Fair and Efficient Resolution of Your Dispute

As a chief negotiator, I coordinated the work of bargaining teams, conducted bargaining research, drafted contract language, addressed implementation issues, and served as co-chair of many joint labor-management committees and task forces. I trained several colleagues, as well as joint labor-management teams, in communications, problem solving approaches, stair-stepping proposals, pattern bargaining, interest-based bargaining, and ways to prepare for effective and productive negotiations.

As a litigator, I represented clients in U.S. District Court, administrative hearings, State Superior Court proceedings, and well over 100 arbitration hearings. These cases included issues related to pension funds, wage and hour claims, work stoppages, discrimination claims, contract interpretation, workplace policies, and disciplinary actions. I trained colleagues in how to effectively present mediation proposals and arbitration cases.  

As a workplace mediator, I assisted parties in addressing interpersonal disputes between coworkers. I assessed organizational work climate challenges affecting anywhere from 2 to 200 people. I conducted group interventions for departments and entire work sites. In an effort to reduce workplace conflicts, I developed peer mediation and grievance mediation programs throughout Washington State and Oregon for school districts and public agencies. With several decades’ experience as a leader of several nonprofit organizations, I mediated conflicts between Executive Board members and organizational leaders. Several of the 100+ workplace mediations conducted over the last few decades have included situations where the impact of mental health conditions and/or the impact of substance use has resulted in conflict. In addition, I have assisted parties in addressing the impact of public attacks and pressure, budget shortfalls and funding crises, and ways to reorganize and refocus organizational structures to adapt to changing conditions.

I have served as a volunteer and as a leader for NAMI-Eastside – the East King County affiliate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). As a student of mental health conditions and Mental Health First Aid, I have learned to recognize signs of mental health distress and appropriate strategies for lay people to respond in a supportive and calm manner. As a former President of the Board, trainer in Resiliency strategies, and as an active community volunteer, I have become more aware of community resources and referral networks for professional follow-up to workplace incidents.

My work and community volunteer experience help me serve as an effective arbitrator for labor, employment, and consumer cases for several private panels and State and federal agencies over the past 7-8 years. I have worked with party representatives to streamline procedures, limit discovery to evidence that is relevant and material to the issues in the dispute and create a process that is flexible and addresses the parties’ procedural and substantive needs. I work with party representatives to avoid unnecessary motions that increase the time and expense spent on an arbitration case or a mediation matter. My goal is to provide a fair and efficient resolution of your dispute.

Civility and respect are important values for me. I recognize that Party representatives work hard to present their cases and represent their clients. I treat all advocates and all participants with courtesy and dignity. I acknowledge that arbitration hearings and mediation sessions can be very intimidating for witnesses and participants who are unfamiliar with these procedures. I work to dial down the emotional climate and help people feel more comfortable with the process. Arbitration hearings and mediation sessions are not court trials, nor do they need to be. The Rules of Evidence are flexibly applied; however, I make sure that testimony and information comes from the designated witnesses and not others. Inappropriate behavior such as shouting at witnesses, throwing documents at people, or making derogatory comments while another person is speaking will not be tolerated. Arbitration and/or mediation does not need to be treated as a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil.  

People view events and contract language differently. My job is to gain better understanding of the facts and the different views and positions, so that I can assist all parties in arriving at a reasonable resolution. I strive for interpretations of contract language and events that allow parties to carry on with their operations and their lives. Closure is important for organizations and for individuals. I work hard to “do no harm” to existing labor-management and business-business relationships.

As an arbitrator, I work with party representatives who have varied levels of experience and comfort with the arbitration process. At the end of a hearing, advocates are offered the options of a verbal closing statement, a written closing statement, or a post-hearing brief. Any of these options are acceptable summaries of the facts and the arguments that parties want me to pay attention to in my Decision and Award. Arbitration Decisions and Awards are usually final and binding, depending on the language of the governing documents.

Parties choosing to file post-hearing briefs are limited to 20-25 typed pages. Any reliance on case law requires a link or a copy of the case attached to your brief. I have a responsibility to verify that the case says what you think it says and that the case actually exists. Using artificial intelligence (AI) for your research is your choice, and I make no judgment of that choice. I feel a professional responsibility to make sure that I do not unwittingly continue an error in interpretation or a “hallucination” created by AI.

My office is located in the Pacific Northwest; however, I am able to offer dispute resolution to parties anywhere in the United States. I offer in-person, video, hybrid (both in-person and video), and documents-only arbitration services. Sometimes, your needs might change due to weather, travel restrictions or illness. The hearing or session format is not set in stone. We can change the format as long as all parties have adequate notice, agree to the change, and everyone’s needs are addressed in the new format.

 I have a professional Zoom platform that is available for parties to use. In addition, I have experience working with Microsoft Teams and Webex platforms. Arbitration hearings can be recorded and links sent to the advocates. I do not require a transcript, but I am happy to work with court reporters when parties desire a formal record.

I look forward to working with you to help resolve your dispute.

Let’s Talk: (206) 953-3973 or email me at lurieworkplacesolutions@comcast.net

Nothing on this website is intended to provide legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed through any exchange of correspondence related to this website.