Past Awardees
The recipients of the Frank G. Evans Award exemplify outstanding dedication, innovation, and leadership. Named after the late Justice Frank G. Evans, widely regarded as the “Father of ADR in Texas,” this prestigious award honors individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to society. Each recipient has demonstrated a commitment to fostering conflict resolution, improving access to justice, and promoting collaboration within communities and professional circles.
2022-2023* COVID-19
The Justice Frank G. Evans Award was not awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the significant disruptions caused by the crisis. The pandemic led to the postponement or cancellation of numerous in-person events and professional gatherings, which are typically essential for award nominations, selection processes, and ceremonies. Also, the challenges posed by social distancing requirements and the shift to remote operations complicated the coordination needed to honor recipients effectively.
Roberts has held leadership roles in various professional organizations, including serving as past chair of the Dallas Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and the State Bar of Texas ADR Section. He has also been involved with the Texas Association of Mediators and the Association for Conflict Resolution.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Roberts is actively involved in his community, serving as chair of the Board of Directors of the Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County and participating in various university committees.
Elaine is the Director of the Montgomery County Dispute Resolution Center (MC-DRC) and serves on the ADR Section Council. In addition to her daily work as a mediator, she inspires schoolchildren to learn peacemaking skills. Each October, she and the MC-DRC host a Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest, inviting K-8 students from public, private, and home schools in Montgomery County to submit art on themes like peer mediation, apologizing, and problem-solving. Winners are honored in Judge Kathleen Hamilton’s courtroom, with awards, library book donations, and a public display of their artwork at the Montgomery County Library in Conroe.
In 2019, the contest received over 2,000 entries from 70 schools. During COVID, Elaine transitioned the DRC to fully online mediations, training mediators and establishing protocols. When the bookmark contest couldn’t be held due to school disruptions, she launched the Peacebuilding Award to honor individuals and organizations promoting peace in Montgomery and Harris counties.
Mr. Joe Bontke of Houston was awarded the Evans Award posthumously. Mr. Bontke was the outreach coordinator and ombuds for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission starting in 2002. He traveled the United States and around Texas educating employers, human resource professionals, and mediators on issues ranging from communication to implicit bias.
Mr. Christopher Nolland of Dallas is known as a go-to mediator for the resolution of complex disputes. In addition to his private mediation practice, Mr. Nolland has served as an Adjunct Professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law since 1997. He has been listed in D Magazine and Texas Monthly as one of the best attorneys in Dallas and in the state of Texas. He has also been identified as a first-tier mediator by U.S. News and World Report and a National ADR Champion by the National Law Journal.
Mr. Eric Galton of Austin is a pioneer in the ADR field, having started mediating in 1989. In addition to being a mediator, Mr. Galton is an arbitrator. He has served as President of the International Academy of Mediators. Mr. Galton is a prolific author, including authoring the ABA published book, Stories Mediators Tell. He has also taught at the University of Texas and Pepperdine University.
Mr. Joey Cope of Abilene and Dallas is similarly a leader in Texas in ADR. He has been associated with Abilene Christian University since 1989, and in 2000, became the founding executive director of the Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution, and then later, the executive director of Duncum Center Solutions. Mr. Cope has served as the chair of the State Bar of Texas ADR Section and a credentialed holder in the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association. He is also the co-author of West Publishing’s Texas Practice Guide-Alternative Dispute Resolution. Mr. Cope has served as an adjunct professor at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University, the William H. Bowen School of Law in Little Rock, Arkansas, and at the Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling at Southern Methodist University.
Hon. Alvin Zimmerman is actively involved in family law. He
also serves as a mediator and arbitrator in Harris County, Texas, with
extensive alternative dispute resolution (ADR) experience. Judge Zimmerman also
serves as a special judge for hire, special master, ad litem, and conducts
investigations for educational institutions. He has participated in over 500
arbitrations and 3,000 mediations in his career. He has a broad-based legal
experience including presiding as a municipal court judge for the city of
Houston, and, as a state district judge of the 269th (Civil) and 309th (Family)
District Courts. He has also served as assistant attorney general for the state
of Texas and briefing clerk for the Honorable Judge Ingraham, federal district
judge for the Southern District of Texas. In addition to his practice,
Judge Zimmerman has served on the board of directors of a national bank and was
counsel to and on the board of directors of a New York Stock Exchange company.
He is also active in many charitable organizations. In May 2000, he received
the Anti-Defamation League’s Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award, which is
presented annually to an outstanding member of the legal community who exhibits
an exceptional commitment to equality, justice, fairness, and community
service. Judge Zimmerman received the University of Houston Distinguished
Alumni Award in April 2009. He served as the Chair of the ADR Section in 2012.
Mr. John Allen Chalk of Fort Worth served as Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section in 2009-2010. Mr. Chalk is a long-time member of the College of Commercial Arbitrators, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Association of Attorney Mediators, and the Texas Attorney-Mediators Coalition. A distinguished arbitrator, Mr. Chalk is a panel member for the American Arbitration Association, the American Health Lawyers Association, the CPR Institute, and the London Court of International Arbitration, among others. He is also a distinguished advocate who has served as president of the American Inns of Court chapter in Fort Worth and the Tarrant County Bar Association.
Mr. Bill Lemons of San Antonio served as a Chair of the State Bar’s ADR Section. He has been an active advocate for ADR, including testifying before the Texas Legislature. He has also served as the President of the Association of Attorney Mediators and has been inducted into the Texas Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals.
Mr. Mike Amis of Dallas was among the first attorney-mediators in Dallas, beginning his mediation practice in 1989. Over the succeeding years, Mr. Amis joined others in training attorneys and judges both in Texas and other states as mediators in and in organizing attorney-mediator groups. In 2012, the Texas Supreme Court proposed to expedite trials of civil cases valued at $100,000 or less by streamlining pre-trial procedures, one feature of which was to prohibit a trial court’s exercise of its discretionary power to compel mediation. Many experienced counsel and mediators felt this proposed restriction was not necessary and wished the Court to reconsider. Mr. Amis and 2000 Frank Evans Award winner, Ms. Suzanne Duvall, led a successful state-wide campaign among trial counsel, clients, and mediators to achieve the Court’s modification so as to preserve a court’s discretionary power to compel mediation. This effort ultimately led to the formation of Texas Attorney-Mediators Coalition, an organization devoted to representing Texas mediators and mediation before the Texas Supreme Court and the Legislature. In 2013, the SBOT ADR Section recognized Mr. Amis’ contributions by honoring him with its Frank Evans Award.
Mr. John Fleming of Austin has been an unsung hero for the ADR Section who has always tracked ADR legislation, testified when necessary on short notice, and provided numerous updates at Continuing Legal Education meetings. Mr. Fleming was the Chair of the Section in 2007, and he recently stepped up again in regard to the new loser-pay legislation.
Mr. Fleming is Of Counsel to Hays & Owens L.L.P., and he practices in the area of banking, mortgage banking, financial services, regulatory and administrative law, commercial litigation, and arbitration. John is an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law and a frequent speaker on arbitration, banking, and mortgage law topics.
The American Arbitration Association honored him with the 2008 President’s Award for Leadership in Conflict Management in recognition for his work in arbitration, mediation, and education. Mr. Fleming also serves on the Commercial Arbitrator Roster. His articles on ADR have been published in many
professional publications.
Mr. Lionel M. Schooler of Houston, Texas, has practiced law for over 35 years and is a partner in the law firm of Jackson Walker, L.L.P. His practice areas include Labor and Employment, Litigation, Appellate, and Construction.
Since 1992, Mr. Schooler has developed extensive experience in arbitration as both an arbitrator and as an advocate. Lonnie is a panelist on the American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Arbitrators for Commercial, Construction, and Employment Cases. He is also a panelist of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and has also been selected as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.
Mr. Schooler has been a member of the ADR Section of the State Bar since 1998, and he was on the Steering Committee and a presenter at the first State Bar of Texas seminar devoted solely to arbitration in 1998 in Dallas and Houston. He has also provided ethics training for arbitrators with the State Bar ADR Section. Lonnie served as a member of the Leadership Council of the Houston Bar Association’s ADR Section (now known as the Dispute Resolution Section) for 2007-2009 and 2010-2011.
Mr. Schooler has been the Editor of Appellate Lawyer, the monthly newsletter of the Houston Bar Association’s Appellate Law Section. He is the author of numerous professional publications. Two of his articles on arbitration won recognition as best legal articles for 1997 and 2001 in The Houston Lawyer.
At the ADR Section’s annual meeting in San Antonio on June 23, 2011, Josefina M. Rendón, Judge of the 165th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas, received the Justice Frank G. Evans Award, which is presented annually to recognize a recipient’s exceptional efforts in furthering the use or research of alternative dispute resolution methods in Texas.
Judge Rendón earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972 and a law degree in 1976, both from the University of Houston. When she graduated from law school, she worked in San Francisco for a year but soon returned to Texas. After practicing law in Houston for several years, she served three years as a commissioner on the City of Houston Civil Service Commission, then began her judicial career in 1983; she has served in some judicial capacity ever since. From 1983 to 1995, she was the judge of Houston’s Municipal Court No. 5, where she presided over cases involving city ordinances and the transportation, penal, and education codes.
After taking her first mediation training in 1993, Judge Rendón started mediating cases, often as a volunteer at the Dispute Resolution Center in Harris County. In 1995, she left her full-time job as a judge and started dedicating most of her time to mediation, but she continued to serve as an associate municipal judge in Houston. From 1995 to 2008, she established a successful mediation practice and mediated over 1,200 cases. During those years, she mediated cases for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Postal Service, Texas Education Agency, and Key Bridge Foundation, among others, in addition to receiving referrals from private parties and their attorneys. In 2008, she was elected judge of the 165th District Court of Harris County. Since 2009, she has presided over that court, where she hears a wide range of civil cases and is a dedicated advocate for ADR processes.
While Judge Rendón developed her mediation practice, she also developed an outstanding record of service to the ADR profession. In addition to speaking to multiple mediation and ADR organizations on a wide range of topics during the entire period of her private mediation practice, she served on the board of directors of the Texas Association of Mediators (TAM) from 1999 to 2007 and was TAM’s president from 2005 to 2006. She also served on the Council of the ADR Section of the State Bar of Texas, the board of directors of the Houston Bar Association’s ADR Section, and the board of directors of the Houston Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution. Since 2007, she has served on the board of directors of the Dispute Resolution Center for Harris County. Internationally recognized for her ADR expertise, she has spoken at conferences and conducted facilitated dialogues in Peru, Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador.
Cecilia H. Morgan, Esq. is the 2010 recipient of the Justice Frank G. Evans Award for Outstanding Contribution to ADR in the State of Texas. Ms. Morgan received the award at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting in Fort Worth on June 10. The award was created and dedicated as a living tribute to Justice Frank G. Evans who is considered the founder of the alternative dispute resolution movement in Texas. It is awarded annually to persons who have performed exceptional and outstanding efforts in promoting or furthering the use or research of alternative dispute resolution methods in Texas.
Cecilia is a full-time mediator and arbitrator based in the Dallas Jams Resolution Center. She has more than 30 years of experience as an attorney and ADR professional and is a respected member of JAMS Employment, Healthcare, and Financial Services Practice Groups. Ms. Morgan has also been named one of Texas’ Best Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyers by The Best Lawyers in America every year since 2008. She earned her J. D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1977 and her B.A. from Abilene Christian University in 1974. “I am humbled to be a recipient of the Justice Frank G. Evans Award,” said Ms. Morgan. “It is gratifying to receive this special award and I am happy to have been part of the movement promoting ADR statewide. As the use of ADR evolves in Texas, we will continue to find innovative ways to meet the needs of those seeking efficient, timely, and cost-effective resolutions.”
“Cecelia has been our colleague at JAMS for 19 years. We could have not succeeded without her dedication and commitment. Her unselfish training and mentoring of others to establish and sustain this profession is a credit to all of her colleagues. For me, she is the best ‘I can count on you partner.’” says Harlan Martin, JAMS Mediator/Arbitrator in Dallas.
Michael Joseph Kopp, 67, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was a deeply loved husband, father, and friend whose life was marked by dedication, service, and an enduring sense of compassion. Born in Westfield, New Jersey, on November 23, 1955, Michael graduated from Holy Trinity High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. His career as a skilled financial analyst spanned several decades, where he was respected for his expertise and meticulous attention to detail.
Michael’s greatest joys came from spending time with his family and sharing his love of music, travel, and history. A devout Catholic, he actively served in his parish community, offering both his time and talents. Known for his quick wit, warm smile, and generous spirit, Michael touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and devotion. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all those who were privileged to know him.
Walter A. Wright is a distinguished professor in the Legal Studies Program at Texas State University, where he also holds the title of Honorary Professor of International Studies. With a B.A. in Political Science and a J.D. from the University of Houston, as well as an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from New York University, Professor Wright’s academic career is marked by his deep expertise in law and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). He teaches courses on mediation, legal research, and asylum law at Texas State University, and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law and the Universidad de Alcalá de Henares in Spain. Over his tenure, he has published more than 110 scholarly articles and book chapters across the United States, Europe, and Latin America, with a primary focus on mediation and ADR.
Beyond academia, Professor Wright has practiced law since 1977 and mediation since 1986, handling disputes in employment, commercial, family, and community contexts, often in Spanish-speaking settings. Recognized for his excellence in teaching and service, he has received numerous accolades, including the Frank Evans Award and the Outstanding Credentialed Mediator Award. A leader in the ADR field, he has held prominent roles such as president of the Texas Association of Mediators and the Association of Attorney-Mediators. His dedication extends to mentoring hundreds of students and organizing diversity and mediation initiatives, leaving an enduring impact on the legal and ADR professions worldwide.
The Honorable Cyndi Taylor Krier is a distinguished public servant and former member of the University of Texas System Board of Regents. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin and her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to both the legal field and public service in Texas.
Cyndi Taylor Krier served as a member of the Texas Senate from 1991 to 2003, where she was a strong advocate for education, healthcare, and the protection of public resources. As a Regent of the University of Texas System, she played an instrumental role in shaping the future of higher education in Texas. Known for her leadership and commitment to public service, Cyndi has also been deeply involved in numerous community organizations. Her legacy of service continues to inspire those who work to improve the lives of others in Texas and beyond.
Charles L. Dunn was a distinguished Texas attorney and leader in the legal profession. Born on December 6, 1927, in Paris, Texas, he earned his undergraduate degree from Paris Junior College and the University of Texas at Austin, followed by his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1951. Admitted to the Texas Bar that same year, Charles went on to build a remarkable legal career, practicing in Lubbock and Paris, Texas.
Charles served as president of the State Bar of Texas from 1971 to 1972, where he worked to improve legal education, promote professional ethics, and enhance public trust in the legal system. A dedicated community leader, he also chaired numerous legal and civic committees, earning widespread respect for his integrity and vision. Charles’s enduring contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to justice have left a lasting legacy in Texas and beyond.
The Texas ADR statute in 1987 required the judges in the state to devise a plan to implement ADR in their jurisdictions. As one such judge, Mike figured if he was going to be ordering people to mediate, he ought to know what mediation is. So he took his first course in ADR and immediately became hooked. As a mediator and arbitrator since he left the bench in 1992, Mike has been actively involved in the ADR community. In addition to his full-time ADR practice, since 2012 Mike has been teaching negotiation and mediation to the brilliant young minds at the UT School of Law.
Bud Silverberg is a seasoned attorney and mediator based in Dallas, Texas, with over 40 years of experience in complex civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution. A graduate of Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Bud has built a distinguished legal career focused on resolving disputes efficiently and equitably. He is board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, reflecting his expertise and dedication to excellence.
As the founder of Silverberg Mediation, Bud leverages his extensive litigation background to help parties find common ground in a variety of cases, including business disputes, employment matters, and personal injury claims. Known for his approachable demeanor and strategic problem-solving skills, Bud has successfully mediated hundreds of cases, earning a reputation as one of Dallas’s leading mediation attorneys. His commitment to fostering fair and productive resolutions continues to make a meaningful impact on clients and the legal community.
Shannon B. Edmonds is a highly respected legal professional with extensive experience in criminal law, policy development, and public service. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Baylor University School of Law, Shannon has dedicated his career to advancing justice and improving legal systems in Texas. As an attorney and policy expert, he has played a pivotal role in shaping legislative initiatives and providing guidance on complex legal issues.
Currently serving as a commissioner for the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, Shannon brings his expertise to addressing critical intersections of law and mental health. His commitment to community service and legal innovation has made him a leader in promoting fair and effective judicial practices. Widely regarded for his thoughtful approach and deep understanding of the law, Shannon continues to make significant contributions to the legal profession and the well-being of Texans.
John Coselli is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and business law. A lifelong Texan, John earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University before completing his Juris Doctor at the University of Houston Law Center. Admitted to the Texas Bar in 1981, he is also licensed to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. His practice spans a variety of legal areas, reflecting a dedication to providing thoughtful, effective representation for his clients.
Over his distinguished career, John has represented individuals, businesses, and organizations in complex litigation and arbitration. He has also served as a mediator and arbitrator, helping parties resolve disputes efficiently and equitably. Known for his professionalism, strategic thinking, and strong commitment to client advocacy, John is a respected member of the legal community in Houston and beyond.
Gary Don Condra, born December 12, 1942, in San Angelo, Texas, led a distinguished career in law and public service. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965, followed by earning his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1968. Admitted to the Texas Bar that same year, he also became licensed to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Known for his intelligence, integrity, and deep commitment to justice, Gary’s legal practice spanned multiple decades, with a focus on serving the communities of San Angelo and West Texas.
Throughout his career, Gary was an active member of the Tom Green County Bar Association and served in various legal and civic capacities, including as an Assistant District Attorney. He was also a dedicated volunteer, sharing his expertise with local organizations and mentoring young attorneys. Beyond his legal work, Gary was a devoted husband, father, and friend who cherished time spent with loved ones. His legacy endures in the many lives he touched and the positive impact he had on his community.
Mr. Palmer, from Waco, is a TMCA Credentialed Distinguished Mediator, has served on the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association, and is a proponent of quality mediation. He served the ADR Section as a past chair. He has also held the top leadership positions in the Texas Association of Mediators and the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association. Mr. Palmer is one of the founders of the McLennan County Dispute Resolution Center. He mediates and practices law with Naman, Howell, Smith, and Lee, PLLC.
Ms. Suzanne Duvall of Dallas was at the beginning of the mediation movement in Texas and has been a force ever since. She specializes in the mediation of family disputes including divorce, custody, guardianship, and probate as well as a broad range of civil matters. She has served on the faculty of numerous ADR training organizations including the State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, Texas A&M School of Law, SMU School of Law, and Texas Woman’s University. She has served as the Chair of the Texas Bar ADR Section and multiple terms as the Chair of the State Bar of Texas Professionalism Committee. She has also served as the President of the Association of Attorney-Mediators and The Texas Association of Mediators. She is considered one of the foremost experts on ethics in mediation. She has been honored as the first recipient of the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association’s Outstanding Credentialed Mediator Award, the Association of Attorney Mediator’s Steve Brutsche’ Award, the American Arbitration Association’s Steve Brutsche’ Award for Professional Excellence in Dispute Resolution along with many other awards recognizing her service to the profession as well as the excellence of her practice from many organizations and her peers.
Born on March 6, 1941, in Liberty, Texas, [Name] was admitted to the State Bar of Texas on September 16, 1968. He is also licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lamar University in 1963, followed by legal studies at the University of Texas and the University of Houston, graduating in 1967. A member of Alpha Tau Omega and Phi Alpha Delta, his academic and social affiliations reflect a strong foundation in leadership and law.
After working with Tidewater Oil Company and Getty Oil Company from 1967 to 1970, [Name] established a solo practice in Liberty County. He served as Special Attorney for the Liberty County Grand Jury, Special Prosecutor for the State of Texas, and represented prominent clients such as Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Dresser Industries, and Geosource. His expertise includes resolving complex disputes for small oil and gas operators and addressing environmental challenges, such as hazardous waste disposal and chemical leakage cases. Since 1983, he has consulted on environmental proceedings, including applications for hazardous waste disposal sites and chaired key committees like the Local Review Mediation Committee and Citizens Monitoring Committee. He also served on the legal advisory board for People Against a Contaminated Environment (PACE) and was a panelist at environmental conflict resolution seminars.
Edward F. Sherman, is Vice Chair of the Arbitration Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution.
He is professor of law and former dean of Tulane Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Before coming to Tulane in 1996, he taught for 19 years at The University of Texas School of Law, where he was the Edward Clark Centennial Professor of Law. A graduate of Georgetown University (A.B., 1959) and Harvard Law School (J.D., 1962; S.J.D., 1981), he clerked for a federal judge and practiced law for five years before entering teaching.
Professor Sherman is co-author of casebooks on Civil Procedure, Complex Litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution, and his casebooks on these subjects are used in law schools around the country. He has also taught at the University of London, Chuo University (Tokyo), Polish School of Public Administration, International Centers for Arbitration, Hamline Law School Mediation Program, and Tulane-Humboldt University Intercultural Negotiation/Mediation Program in Berlin.
The Honorable Nancy Friedman Atlas (ret.) served as a United States District Judge from 1995 to 2022, following a distinguished 21-year legal career in commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution. During her 27 years on the Houston federal bench, Judge Atlas presided over thousands of civil and criminal cases, earning consistent top ratings from the Houston Bar Association for her thoughtful, timely rulings and respectful demeanor. She also served as a judicial mediator in the Puerto Rico Insolvency Cases from 2017 to 2021.
Before her judicial service, Judge Atlas was a business litigator and Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York, later practicing in Houston, where she pioneered commercial case mediation, handling nearly 500 cases between 1990 and 1995. She played a key role in designing the ADR Program for the Southern District of Texas, which continues to this day.
After leaving the bench, Judge Atlas founded Atlas ADR, PLLC, offering mediation, arbitration, special master services, litigation consulting, and neutral case evaluations. Her expertise spans commercial, intellectual property, technology, insurance, bankruptcy, and construction matters. She is also a member of the Federal Arbitration, Inc.’s (FedArb’s) Panel of Distinguished Neutrals and an AAA-approved arbitrator for complex commercial cases.
Judge Atlas has been widely recognized for her contributions to the Bar, the Judiciary, and the public, frequently speaking on litigation, ADR, and related topics over her 30-year career.
Kimberlee Kovach has nearly forty years of experience as a mediator in a wide array of disputes. Her extensive experience includes all types of commercial matters, along with employment, real estate, franchise, construction, bankruptcy and personal injury cases.
Understanding the various approaches to mediation, and that each matter is different, Kim possesses the unique ability to work with the parties and counsel in exploring the different approaches to the process that will be most effective in each case. She is focused on finding ways that will work best in reaching acceptable resolutions. Kim is known to be determined in encouraging the parties to keep negotiating, getting past no, and not quitting until all options have been explored and considered. She also encourages the parties to be creative in finding innovative solutions. She is always cognizant of the relationships involved in disputes and will assure that all interests of the parties are addressed. Kim works with lawyers and parties involved in litigation, as well as those who choose to mediate before a lawsuit is filed.