Arbitration and Mediation Services

Why Mediation and Arbitration?
Clients are increasingly interested in exploring the use of alternative methods to resolve both individual and business disputes. The high cost of litigation and the long backlog in the courts make arbitration and mediation attractive options.

Either proceeding may be initiated upon agreement of both parties and/or their attorneys. Parties select an arbitrator or mediator from a panel of retired judges and experienced attorneys. They agree upon the date, time and place for a hearing based on their schedules and needs.

The advantages of arbitration and mediation are clear:

• The parties select who will preside over the case.
• The processes are relatively informal.
• There is no jury.
• Sessions are private and confidential.
• Dispute resolution is reached quickly, perhaps in a matter of hours.
• The costs are reduced due to the shortened process.
• There is no right of appeal.

The Procedures

Mediation
Mediation is a non-adversarial process where the parties resolve identified issues of conflict with the assistance of a neutral third party. The mediator may offer suggestions, but resolution depends upon the consent of both parties. If mediation is unsuccessful, arbitration is available.

Arbitration
Arbitration is an orderly, informal hearing governed by rules of procedure and standards of conduct prescribed by law. It is similar to a non-jury trial. The arbitrator's decision is binding; parties waive their right to an appeal. The process is private and informal, designed for quick, practical and inexpensive dispute resolution.

Mediation/Arbitration Combination
This combination joins the mediation process of voluntary techniques of persuasion and discussion and the arbitrator's authority to issue a final and binding decision.

DISPUTES SUITABLE FOR ARBITRATION OR MEDIATION

• Automobile-related personal injury and other personal injury or property loss matters
• Separation and divorce
• Business and stockholder disputes
• Securities (Broker/Customer)
• Professional malpractice
• Employer/employee disputes, including sexual harassment and wrongful discharge
• Breach of contract
• Contractor/subcontractor disputes
• Real property, homeowner and condominium disputes
• Creditor/debtor controversies
• Intellectual Property disputes, including trademark, trade name, website URL, copyright, invention and trade secret disputes.

Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler, LLC

Former Judge Paul A. Dorf served on the bench of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and is listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Dispute Resolution Directory. He has extensive arbitration and mediation experience resolving civil, negligence and domestic matters, as well as, securities issues, specifically, broker/consumer disputes.

Michael G. Hendler, a prominent family law attorney and Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, is available to resolve disputes in all aspects of family law.

David B. Rudow is an attorney and certified public accountant with extensive experience in acquisitions, mergers, sales of businesses and professional practices, real estate matters, and resolving disputes among partners and stockholders. Mr. Rudow successfully completed the Civil Mediation Course presented by the Maryland Institute for the Continuing Professional Education for Lawyers.

Andrew Radding, an experienced attorney, is available to resolve disputes in commercial litigation, personal injury and family law areas. Mr. Radding has completed the American Arbitration Association and U.S. Arbitration & Mediation training programs.

Jerald B. Lurie, a knowledgeable business attorney, is available to resolve corporate, stockholder, and employee disputes. Mr. Lurie is a past Chair of the Baltimore City Fee Arbitration Committee.

S. Leonard Rottman, a veteran real estate attorney, is available to resolve real estate disputes involving financing, contracts, acquisitions and sales agreements, and associations of condominium unit owners and homeowners.