Mediator Resume

Founder of Vance Dispute Resolution, PC, brings over 25 years of legal experience as a mediator and arbitrator, serving clients across the Southeast and beyond. Renowned for objectivity, professionalism, persistence, and a track record of successful outcomes, holds an AV Preeminent rating. Expertise spans alternative dispute resolution in personal injury, product and professional liability, workers’ compensation, employment, and commercial disputes. With a background as a civil engineer, litigator, and former General Counsel for a manufacturing company with international clients, he holds licenses in Alabama and Georgia. Educational credentials include a JD from the University of Alabama and a BS in Civil Engineering from Auburn Universi

Vance Dispute Resolution, PC - Mediator and Arbitrator

Vance Dispute Resolution, PC (2022- Present); General Counsel, Altec Industries Inc. (2011-2022); Partner/Associate, Starnes Davis Florie LLP (2000-2011); Graduate Civil Engineer, Alabama Department of Transportation (1994-1997).

With over 25 years of distinguished professional experience, this individual combines extensive expertise as an arbitrator, mediator, employment attorney, and in-house counsel for a manufacturing corporation. Over 250 successful private mediations in employment, personal injury, construction, commercial, wrongful death, product liability, and professional liability disputes, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of dispute resolution processes at both the negotiation and adjudication levels. As in-house counsel, responsibilities encompassed managing employee and employer relations, resolving employment and labor disputes, and addressing product liability challenges. Notably, provided legal advice to international companies across Canada, China, and Australia, while co-chairing the inaugural Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team and spearheading related initiatives. Deep familiarity with a broad spectrum of employment legal matters includes disability, discrimination (under the ADEA, ADA, Title VII, and other statutes), harassment, workplace bullying, wage and hour laws, family leave, employment agreements, non-compete clauses, retaliation, workplace investigations, PDA (Pregnancy Discrimination Act), PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act), employment practices during mergers and acquisitions, and compliance with various federal and state regulations. Experienced in handling complex matters and resolving complex litigation.

Conducted over 200 mediations as a mediator. Experience in mediating employment, personal injury, professional liability, wrongful death, breach of contract, and construction disputes. Potential damages at issue range from $25,000 to over $ 6 million. Personally represented clients and participated in over 100 mediations (employment, product liability, professional liability, and personal injury). As former in-house counsel, actively participated in over 50 employment (Title VII, Section 1981, Wage and Hour, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), contingent and temporary workers, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, religion (Seventh-Day Adventist), Wage and Hour, harassment, and bullying), religious accommodations Private Attorneys General Act PAGA, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), religious discrimination (Seventh-Day Adventist), accommodations cases, and wrongful termination), product liability, and personal injury mediations on behalf of a manufacturing company.

Mediated matters dealing with personal injury, professional liability, product liability, workers’ compensation, wrongful termination, discrimination, defamation, deprivation of due process, bid manipulation, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, conversion, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent hiring, training, supervision, and or retention, negligent entrustment, general negligence, and wantonness.

Each mediation is unique, and they are treated as such. As a mediator, both facilitative and evaluative styles are used in most of my mediations. Flowing between these two styles as necessary to facilitate resolution while exploring the interests, legal positions, and overall evaluation of the case. In certain matters, where the ongoing relationship of the parties is important, a transformative mediation style is used to resolve the matter while preserving the relationship. I flow between mediation styles as each mediation evolves. By way of mediation process, I request a detailed but concise position statement that challenges the parties to explore both strengths and weaknesses. I also want to learn as much as I can about the underlying case by reading initial pleadings and any filed substantive and dispositive motions. This is followed by a brief pre-mediation call to discuss the attorney’s perception of the case and issues that may impact negotiations. Confidentiality, evaluation of interests, and a willingness to openly discuss difficult issues are a cornerstones of my mediation process.

Proficient in using technology, including but not limited to, Apple products (iPhone, Macs), Adobe, Calendly, Clio, Dropbox (other file sharing platforms), Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.), Zoom, Go to Meetings, other virtual meeting platforms, Practice Panther, Intuit QuickBooks, learning management systems, and social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube).

The University of Alabama School of Law (JD-2000); Auburn University (BS, CE-1994).

Admitted to the Bar: Alabama (2000), Georgia (2007); US District Court: Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama, Georgia; US Court of Appeals: 11th Circuit; US Supreme Court.

American Arbitration Association, Alabama Academy of Mediators, Alabama Law Foundation, Alabama State Court Mediator and Arbitrator Roster, Alabama State Bar, Bar Commissioner for the Alabama State Bar, Birmingham Bar Association, Georgia State Bar, Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, International Association of Defense Counsel, Magic City Bar Association, Southern California Mediation Association.

Panelist, International Association of Defense Counsel - Mistakes Were Made. Perspectives from Experienced Neutrals on Mediation and Arbitration Tactics: What Works and What Doesn't. (July 2025). Panelist, International Association of Defense Counsel – Leadership Forum, Harnessing AI & Technology in the Legal Profession: Enhancing Efficiency, Practical Solutions, & Collaboration (April 2025) Panelist/Moderator, International Association of Defense Counsel, “What Lane are you in? The Roles of Outside Counsel, Inside Counsel, Insurance, and ADR Professionals in the Lifecycle of Employment-Related Claims (March 2025) Panelist, Defense Research Institute, A Young Lawyer’s Guide to Arbitration, Virtual (November 2024) Presenter, International Association of Defense Counsel, Five Mediation Considerations for Corporate Counsel, Virtual (September 2024) Panelist, Spencer Fane, LLP (Firm Retreat), Mediation Skills, Orlando, FL (February 2024) Presenter, Attorneys Insurance Mutual, An Arbitration Guide for Attorneys, Birmingham, AL (December 2023) Moderator, Alabama State Bar CLE, Death of DEI?, Birmingham, AL (December 2023) Panelist, Alabama State Bar – Young Lawyers Section, Mediation and Arbitration, Orange Beach, AL (May 2023) Panelist, NBA Corporate Counsel Conference, The Great Resignation or the Great Transition, Orlando, FL (February 2023) Moderator, Cumberland School of Law - 2022 Employment Law Update, " Post COVID Realities of Working Remotely: Remote Work, Workers Compensation, Ethics, & Cybersecurity, Birmingham, AL (December 2022) Panelist, Alabama State Bar - Labor and Employment Section 2022 Seminar, Gulf Shores, AL (October 2022) Panelist, Vocation in the Law - Alternative Dispute Resolution, Auburn University, Auburn, AL (August 2022) Presenter, Fundamentals of Mediation, Birmingham School of Law, Birmingham, AL (May 2022); Panelist, How to Handle a Social Media Movement: Advice for Your Client and Your Law Firm, IADC Mid-Year Meeting, Santa Barbara, CA (February 2019) Moderator, Shifting Societal Norms Creating a New Normal for Employers, IADC Corporate Counsel College, Chicago, IL (April 2018).

Virtual mediations are available. In-person mediations within a 100-mile radius of Birmingham, Alabama, will not incur travel expenses.

Hourly Rate: Not provided Daily Rate: $7,500.00 Study Rate: Not provided Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: Not provided Comment: Travel expenses are to be reimbursed at cost. No hourly travel rate.

English

United States of America

Vestavia, Alabama