Alternative Dispute Resolution
Leaders in Dispute Resolution
Overview of ADR Practice
The team of attorneys at Griesing Law understands ADR from multiple perspectives. Having served as advocates, neutrals, and even parties in arbitration, mediation, and confidential negotiation, we appreciate the importance of mutual respect in these settings and allowing all parties to be heard to reach a speedy resolution. By using ADR to solve disputes confidentially, we enable clients to avoid unwanted publicity and craft creative resolutions that are unavailable in a traditional litigation setting. We are forward thinkers in the field, regularly handling hot-button ADR issues related to disclosure, use of AI, e-discovery [link to PA page], cybersecurity, conflicts, and managing pro se parties. Plus, given the increasing prevalence of remote work, our team is adept at representing clients and serving as neutral arbitrators and mediators in person and virtually.
A Strategic & Relatable ADR Partner
Our Approach to ADR
We draw upon our expansive experience in every facet of the ADR process to facilitate amicable resolutions across a wide spectrum of high-stakes disputes. When serving as neutrals, our attorneys aim to understand the unique needs of the parties and reduce tension in emotionally charged cases. By doing so, we can craft creative solutions that serve both parties, rather than the winner-takes-all outcomes of litigation while protecting the professional reputations of all involved. In our role as advocates, we prepare clients thoroughly for the rigors of ADR and determine their main priorities to negotiate resolutions that are to their advantage without major delays. As thought leaders in ADR, we are equipped to handle the emerging challenges arising in this area of law and are suited to do so remotely and in person to best meet the parties’ needs.
Our team also advises on contract negotiation and drafts ADR provisions in commercial and employment agreements so that clients are best positioned to maximize their options rather than engaging in expensive, public, and unpredictable litigation. We are on top of developments in mandatory arbitration and confidentiality issues, counseling clients to ensure that their ADR provisions are enforceable under current legal standards.
Our ADR Successes
Success in Action
- Served as the sole arbitrator in an employment dispute between a major public entity and a former top executive over alleged breach of restrictive covenants.
- Served as the sole arbitrator in employment discrimination cases brought by a former employee against a public company employer, including class actions arising out of wage and hour disputes and in a whistleblower action.
- Served as the sole arbitrator in a dispute between the buyer and seller of $100 million in hospitality assets.
- Served as the sole arbitrator in a dispute between a law firm and a former partner.
- Served as the court-appointed neutral mediator in multiple commercial disputes, including partnership disputes, trade secret disputes between employers and former employees, and claims between companies and key employees over alleged ownership interest in the business.
- Successfully mediated to resolution an employment race and ethnic discrimination dispute involving a major public company and high-level executive.
- Served as sole arbitrator in complex multi-million dollar insurance dispute in the healthcare industry.
- Negotiated a separation agreement for the General Counsel of a biotechnology firm.
- Negotiated confidential separation agreements for various law firm partners and shareholders.
- Represented the Board of a religious institution in a successful negotiation of employment dispute with principal clergy.
- Resolved a non-compete dispute with a former high-level executive on behalf of a large retailer.
- Represented multiple technology companies and customers in disputes over the functionality of and ownership rights in custom software.
- Represented several technology companies in arbitration disputes with competitors and government entities.
- Counseled business clients on ADR options and negotiated ADR provisions in a wide range of contracts in various industries, including developing restrictions on mandatory arbitration, class action waivers, and confidentiality.
Fostering Inclusion in ADR
ADR for ADR Professionals
Since its inception, our firm has been committed to the promotion and advancement of women and diverse lawyers as we believe that a more inclusive legal profession is a more successful one. As a diverse team of ADR professionals, we bring our unique perspectives and experience to our roles as advocates and neutrals in arbitration and mediation, skilled at serving a wide array of constituents and handling the public relations challenges that often arise in sensitive matters, such as employment disputes. Inclusion and representation are pillars of Griesing Mazzeo Law and given that, we are proudly certified as a woman-owned business by WBENC, enabling us to tackle opportunities specifically intended to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Our ADR Experts
Francine Griesing
Managing Member Francine Griesing has served as a neutral arbitrator and mediator for over 25 years and has been an advocate in arbitration and mediation for over 40 years. Fran is included on the American Arbitration Association Roster of Neutrals for commercial, employment, and consumer matters, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority arbitrators list for business disputes, the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution neutrals list for commercial, employment, and hotel franchise matters, and the Philadelphia Commerce Court Judge Pro Tempore list. Fran was also appointed by the Court of Common Pleas and by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of State to serve as a neutral in high-stakes commercial and regulatory matters. She is a member of CPR’s National Task Force on Diversity in ADR, writes a quarterly ADR column for The Legal Intelligencer, and teaches continuing legal education courses on cutting-edge issues related to arbitration, mediation, and negotiation.
Areas of ADR Expertise
- Commercial & Business Disputes
- Construction
- Consumer
- Employment
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Real Estate
- Regulatory & Government Affairs