Focused on Resolving Your Problem

A Fresh Approach

I mediate and arbitrate complex or contentious environmental matters, using my 40 years of experience as an environmental lawyer and 5 years of mediating environmental cases to help people reach resolution efficiently and effectively.

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. 

 

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 $6000 per 8-hour session day or longer. Partial days and pre- or post-session prep time are billed proportionately at $750/hour.

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 & Arbitrator

Whether two parties need to mediate or arbitrate a contract dispute or civil enforcement matters, 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.