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Mediator Resume

Benjamin L. Stewart, Esq.

Benjamin L. Stewart, Esq.

Professional Summary

Extensive experience handling high-stakes civil cases. Accustomed to dealing with a wide range of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, antitrust violations, serious injury/death, real property/construction claims, and a host of employment-related issues, such as wrongful termination, theft of trade secrets, breach of non-compete agreements, breach of independent-contractor agreements, and violations of state and federal laws governing employee benefits (e.g., FLSA and ERISA). Experienced at dealing with complex procedural issues stemming from multidistrict litigation, class actions, mass actions, cross-claims, bankruptcy proceedings, and government investigations.

Current Employer-Title

Stewart Dispute Resolution, PLLC - Managing Member; Mediator & Arbitrator The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law - Adjunct Professor

Profession

Attorney; Arbitrator, Mediator & Educator

Work History

Managing Member, Stewart Dispute Resolution, PLLC, 2025 - Present; Adjunct Professor, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, 2025 - Present; Partner, Bailey Brauer, PLLC, 2013 - 2025; Adjunct Professor, University of Georgia Law School, 2023 - 2025; Senior Counsel, Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP, 2012 - 2013; Associate Attorney, Weil Gotshal & Manges, LLP, 2007 - 2012; Law Clerk, The Hon. A. Joe Fish, United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, 2006 - 2007; Associate Attorney, Locke Liddell & Sapp, LLP, 2004 - 2006.

Experience

Extensive experience handling sophisticated legal matters in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings as a litigator, mediator, and arbitrator. COMPLEX COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCE More than two decades as a litigator focusing on complex commercial cases and bankruptcy proceedings. Represented clients in lawsuits, arbitrations, and government investigations across a variety of industries and sectors, including food production/agriculture, real estate construction/development, logistics, professional services, technology/software, energy, and consumer rights. Handled complex procedural issues related to mass actions, class actions, multi-district litigation, allied-litigant privilege/cooperation agreements, partial settlements, etc. EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE Extensive experience with labor and employment claims, representing both employees and employers. Case types include claims involving allegations of (1) wrongful termination due to discrimination and/or retaliation under federal and state law, (2) violations of post-employment obligations, including non-compete clauses, non-solicitation, and theft of trade secrets, (3) breach of independent contractor agreements, (4) unpaid wages/benefits under the FLSA and ERISA, and (5) employee injuries in non-subscriber cases. ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE Currently teaching dispute resolution and negotiation as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. Previously taught courses on dispute resolution and negotiation for two years at the University of Georgia Law School. RECOGNITIONS Best Lawyers in America Texas Super Lawyers Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers Lawyers Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers in America

Mediator Experience

Began mediating cases in 2019 and have handled a wide variety of cases since then, including: - complex business/commercial disputes involving claims for breach of contract, intellectual property rights, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, partner/member/shareholder rights, etc.; - employment disputes, including claims for wrongful termination and enforcement of post-termination obligations; - disputes involving alleged construction defects and other real property claims; - claims for negligence and gross negligence related to severe personal injuries sustained in a variety of contexts; and - civil claims by government agencies—like the IRS and SEC—against businesses and individuals for violations of federal regulations and statutes.

Mediator Style & Process Preferences

Because every case is different, I adapt my style to meet the needs of each case based on the issues and individuals involved. My first goal is to build rapport with counsel and their clients to foster open communication and a willingness to collaborate. Because mediation gives parties an opportunity to craft solutions tailored to their unique circumstances, I encourage parties to take advantage of that opportunity. For complex business disputes, I usually adopt an evaluative approach where I gather and impartially consider information and facts from all sides and then draw on my experience as a litigator, mediator, arbitrator, and educator to provide alternative perspectives and neutral insights into relevant laws and procedures. When a case involves emotionally charged issues, I spend more time working to understand the parties’ feelings so that I can facilitate productive communication. In all cases, I work to understand the unique circumstances and interests of the parties so that the issues most important to each side can be addressed. With respect to pre-mediation procedures, I typically request confidential briefs or summaries setting forth the relevant facts and legal positions of all sides. I also encourage counsel to have a call with me before the mediation to ensure I understand the key issues and relevant dynamics.

Technology Proficiency

Adept at conducting mediations and arbitration proceedings virtually using leading online platforms. Experienced in utilizing specialized legal document management software and AI-powered tools (including Clearbrief, Gemini, ChatGPT, and Copilot) to streamline legal research, analyze electronically stored information (ESI), and organize complex case data efficiently. Strong commitment to leveraging modern digital tools and electronic hearing materials to optimize case management. Virtual Hearing Platforms: Proficient in managing virtual arbitrations, mediations, and preliminary hearings via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex. Legal AI & Document Analysis: Extensive experience leveraging legal AI tools such as Clearbrief for brief drafting, cite-checking, and evidence linking, alongside generative AI platforms (Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot) to accelerate research and document synthesis. ESI & Case Organization: Skilled in handling electronically stored information (ESI) and specialized document management software to organize complex, voluminous case records and electronic hearing binders.

Education

Columbia Law School (JD, Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar - 2004); East Texas Baptist University (BA, Cum Laude, Alpha Chi (top 10%) - 2001).

Professional Licenses

Admitted to the Bar: Texas (2004); Various Federal District and Appellate Courts.

Professional Associations

Texas Mediator Credentialing Association - Credentialed Advanced Mediator; Association of Attorney-Mediators; Texas Association of Mediators; Dallas Bar Association

Recent Publications & Speaking Engagements

Assumptions & Emotions: How Unspoken Mental Shortcuts Distort Intent, Spark Miscommunication, and Fuel Emotional Conflict - presented at Columbia Law School (October 2026) Rethink the Routine: Sophisticated Settlement Solutions for Complex Cases - CLE presented to multiple groups (April 2026) Purposeful Preparation: Empowering Clients to Drive the Dialogue - CLE presented to multiple groups (March - April 2026) Negotiation Strategies & Teaching Goals, presented to the ABA Dispute Resolution Section Legal Education Committee (Oct. 2025)

Locations Where Parties Will Not be Charged for Travel Expenses

Within 50 miles of DFW Airport

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $800.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: Not provided Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: Not provided Comment: Rates per session: Full Day (up to 8 hours) = $6,000.00 ($3,000 per side) Half Day (up to 4 hours) = $3,500.00 ($1,750 per side) Hourly = $800.00 ($400 per side)

Languages

English

Citizenship

United States of America

Locale

Dallas, Texas