By Lisa W. Timmons, Esq. Introduction The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), enacted on February 12, 1925, has been a cornerstone of American dispute resolution for a century. It transformed arbitration from a seldom-used alternative into a central feature of the...

  By Sheldon J. Stark – Mediator and Arbitrator Introduction Ex Parte communications are commonplace and completely ethical in the mediation process.  Indeed, where “shuttle diplomacy” is the process model all communication is ex parte.    In this paper,...

  By Lisa W. Timmons, Esq. Arbitration in labor and employment law presents unique challenges which require advocates to be strategic, precise, and respectful of both the process and the participants. Arbitrators in these cases often observe common missteps that...

By William D. Gilbride Jr. This article was first published in the Oakland County Legal Newson November 2024. Mediation is a private, voluntary dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party--either appointed by a court or invited by all parties to the...

By Lee Hornberger,Arbitrator and Mediator This is an overview of adverse inferences in labor arbitration. This includes reviewing provider organization rules, labor arbitration awards, case law, and treatises on labor arbitration. American Arbitration Association...

  By Lisa W. Timmons, Esq. Arbitration, traditionally viewed as a streamlined alternative to court, is widely used in commercial, construction, and international disputes. Its appeal lies in its perceived efficiency, confidentiality, and potential cost savings....

Joe Basta As a mediator and negotiation coach I am struck by how often parties and their lawyers fail to think through exactly what they wish to achieve in mediated settlement negotiations, much less how they plan to get there. You will set your goals as a negotiator...

Laura A. Athens The Michigan Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA), signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on November 7, 2023, took effect on July 1, 2024.[1] Michigan has joined 30 other states in adopting this model statute. The Act replaces the prior...

by Philip Schaedler Introduction In the realm of family law, Michigan, like many other states, grapples with the delicate balance between protecting parental rights and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Cases involving allegations of parental neglect and...