Mediator Resume

Former Maryland District Court Judge (2015–2025) with over a decade of experience presiding over high-volume and complex disputes. Extensive background in adjudicating and mediating employment, commercial, civil rights, technology, intellectual property-related, and discovery-intensive matters. Known for efficient case management, clear decision-making, and the ability to handle complex, multi-party disputes involving significant financial and legal issues.

Bayard, P.A. – Partner and Chair, Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice

Arbitrator; Mediator; Former Judge; Attorney; Adjunct Professor

Partner and Chair, Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice, Bayard, P.A., 2025–Present; Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, 2015–2025; Administrative Law Judge, Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings, 2010–2015; Assistant Attorney General, District of Columbia, 2007–2010; Attorney, Astrachan Gunst & Thomas, P.C. (IP Boutique), 2006–2007; Attorney, Venable LLP, 2004–2005; Federal Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Gerald Bruce Lee, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2005–2006; State Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert M. Bell, Chief Judge, Maryland Supreme Court, 2003–2004; Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University Law Center, 2024–Present; Adjunct Professor, American University Washington College of Law, 2020–Present.

Judicial and Commercial Experience Presided over thousands of contested matters involving business disputes, contract claims, employment matters, civil rights claims, and multi-party litigation. Managed complex evidentiary hearings, ruled on dispositive motions, assessed credibility, and issued written and oral decisions in matters involving significant financial exposure. Employment and Civil Rights Extensive experience adjudicating discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, workplace misconduct, and whistleblower claims. Matters frequently involved statutory interpretation, evidentiary disputes, and complex factual records. Technology, Intellectual Property, and Discovery Disputes Handled disputes involving licensing, intellectual property-related issues, contract interpretation, and technology-related matters. Experience includes evaluating technical evidence, resolving discovery disputes, including issues related to electronically stored information (ESI), and managing disputes involving evolving legal frameworks. Public Sector and Regulatory Matters Extensive experience resolving disputes involving government entities, administrative agencies, and regulated industries, including employment actions, licensing, and statutory compliance matters. National Training & Faculty Faculty member for national trial advocacy and litigation training programs, developing and delivering instruction on evidence, advocacy, and dispute resolution to attorneys and government litigators. (NITA & NAAG).

More than 300 mediations and settlement conferences, along with extensive settlement facilitation as a trial judge, including day-of-trial mediations conducted under time-sensitive conditions. Current mediation practice includes privately retained and court-connected matters involving employment, commercial, civil rights, and public-sector disputes. Experience includes multi-party mediations and disputes ranging from pre-litigation matters to cases on the eve of trial. Matters frequently involve complex legal issues, high-conflict dynamics, and significant financial or reputational exposure. Past Chair of the Maryland State ADR Judicial Subcommittee.

Employment discrimination; retaliation; wage and hour disputes; workplace misconduct; whistleblower claims; breach of contract; partnership and shareholder disputes; business torts; civil rights claims; government and regulatory disputes; licensing matters; landlord-tenant disputes; intellectual property disputes; intellectual property-related disputes.

I use a structured and efficient process designed to move cases toward resolution while ensuring that parties are heard and respected. Pre-mediation submissions are requested where appropriate, and early engagement is used to identify key issues, decision points, and barriers to resolution. I approach mediation as a process grounded in party autonomy and procedural fairness. My role is to facilitate a candid, focused exchange of information and help parties assess risk, evaluate options, and determine whether a pathway to resolution exists. I employ a hybrid approach, combining facilitative techniques with targeted evaluation when appropriate. I am comfortable providing candid feedback and reality testing when it will assist resolution, while remaining responsive to the needs of the parties, the nature of the dispute, and the dynamics of the mediation. My goal is not simply to reach agreement, but to help parties achieve a resolution that is durable, informed, and practical. I focus on maintaining momentum, reducing friction in the process, and creating an environment where parties can engage productively, even in high-conflict or time-sensitive matters. I aim to be the mediator parties are confident having in the room when the path forward is not yet clear.

Experienced in conducting mediations via videoconference and hybrid formats using platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Comfortable managing multi-party sessions, breakout rooms, and electronic document exchange. Familiar with electronic discovery concepts and technology-assisted dispute resolution tools, including practical familiarity with emerging AI-assisted tools in legal workflows.

American University, Washington College of Law (JD); American University, Kogod School of Business (MBA); Texas Christian University, Neeley School of Business (BBA).

Admitted to the Bar: Maryland (inactive), District of Columbia (inactive); U.S. District Court: District of Maryland.

American Bar Association; Maryland State Bar Association; District of Columbia Bar; National Bar Association.

Frequent speaker on dispute resolution, trial advocacy, and adjudication for legal and professional organizations. Publications and presentations address civil rights, ADR strategy, and effective dispute resolution techniques.

Hourly Rate: $500.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $500.00/hr Cancellation: $500.00/hr Cancellation Period: 7 Days Comment: Rate is intended to be all-inclusive for mediation services. Travel time may be billed at the same hourly rate where applicable. Cancellation fees may apply for late cancellations within 7 days of a scheduled session. Willing to consider reduced rates or alternative arrangements in appropriate cases.

English

United States of America

Wilmington, Delaware