Mediator Resume

Licensed attorney (Texas, Arizona) and Professional Engineer with over 27 years of experience in construction, engineering, and alternative dispute resolution. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (FCIArb) and RICS accredited Mediator, serves on the AAA Arbitrator Roster and has presided as sole arbitrator in numerous consumer disputes involving construction defects, residential contractability issues, and consumer law matters. Experience as an independent expert in arbitration and mediation has provided deep insight into effective dispute resolution from multiple perspectives. Committed to facilitating fair, efficient, and impartial resolutions that serve all parties' interests.

ResolveX Consulting LLC - Managing Director

Consultant, Expert Witness, Arbitrator, Mediator

Managing Director, Interface Consulting/Glass Ratner group, 2025-Present; Principal, Rider Levett Bucknall Ltd., 2020-2025; Director, Rider Levett Bucknall Gulf State, 2010-2020; Commercial/claim Manager, Alsaad General Contracting, 2008-2010; Project Manager, Brawley Engineering-NRS, 2007-2008; Senior Design Engineer, Benham Group, 2004-2007; Design Engineer, HNTB, 2000-2004; Engineer Assistant, Port of Los Angeles, Sanitation District of Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles, 1997-2000.

Over 25 years of experience in the construction market. in the recent years have worked as a claim consultant or an expert on various issues, construction defects, delays, damages, and duty of care. Throughout career, provided engineering services on multi-agency projects that included DOTs, local cities, counties, and ports. Provided procurement and claim management services on large scale private development projects. Assisted contractors and employers in the management of their disputes on international construction projects. Engineering and Commercial Services: The first 10 years of experience provided engineering services on various infrastructure projects which included bridges, tunnels, roads, retaining walls, terminals, and marine structures. The remaining of the practice devoted to providing commercial and advisory services on projects (local and international) in various sectors including residential, commercial, cultural, hospitality and social. Provided procurement and contract advisory services on an international regeneration project that consisted of 35 hectares of a sustainable city comprising of multi-use structures for which the construction budget was about $5.6 billion. Construction Claims Advisory Services: Assisted contractors and employers in the management and resolution of their disputes on international projects. The issues included the evaluation of damages, evaluation of change orders, final account, extension of time, construction defects, and duty of care. Worked on different size of disputes. Starting with providing expert opinions or claim advisory services on behalf of the owner and Contractor on residential projects (Single Family and Multi-family). Issues included construction defects and constructability. The largest dispute worked on was providing claim advisory services on behalf of the employer on two main packages of a 38km development. The two main packages included the construction of the infrastructure network of this development. The amount in dispute was about $345 million. The services included the evaluation of the contractor’s heads of claim including EOT claims and damages, and assisting the employer in the negotiation and resolution of these claims. Provided claim advisory services on behalf of the Contractor on a water distribution project. The amount in dispute was about $45 million. The issues included the preparation of the heads of claim for delays and related damages.

Mediated domestic and international cases.

I approach mediation with a flexible philosophy that adapts to the nature of the dispute and the parties' needs. I believe the mediator's primary role is to facilitate constructive dialogue and help parties reach mutually acceptable solutions while respecting party autonomy throughout the process. I have found that while a facilitative approach is often effective in consumer disputes, there are instances where parties benefit from evaluative input, particularly when technical issues or industry standards are involved. My background as both a Professional Engineer and attorney allows me to understand technical details when they arise and help parties realistically assess their positions when requested. I request mediation summaries and relevant documentation from all parties prior to the mediation session, allowing me to thoroughly understand the dispute from multiple perspectives. This preparation enables me to ask informed questions and identify potential resolution pathways early in the process. During mediation, I actively listen to each party's concerns and interests, not just their positions. I encourage open communication while maintaining confidentiality and impartiality. I recognize that consumer disputes often involve significant emotional and financial stakes for individuals, and I work to create an environment where all parties feel heard and respected. When appropriate and requested by parties, I may share my neutral perspective to help bridge gaps in understanding or provide clarity on technical matters. I expect parties to participate in good faith and come prepared to engage meaningfully in the resolution process. My goal is to empower parties to reach their own resolution, with my role serving as a neutral facilitator who guides the process and, when needed, provides informed perspectives that move negotiations forward.

Fully proficient in conducting mediations and hearings through online platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other web-based conferencing tools. Throughout professional practice, has regularly utilized these platforms for client meetings, arbitration hearings, expert witness depositions, and ADR proceedings. Comfortable managing virtual breakout rooms, screen sharing for document review, and facilitating confidential caucuses in the online environment. Willing and prepared to conduct mediations entirely through online platforms and has found them to be effective tools for dispute resolution. Experience includes managing multi-party virtual sessions, ensuring all participants can be heard and engage meaningfully, and addressing technical issues that may arise during proceedings. Committed to ensuring that online mediations maintain the same level of professionalism, confidentiality, and effectiveness as in-person sessions.

Oklahoma City University (JD, Moot Court-2008); Cal Poly Pomona State University Master in Structural Engineering (MSSE-2002); California State University Long Beach BD in civil engineering (BSCE-1999).

Admitted to the Bar: Texas (2009); Arizona (2024) Professional Engineer: Arizona (2021); Lebanon (2010), Arizona (2021); Texas (2023); Maryland (2023); Ohio (2025). RICS Accredited Mediator.

Caltrans Dispute Board Roster; Dispute Resolution Board Foundation; The Worshipful Company of Arbitrators; Chartered Institute of Arbitration (Fellow); London Academy of Experts.

Publications: "Viewpoint: Vaccine Mandates Can Cost Money," ENR publication, October 15, 2021, co-authored by Sam Barakat and John Jozwick Speaking Engagements: "The Unsung Champions of ADR; Expert Witnesses," Arizona Bar Annual Conference, 2025, Arizona, US "The Ugly Side of Inflation: Anticipating Material and Labor Cost," ENR-Procore online Webinar, February 15, 2022 Interview with ProjectPro podcast on construction and technology, "Interview with Sam Barakat on the advanced construction industry"

AZ, TX, CA, NV, NM

Hourly Rate: Not provided Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: Not provided Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: Not provided Comment: Compensation rates, established by the AAA, are set forth in the applicable Consumer Mediation Procedures.

Arabic; English; French

United States of America

Frisco, Texas