I graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1979, followed by a one-year judicial clerkship. After 40 years of litigating a wide variety of cases, earning a Martindale-Hubbell peer-reviewed rating of AV Preeminent, including mediation work for the past 12 years, I now confine my practice to ADR activities, including mediation and arbitration. In addition to active involvement in various professional organizations over the years, I am honored to be among only a handful of ADR practitioners in Iowa selected for membership in the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN) and am also a member of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys. I have had the privilege of presenting at numerous professional conferences regarding the effective use of the mediation process and how it has evolved.

My approach to mediation is embedded in a simple formula: Preparation + patience + experience = success. The mediation process demands much more than “carrying numbers” between parties in the hope it eventually results in a settlement. That requires no preparation, skill or experience. To maximize the likelihood of success, mediation must be an interactive, dynamic and collaborative process, best served by honest, candid discussion of issues and risk. I bring this approach to every mediation, no matter how large, small, simple or complex the dispute. The parties deserve nothing less. I’m proud to say this approach has enabled me to maintain a high success rate. It would be my privilege to bring this approach to your client’s dispute and resolve it.