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Mediator Resume
Benjamin L. Stewart, Esq.
Professional Summary
Extensive experience handling complex and high-stakes civil cases, both as a litigator and as a neutral. 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 claims alleging wrongful termination, violation of post-employment obligations, 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 negotiations as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. Previously taught courses on dispute resolution and negotiations 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, arbitration proceedings, and academic classes via Zoom. Accustomed to using various online platforms to facilitate hearings and conferences. Strong preference for electronic materials and experienced with using specialized software for document management. Proficient in handling electronically stored information and utilizing digital tools to organize complex case data.
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; American Bar Association - Dispute Resolution Section & Legal Education Committee; Federal Bar Association; Dallas Bar Association
Recent Publications & Speaking Engagements
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: Not provided
Daily Rate: $4,500.00
Study Rate: Not provided
Cancellation: Not provided
Cancellation Period: Not provided
Comment: Rates per session:
Full Day (up to 8 hours) = $4,500.00
Half Day (up to 4 hours) = $2,500.00
Hourly = $700.00
Languages
English
Citizenship
United States of America
Locale
Dallas, Texas
