Litigation can be a costly and protracted process. More clients are turning to the expedience and predictability that comes with ADR. This method of dispute resolution is often mandated by contract. However, it is also useful to address complex issues that may not be suitable for the judicial process.

Our firm brings the same advocacy skills to arbitration mediation and other forms of ADR that we apply to trials and appeals. In increasing numbers, employers, health care organizations and other businesses utilize arbitration as an alternative to traditional court litigation to resolve their disputes. The Firm’s depth of experience as advocates serves our clients well in these ADR forums. Arbitration may become as simple or as intricate as necessary to address the issues at hand, and we are equipped to handle any range of complexity.

We also advise clients on the management of risk through the drafting of arbitration agreements, including the selection of the administering organization and the arbitrator, arbitration rules, choice of law, venue, and jurisdiction.

In addition to serving as experienced advocates in arbitration proceedings, we have a wealth of experience in mediation. While some may consider mediation to be a perfunctory step on the road to trial, we view mediation as a special opportunity to achieve any number of critical objectives in our clients’ best interests. We treat each mediation as an effective tool to obtain valuable information and key insights into an opponent’s case, including its relative strengths and weaknesses. Like a thoroughly crafted opening statement, we believe that a thoughtfully-prepared, well-organized, and powerful mediation presentation can persuade even the most recalcitrant opponent to view its case in a different light and, ultimately, facilitate the resolution of the most difficult case.

We serve clients in arbitration proceedings ranging from one-day to extended sessions stretching over many months. Like litigation, the arbitration may be high-exposure and high-stakes or small-to-medium-sized disputes. In any matter, we apply our skills and experience to fit the circumstances and address our client’s needs.

Our firm’s practice has substantial experience handling a variety of business-related litigation matters, from the simple to the complex, including disputes involving contracts, business torts, indemnity, commercial leases, financial discovery and judgment collection, corporate governance and dissolution, commercial foreclosures, trade secret infringement, vendor relationships, and fiduciary relationships. These matters often have insurance coverage, construction, or tort liability components, allowing us to draw upon the strength of our other practice groups.

We adeptly tailor our services to the unique needs of each client, whether a corporation or an individual in business. In working with clients, we handle matters at the time a problem arises, in anticipation of litigation, and through trial and appeal. We work closely with clients to develop and implement efficient and cost-effective strategies for every matter. Our compelling advocacy goes beyond conventional legal analysis. We distill complicated information in order to communicate clearly and effectively to the judge, jury, or opposing counsel.

We target the client’s objectives at the earliest stage of litigation to ensure that our efforts are properly and efficiently focused on achieving the desired outcome. Our reputation and longevity of our client relationships have been built on aggressive, thorough, and ethical representation based on the highest professional standards. This approach has earned the respect of our peers, clients, and adversaries.

We are prepared to litigate these matters in Maryland State and Federal courts, in administrative proceedings, or in alternative dispute resolution forums. We are committed to finding the right solution for the client through litigation or alternative dispute resolution. Our firm is results-oriented and dedicated to achieving our clients’ goals efficiently and decisively. This approach fosters continuity, efficiency, and responsiveness, with a constant focus on containing costs and achieving results.

We understand each client’s business; study the industry nuances and each client’s position in the market. We can demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of industry-specific laws and the unique aspects of particular fields such as healthcare, retail, finance, and real estate.

By combining sophisticated legal representation with the commitment to service and the cost efficiencies of a smaller firm, we are an effective alternative to the large national law firm.

In addition to serving as advocates in arbitration proceedings, we help our clients in mediation. While some may consider mediation to be a perfunctory step on the road to trial, we view mediation as a special opportunity to achieve any number of critical objectives in our clients’ best interests. We treat each mediation as an effective tool to obtain valuable information and key insights into an opponent’s case, including its relative strengths and weaknesses. Like a thoroughly crafted opening statement, we believe that a thoughtfully-prepared, well-organized, and powerful mediation presentation can persuade even the most recalcitrant opponent to view its case in a different light and, ultimately, facilitate the resolution of the most difficult case.

We prepare for mediation in much the same way as we do for an opening statement in an arbitration, trial, or major court hearing on a case dispositive motion; through detailed factual, legal, and thematic preparation, accompanied by the use of PowerPoint presentations, timelines, graphs, charts and other demonstrative aids as necessary and appropriate. We utilize the mediation opening statement and the mediation process as a whole as a unique opportunity to deliver a strong and carefully crafted message directly to opposing counsel and their clients. We believe that mediation requires a distinct skill set and approach and, through meticulous preparation for and attendance of countless mediations, we have developed the time-tested experience and a finely honed approach.

Our firm represents clients before a wide variety of agencies.  Our tax, real estate, and corporate clients invariably require counsel to represent them with matters before local, state, or federal agencies.  Our practice in real estate, tax, and corporate law often involves representing clients before related agencies.