Shekter Legal. There’s always a way to ‘yes’.
“I’ve often said that you can’t understand what motivates someone until you’ve walked in their shoes. After litigating cases in almost every major practice area, and having acted on both sides of many of these disputes, I’ve worn many, many shoes. That gives you perspective – the clear view you get from 20,000 feet. Combined with my legal scholarship, this vantage point gives me insight into what motivates each side to reach an agreement and settle a case. That’s what I bring to the table.”
Richard
THE ART OF COMPROMISE.
Mediation has become a preferred route for resolving cases. Instead of lengthy and costly litigation, both individuals and organizations are looking to mediation in the pursuit of a settlement that satisfies both sides.
If you search “Mediators” you’ll find a very long list. How do you choose?
Ideally, you need someone who is not only effective at developing consensus and has a command of the law, but also has a knowledge of the ‘science’ of the case and specific subject area expertise. That’s something that Richard has gained through his representation in a very broad spectrum of cases across a distinguished career. Beyond his legal wisdom, Richard is an engaging and persuasive communicator. You need the whole package to ensure a successful resolution – someone who can marry a scholarly approach to the law with an ability to break down the issues and deal with personalities that keep the sides apart.
“As an insurance defence counsel over the course of my lengthy career, I had the opportunity of dealing with many opposing counsel in a wide variety of cases. Richard stood out as one of the very best. He was always consistently and thoroughly prepared, realistic, extremely capable, effective, principled and, at all times, fair. In a number of instances, Richard and I were brought in by other counsel in an effort to resolve a number of long-standing and apparently intractable disputes. Invariably we settled those complex cases in a single meeting. I would not hesitate to retain Richard to mediate or arbitrate any of my cases and to recommend him to my colleagues in the defence bar. In addition to his obvious professionalism, Richard is extraordinarily collegial in his dealings with opposing counsel – a necessary prerequisite to the role of an effective mediator or arbitrator. I couldn't recommend a mediator or arbitrator more highly.”
Steve Stieber, founding partner Stieber Berlach LLP
“I worked directly with Richard on a complicated contract matter that I thought was incapable of resolution. Not only was Richard able to broker an all-party agreement, but he did so in a way that none of us involved in the case had ever conceived of. And he did it with thoughtfulness and compassion that was appreciated. Richard is intuitive, perceptive, imaginative and brilliant. He thinks outside the box. His skills as a mediator are extraordinary. I would use him again if the need arises.”
Dr. Marvin Shedletzky B.Sc., D.C.
What’s they key difference between one Mediator and another? Having credibility, coupled with the ability to, forcefully and persuasively, steer the conversation to find common ground.
“Lawsuits are terribly stressful things for the parties involved. Whether it’s a commercial dispute, an estate fight, a medical malpractice case, or an engineering failure, no one wants to be in court and will do their utmost to avoid it if they can.
In mediation, parties need someone who is credible, whom they trust, who understands the opposing points of view and who can see a way to bridge the gap and find a way to ‘yes’. I firmly believe that almost all lawyers want to do the right thing, regardless of which side they’re on. With my years of experience, I can help them get there. My mantra has always been “there’s always away to ‘yes’.”
Richard
“One thing’s clear – if there’s a way to reach consensus and resolution, Richard will find it… .I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like him. …It’s remarkable… I couldn’t recommend Richard more highly. He’s brilliant, tenacious, personable, prepared and effective. What more could you ask for in a mediator.”
Edward (Ned) Levitt, Partner, Dickinson Wright LLP