ARBITRATION
In arbitration, Mel brings clear judgment, legal experience, and procedural discipline. He manages the process efficiently and delivers well-reasoned, timely decisions that reflect both the facts and the issues at stake.
Arbitration is a private, binding procedure in which a neutral arbitrator reviews the evidence in a process like a trial and renders a decision. Because the arbitrator makes final decisions, the process is like litigation but has several advantages over court resolution.
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Arbitration is usually faster, more efficient, and can be more economical than litigation. Parties obtain timely resolution of issues with a minimum of business disruption.
Parties can select an arbitrator with subject-matter experience to determine their legal and factual issues.
The process is private rather than public.
Parties can design the arbitration clause in their contract or submission agreement to control timing, allowable discovery, use of experts, and other procedural elements, including the administering authority and applicable rules.
The parties can also restrict the arbitrator’s scope of authority. For example, an arbitrator can be allowed to find a patent unenforceable against the party opponent but not allowed to rule the patent invalid. This restriction avoids having to report a patent invalidity finding to the USPTO.
Pursuant to the NY Convention, arbitration awards are more easily enforced in other countries than court judgments.
Parties can refer a limited issue to arbitration for prompt resolution.
Businesses can establish an ongoing system to resolve issues as they arise in continuing business relationships.
An arbitration award is binding and the ability to appeal or challenge the award is strictly limited. This means that a dispute resolution obtains finality more quickly in arbitration than in litigation.
COMMON ARBITRATION AREAS
Financial and contract disputes
Business breakups and buyouts
Intellectual property and licensing agreements
PROCESS
Process Overview:
Initial Call: Confirm availability, conflict check, and fit
Arbitration Engagement Letter sets the scope, terms, and cost
Prehearing Conference sets the hearing date, allowable discovery, timing of the procedural activities
Set status conferences, discovery issue conferences, motions (both procedural and dispositive of issues)
Briefs and other submissions in advance of the hearing
Hearing on the merits
Final award
Mel serves as a neutral arbitrator in complex commercial disputes where business continuity, confidentiality, and timely resolution are critical. Attorneys value his legal insight, procedural efficiency, and steady case management—ensuring their clients receive a fair hearing without costly delays or unnecessary complications. Known for delivering clear, well-reasoned decisions, Mel helps parties resolve partnership disputes, commercial transaction claims, and intellectual property matters, bringing professionalism and a practical understanding of the business risks involved.
Whether mediating or arbitrating, Mel provides a steady hand in complex commercial, real estate, and IP disputes—earning the trust of attorneys who return to him again and again.
ARBITRATION FEES
$600/hour
$500/hour for cases under $1 million
Special rates are available for smaller or expedited cases
Arbitration FAQs
For attorneys evaluating Mel as a neutral decision-maker