Focused on Resolving Your Problem
A Fresh Approach
After years of being on the advocate’s side of the table, I believe that clients benefit most from a neutral who has substantive expertise, a party-focused approach honed by years in private practice, and a demeanor and style that diminish the stress points in a potentially contentious process.
If I don’t think I can add value to your problem resolution process, I’ll tell you. Retirement affords me the luxury of not having to take every matter that comes over the transom. Moreover, I am in the position of being able to bend my schedule to yours, rather than the other way around.
No Conflicts
I am fully retired from Sidley Austin. I have no financial interest in the firm or in the future fees paid by any of its clients, including those clients for whom I was the relationship partner or did work while in private practice.
What this means for you is that I have no conflicts to clear as an ethical matter on my part. I am, however, always willing to discuss my past work (subject to the need to preserve client confidences) so that you can make your own assessment about my ability to be impartial.
Rates
I set rates on a matter-by-matter basis. For environmental matters where I bring substantial expertise and experience, my rate is $5400 per 8-hour session day or longer – if you want to work 8 hours or 14, the daily rate doesn’t change. Partial days and pre- or post-session prep time are billed proportionately.
There are matters that justify a lower rate – e.g., where a government agency or non-profit is involved, or where the issues are interesting but the monetary stakes are low. I am happy to discuss a rate adjustment in such matters.
Services
Mediator & Allocator
Whether two parties need to mediate a contract dispute or 200 parties need to allocate CERCLA liability, my background means you don’t have to waste time educating a neutral.
Monitor
If you need to retain an independent monitor to report on compliance, the relationships I have developed through the years will assure both parties that they will get a monitor who is truly independent.
Trustee
When the CERCLA case is settled and the lawyers are ready to move on, I serve as the site trustee to oversee the remediation contractor’s work and interact with the oversight agencies.
Case Evaluator
If you want your litigation strategy peer reviewed or need a neutral arbiter for your mock trial, I bring an impartial mind tempered by years of in-the-trenches experience.