Mediation

Trying a case in court is a long and expensive process. For this reason, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has grown in popularity and use by lawyers and their clients. Alternative Dispute Resolution encompasses both mediation and binding arbitration.

The purpose of Mediation is to bring the parties and their attorneys together before or during the discovery phase of litigation, but prior to trial, to amicably resolve their respective claims. Throughout the process, confidentiality in communications with the Mediator is maintained. A respected, experienced neutral Mediator is essential to achieving a settlement that satisfies all involved.

Binding Arbitration is the track chosen by parties who wish to avoid court and have their claims decided by an independent Arbitrator, whose determination is contractually and statutorily binding. The resolution process of Binding Arbitration is faster than in court and less expensive.

John F. Gelson, Esq., heads the firm’s Alternate Dispute Resolution Department. He has been practicing law for more than 30 years. In 1994, John was certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney. In 1995, he was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to the Committee on Complementary Dispute Resolution to help develop a viable state-wide ADR program. John is the founder of NJ Mediator, and one of the most experienced and successful Mediators in the New Jersey particularly with respect to complex construction disputes.

John has mediated more than 1,000 cases, approximately 85% to settlement. He is also frequently appointed by the Superior Court of New Jersey to serve as Receiver and Discovery Master. His peers throughout the State also recommend and request that John serve as Binding Arbitrator in employment and construction matters.  John has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America in the field of Construction and Employment Litigation, as well as named one of “New York Area’s Best Lawyers” by New York Magazine.