Mediator Resume

Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP - Managing Partner

Attorney, Arbitrator, Mediator

Managing Partner, Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP (formerly Law Offices of Murray Schwartz and then Schwartz & Perry LLP), 1991-Present (managing since 2015); Associate Attorney, Hughes & Shontz, 1987-1991; Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Steven Ernstoff, 1985-1987.

Has over 30 years of experience litigating workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour and whistleblower cases on behalf of plaintiffs/claimants. Experience litigating in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the Supreme Court of New York, Kings, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties. Additionally, represented clients before administration agencies such as The New York State Division of Human Rights, New York City Commission on Human Rights, and the EEOC.

Since 2020, has actively and successfully mediated cases through the United States District Court, Southern District of New York’s Mediation Office.

Mediated claims seeking damages for pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, FMLA retaliation and FLSA violations of minimum wage and overtime laws.

My mediation philosophy is shaped by my many decades work as an employment lawyer who litigates case and tries them to verdict. I view mediation as an opportunity for the parties to obtain closure and control over the outcome of a dispute that can be costly, gut-wrenching, distracting and without a guaranteed outcome. My experience as a litigator allows me to truly understand the issues on both sides, which allows me to gain the trust of the parties as a neutral third-party who can assist them in discussing resolution. I am a good listener, understanding that sometimes it may take time to get to a place where a meaningful and productive conversation about settlement can take place. For that reason, I am persistent, available and fully committed to each mediation, ensuring my availability for as long as it takes to reach a settlement if that is possible.

New England Law – Boston (JD-1985); Skidmore College (BA-1982).

Admitted to the Bar: New York (1986); US District Court: Southern and Eastern District of New York (1992); US Court of Appeals: 2nd Circuit (2017).

National Employment Lawyers Association; NYU Labor & Employment Center Board, Member - Mediation Advisory Committee; United States District Court - Southern District of New York.

Has co-authored numerous articles and publications for programs sponsored by the New York State Bar Association, the National Employment Lawyers Association and the Practicing Law Institute. Lectured extensively on employment law for various continuing legal education providers such as Lawline, The National Law Institute, The New York City Bar Association, and The New York County Lawyers Association.

Hourly Rate: $500.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $500.00/hr Cancellation: $500.00/Day Cancellation Period: 21 Days Comment: Hourly rate applies to all phone conferences, discovery disputes, study time and writing awards. Parties will be charged reasonable travel expenses including gas, airfare, hotels, meals and transfers. Cancellation fee of $500 per cancelled hearing if cancelled on less than 21 days notice.

English

United States of America

New York, New York