Mediator Resume

Construction law attorney, arbitrator, and mediator with 29 years of experience resolving complex construction disputes (often involving insurance), negotiating contracts, and advising during the course of construction on projects throughout the United States. Frequent lecturer and author on construction law topics. Significant additional experience with real estate dispute resolution.

Roetzel & Andress, LPA - Shareholder

Attorney; Arbitrator, Mediator; Lecturer

Partner, Roetzel & Andress, LPA, 2024-Present; Senior Lecturer, University of Akron, 2021-Present; Partner, Brouse McDowell LPA, 2014-2024; Partner (2009-2014)/ Associate (2003-2008), Frantz Ward, LLP, 2003-2014; Associate, Rankin, Sproat, Mires, Beatty & Reynolds, 2002-2003; Associate, Stein, Smith, Rudser & Cohen, 1998-2002; Legal Research Analyst, InfoEdge Technology, 1997-1998.

Practicing construction law since 1997, assisting owners, contractors, subcontractors, and material manufacturers in the preparation of contract documents, the management of risk during the course of construction, and the resolution of disputes, often multi-party with large claims and technical building science issues, through mediation, litigation and arbitration. Disputes have involved defective construction, defective design, defective products, mechanic’s liens, bid protests, delays, performance and payment bonds, and insurance coverage issues on residential, commercial, public, and industrial projects.

Recently supplementing an active practice by enhancing mediation skills through training and increasing marketing of mediation services, and adding to arbitrator service that began in 2010, has served as a mediator in four cases in the last two years, all involving construction disputes.

Successful resolution of a dispute between a surety and its principal over amounts due under the general agreement of indemnity. Early mediations of two residential disputes involving consumer protection statutes and defective work allegations. Successful resolution of a dispute between a subcontractor and prime contractor over extra work claims on a public project.

Able to use facilitative and evaluative styles as suited to individual engagements and to alter those approaches within an engagement as needed. There is often a time in the mediation for trading dollar positions without engagement, but that comes late in the process, after the parties, and the mediator, have had an opportunity to learn about all dimensions of the dispute. Rarely finds circumstances are right for opening statements with all parties present. Works to address the emotional aspects of the dispute to avoid posturing and communications intended to be counterproductive while encouraging a true intention to learn and compromise. Will work with the parties significantly in advance of sessions to eliminate hurdles and afterwards to close gaps and resolve sticking points. The timing of the mediation must be right, the decisionmakers must be in the room, and all parties and the mediator must be adequately prepared.

Typical Microsoft Office applications as well as a variety of videoconferencing applications. Open to using videoconferencing for mediation sessions where appropriate.

Case Western Reserve University School of Law (JD-1997); Denison University (BA-1991).

Admitted to the Bar: Ohio (2004); California (1997); and also admitted to practice in various Federal District Courts.

United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel Member, 2025-present; American Bar Association, Construction Industry Forum; Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Founding Chair, Construction Law Subcommittee, 2023-present.

“Key Provisions in Construction and Design Contracts,” Author and Speaker, HalfMoon Education, Inc., (2026); “Killer Contract Clauses for Contractors,” Author and Speaker, National Insulation Association (2025); “Flow-Down Clauses in Construction Contracts,” Co-Author and Speaker, Strafford (now BARBRI) (2024); “Catching Killer Clauses in Contract Negotiation,” CE This Week, Construction Executive (January 25, 2024); “The Costs and Benefits of Perfecting and Pursuing Lien Rights,” CE This Week, Construction Executive (August 9, 2022); “Improve the Bottom Line Using Subrogation Waivers,” CE This Week, Construction Executive (July 11, 2022); “Fail to Plan? Plan to Fail: The Role of Project Planning & Scheduling in Project Management,” Co-Author and Speaker, ABA Forum on Construction Law Annual Meeting (2021).

Hourly Rate: $395.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $395.00/hr Cancellation: $1,500.00/Day Cancellation Period: 3 Days Comment: Compensation rates, established by the AAA, are set forth in the applicable Consumer Mediation Procedures.

English

United States of America

Cleveland, Ohio