Alternative Dispute Resolution
Senn Fortis is a trusted provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, including arbitration and mediation, with a specific focus on employment and construction law.
Employment Law ADR
Christine (Chris) Lamb, partner and seasoned employment law attorney, leads the firm’s Employment ADR practice. Chris is certified as a labor and employment arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association® (AAA), the nation’s leading provider of alternative dispute resolution services. She serves on the AAA Panel of Employment Arbitrators and has arbitrated numerous employment law disputes. Chris is also certified as a labor and employment law mediator.
Chris is available to assist parties in mediating or arbitrating a range of employment law disputes, including matters such as employment contracts, discrimination, wrongful termination, non-compete and trade secret agreements, harassment, wage and hour issues, and executive compensation.
Why Hire Chris Lamb as Your Mediator or Arbitrator?
With over three decades of experience navigating the complexities of employment law, Chris brings deep knowledge and a balanced perspective to mediation and arbitration. Her longtime work representing businesses of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 100 companies, as well as individual employees, gives her a unique ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses on both sides of a dispute, understand competing perspectives, and guide parties toward realistic and equitable resolutions in even the most challenging matters.
Chris’s deep expertise, coupled with her certification by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) as an arbitrator in labor and employment law, makes her an exceptional choice for legal counsel or corporate teams seeking seasoned, neutral mediators or arbitration attorneys in Denver.
Chris is widely recognized as a leading authority in employment law in Denver and beyond. Her numerous accolades include:
- 5280 Top Lawyer in Labor & Employment
- Benchmark Litigation’s “Litigation Star”
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Employment Law – Management
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Colorado Super Lawyers
- Employment & Labor
- Employment Litigation
- AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell since 2002, the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards
Construction Law ADR
Mark Gruskin, of counsel, is a respected construction lawyer, arbitrator, and mediator with decades of experience resolving complex disputes in the construction industry. Mark represents a diverse range of construction industry participants, including public and private owners, developers, prime contractors, construction managers, specialty trade contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers.
Why Hire Mark Gruskin as Your Mediator or Arbitrator?
Mark has served extensively as both a sole arbitrator and a panel member, including as panel chair on the AAA Construction Industry Panel of Arbitrators for Regular Track and Large Complex Construction Disputes. He has also acted as a court-appointed and private mediator in numerous construction and commercial matters.
Mark is widely recognized as an expert in Colorado construction law. He has been recognized for his construction expertise by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers and was named one of the 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers by Lawdragon. Mark is also a Charter Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, an invitation-only international honorary association of lawyers specializing in construction law and related fields. He is a frequent lecturer and author on construction law topics, including construction contracts, litigation, mechanic’s lien law, and public works.
Mark is available to assist parties in mediating or arbitrating a broad range of construction law matters, including contract disputes, delay and acceleration, scheduling issues, construction defects, differing site conditions, mechanic’s liens, public works claims, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation and Arbitration
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
- Mediation is a collaborative process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a voluntary agreement.
- Arbitration is a more formal process in which the arbitrator acts like a judge and issues a binding decision after hearing from both sides.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration?
- Advantages: Can be faster than litigation, offers more privacy, and the arbitrator typically has specialized expertise in the area.
- Disadvantages: Limited right to appeal, potential for high fees, and a less formal discovery process than litigation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mediation?
- Advantages: Confidential, collaborative, faster, and more cost-effective.
- Disadvantages: Non-binding (unless parties reach an agreement); relies on mutual cooperation.
Is mediation legally binding?
Mediation only results in a binding outcome if both parties agree to and sign a formal settlement. In most cases, the mediator acts as a neutral facilitator, guiding the discussion and helping the parties find common ground rather than issuing a ruling or decision.
When would you use mediation?
Mediation is ideal for use at any point in a dispute when parties wish to avoid the costs, time commitment and risks of litigation and want to resolve their conflict with the assistance of a neutral facilitator.
Is it better to settle or go to arbitration?
Settling through mediation can be more cost-effective and flexible; however, arbitration may be preferable when a definitive ruling is required.
Should I include a mediation or arbitration clause in a contract?
Including ADR clauses in employment contracts is common and can help manage risk, reduce litigation costs, and facilitate the resolution of disputes.
