Chuck began participating in mediations in 1986, when the mediation industry was in its earliest days and has spent well over 2,000 days in mediation sessions as an advocate. This has afforded him the privilege of working closely and extensively with many of the top mediators nationally and internationally. His long history of participating in the growth of mediation from a relatively novel and resisted process to the norm it is today has shaped his dynamic and thorough style as an advocate mediator and settlement counsel based on what he knows from experience works and what doesn’t.

In addition to being a quick study of the facts and legal issues at the heart of dispute, Chuck has extensive experience in what he calls “shadow mediations.” Nearly all commercial disputes are ultimately resolved completely or substantially by insurance money. This money is raised in part by negotiations during active mediation sessions, but significant progress is often made in advance of or after session through behind the scenes negotiations to persuade insurers to handicap their risk by offering money. This includes convincing insurers to contribute funds on behalf of their insureds, and by assisting numerous insurers with allocating contributions between themselves based on insurance coverage issues, rights of contribution and subrogation and indemnity obligations. Because of Chuck’s experience in the trenches, he is often called upon by former adversaries and insurers to mediate their dispute and is also engaged by colleagues to to assist as settlement counsel.