes for high-value estates; over 200 federal court fraud/ERISA cases filed by employers against health insurance plan provider; over 100 warranty claims against auto manufacturer; various contract disputes involving closely held businesses; shareholder, partnership, and governance conflicts; insurance coverage and indemnity disputes; business tort and unfair competition matters; professional responsibility and service-provider disputes; nonprofit and organizational governance matters.

In traditional mediations, mediators typically take either a facilitative or an evaluative approach. Facilitators promote communication between the parties to help them achieve an acceptable resolution, while refraining from expressing any opinion on the merits of the case. Evaluators will express an opinion on the merits of the parties’ positions and/or what may be a reasonable settlement value. Often, a blend of the facilitative and evaluative approaches makes sense. I draw upon my experience, consult with counsel, and consider the needs of the parties and the particulars of the dispute to determine which style best suits the needs of the case. I often use decision trees to help each party analyze their risks and opportunities (using specialized training provided by the EDR Institute).

Well versed with the various online platforms (Zoom, Teams, LoopUp, GoToMeeting, etc.) and willing to conduct mediation sessions virtually. Also specially trained in decision tree software (such as SilverDecisions.com) used to evaluate risk adjusted value with counsel and clients.

University of Notre Dame Law School (JD - 1986); Hillsdale College (BA - 1983).

Admitted to the Bar: Michigan (1986); U.S. District Courts: Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan; U.S. Court of Appeals: Fifth and Sixth Circuits; U.S. Supreme Court.

President, State Bar of Michigan (2019-2020); State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners (2010-2020); State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners Executive Committee (2012-20); Past-President, Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Chapter; Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society; Federal Court Standing Committee on Civility; Federal Court 2009 Magistrate Reappointment Selection Panel; Shamrock Bar Association; Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers; Detroit Catholic Central High School Board of Directors (2012-2022); Detroit Catholic Central High School Alumni Board of Directors (2000 to Present).

Hourly Rate: $500.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $500.00/hr Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: Not provided Comment:

English

United States of America

Canton, Michigan