Mediator Resume

Results-driven mediator and arbitrator with decades of experience resolving thousands of consumer and commercial disputes for individuals, businesses, corporations, and government entities, both locally and nationally. Specializes in contracts, finance, employment, and healthcare. Known for exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, facilitating constructive dialogue to help parties reach fair settlements. A proficient businesswoman with experience across Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, in both single party and complex multi-party disputes.

Linda A Michler ADR - Owner

Attorney, Independent Arbitrator and Mediator

Owner, ADR Offices of Linda A Michler, 2015-Present; Managing Attorney, Law Office of Linda A. Michler, 1997-2015; Attorney, Lyons, Doughty & Veldhuis, 2000-2003; Special Assistant US Attorney, Assistant District Counsel, US Small Business Administration, 1991-1997; Associate Attorney, Frank R. Fleming III PC, 1988-1991. Instructor, Community College of Allegheny County, 2000-2001; Instructor (Business Law - Liability and Avoidance, Legal Research and Writing), Robert Morris University, 1990-1999.

CONTRACT DISPUTES Extensive experience in complex consumer, commercial and governmental matters, shaped by service as Assistant District Counsel for the U.S. Small Business Administration and private practice focused on alternative dispute resolution. Work spans all stages of contractual matters - from negotiation through breach and enforcement - covering servicing and supply agreements, payment terms, exclusivity provisions, and insurance bad faith claims. Also handle issues unique to family-run and generational businesses, as well as conflicts involving real estate transactions, property insurance, title issues, and landlord-tenant relationships. Experience includes product liability and warranty litigation (hundreds of auto warranty and leasing cases) under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and Lemon Law, contractor and subcontractor disputes, franchisor–franchisee conflicts, and professional malpractice claims. Additional work includes intellectual property licensing, copyright infringement, software and technology development disputes, and False Claims Act (FCA) whistleblower claims. Representation ranges from small business disputes to large, multiparty cases, including international airport construction projects. BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Decades of experience representing major banks and mortgage lenders in commercial and consumer finance disputes. Cases encompass lending and collection, creditor’s rights, lender liability, bankruptcy, foreclosures, receiverships, and deed recording fraud. Real estate litigation and arbitration include mortgage enforcement, commercial lease disputes (often involving accounting and lease interpretation issues), and claims concerning deposit inducement or return. Additional experience includes shareholder and partnership disputes, financial services malpractice, and purchase or sale of business assets. EMPLOYMENT Proven record managing complex employment matters from compliance investigations to mediation and arbitration, maintaining balance, confidentiality, and impartiality to prevent escalation and identify systemic risks. Experience includes employment contract disputes involving breach, exclusivity, and non-compete provisions; executive compensation (wages, stock options, bonuses, severance, fiduciary duty claims); and independent contractor classification. Skilled in protecting trade secrets and confidential information, including related intellectual property claims. Advise on workforce reductions and regulatory compliance under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and laws governing minimum wage, overtime, discrimination, retaliatory discharge, sexual harassment, and hostile work environment. Also experienced in whistleblower and fraud claims under the FCA and in proceedings before the EEOC, PHRC, and under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). HEALTHCARE Extensive experience arbitrating and mediating healthcare disputes involving hospitals, health systems, insurers, physician groups (EPOs, PPMCs, MSOs), skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, laboratories, patients, and insurance companies. Skilled at evaluating complex issues and promoting impartial, compliant solutions. Matters include reimbursement disputes between managed care companies and providers; coding and fee schedule interpretations; outsourcing and prior authorization disputes; experimental treatment and denied therapy claims; out-of-network and network termination issues; and cases involving the No Surprises Act, Stark Law, and FCA compliance. Additional matters include contractual and operational conflicts such as physician employment agreements, partnership and joint venture disputes, income loss under operating agreements, future liabilities under mergers or acquisitions, and shareholder separations within physician and radiology groups, including non-compete issues.

Conducted over 2200 arbitrations and meditations serving as chair, panel member or sole arbitrator.

Over the years, I have learned that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach to sustain my 92% resolution rate. I make it a priority to quickly assess the personalities and dynamics of the parties involved and to adapt my methods, accordingly, ensuring steady progress toward resolution.

Familiar with and accustomed to conducting arbitration and mediations using online platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting and Google Meets. In addition to videoconferencing, agreeable to conduct in person, teleconference and hybrid hearings and mediations. Willing to receive all submissions and evidence in electronic format. Fluent in standard Microsoft 365 and familiar with software programs for timekeeping, project and human resource management, including Salesforce and Time Matters. Successfully completed Clearbrief Academy, December 2025.

Duquesne University School of Law, (JD - 1988) The University of Pittsburgh, (BS, Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Psychology Minor - 1977).

Admitted to the Bar: Pennsylvania (1988), North Carolina (2008 - inactive), New York (2012); US District Court: Western District of Pennsylvania, Eastern District of North Carolina; US Court of Appeals: Third Circuit; US Supreme Court.

NATIONAL AND STATE: American Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, New York Bar Association, Allegheny County and Washington County Bar Associations, National Association of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN) as an invited member. COURT: United States Bankruptcy Court, Mediation Panel Member, Western District of Pennsylvania; North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission Panel Member Superior Court; US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Mediator, Arbitrator, and Early Neutral Evaluator. MEMBER AND SERVE ON PANEL: International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, Panel of Distinguished Neutrals, Mass Employment Claims Panel, Banking and Financial Services Panel and MWI Franchise ADR Panel; American Health Law Association Panel Arbitrator and Mediator, Chair and member of the American Health Law Association Dispute Resolution Service Review Board; National Medical Reviews Inc Arbitrator; FINRA Mediator and Arbitrator; Better Business Bureau Arbitrator; American Bankruptcy Institute, American Arbitration Association - Consumer and commercial mediation and arbitration panels and NC Disaster Mediation Program. North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission Certified Panel Member Superior Court.

Having established a broad range of experience enables the ability to be a presenter and/or program developer for several CLE providers including the American Bar Association, National Business Institute, the Allegheny County Bar Association, Washington County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association and Federal Bar Association Western Pennsylvania Chapter. Speaking includes presentations for advanced mediation training and has taught at Duquesne University, Robert Morris University and Community College of Allegheny County.

No charge for travel within 20 miles of the neutral's office - 29909 zip code.

Hourly Rate: $795.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $795.00/hr Cancellation: $6,400.00/Day Cancellation Period: 12 Days Comment: Expenses at actual cost. No fee for any clerical work done by office. Flat fee mediation for one day including preparation and mediation is $10,000.00. Travel beyond 20 miles of neutral's office is billed at the IRS mileage reimbursement rate, plus any tolls or parking at actual cost. Travel time: Round-trip travel time under 30 minutes is not billed. Travel time exceeding 30 minutes is billed at the standard hourly rate, in 15-minute increments. Out-of-Area Travel: Will charge for all travel-related expenses, including: Airfare (commercial business class, lowest logical fare available), Ground transportation (e.g., shuttle, taxi, Uber, car rental), Lodging and meals, Parking fees and tolls (when applicable), Travel time: From home airport to destination lodging is billed at 50% of the standard hourly rate. Open to discussing a flat travel fee depending on the location and specifics of the matter.

English

United States of America

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania