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Linda A Michler

Phone: +1 412 854 4315

+1 412 480 1731

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Mediation offers clients an efficient, cost-effective alternative to litigation—without compromising results. With decades of experience in litigation, mediation, and arbitration, I bring a strategic mindset rooted in active listening, thoughtful analysis, and creative problem-solving. My goal is to help parties move past impasse and achieve durable, practical resolutions. Services are available nationally and can be provided virtually, in person and hybrid method. 

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BACKGROUND

Linda A Michler, Esquire

Career Biography

I began my legal career as an attorney in both the business and government sectors, including roles at a large law firm, a global data and risk management software company, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). I also successfully owned and managed my own law firm for over 20 years. Throughout this time, I gained extensive experience in both transactional matters and active litigation, handling cases at the trial and appellate levels in state, federal, and administrative courts.

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My work has spanned a broad range of commercial and governmental issues, including contracts, finance and banking, employment, and healthcare.  See the experience section for more details.

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Focus on Dispute Resolution

Over the years, I’ve seen the significant benefits that alternative dispute resolution (ADR) offers—particularly in resolving complex cases involving multiple parties, issues, and high-stakes damages. Now, as a full-time mediator and arbitrator, I no longer litigate. Instead, I help law firms and businesses resolve disputes through early neutral evaluation, mediation, and arbitration, delivered with efficiency and clarity.

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I have conducted more than 2,000 ADR proceedings—many as panel chair—and bring practical insight and deep legal knowledge to every case.

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Credentials & Recognition

I am proud to be:

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Teaching, Mentoring & Leadership

I believe in giving back and staying current. That’s why I’ve served as an educator at institutions including Robert Morris University, Duquesne University, and Community College of Allegheny County. I am also a frequent CLE presenter, author, and advisor in the ADR space.

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Over the years, I’ve held leadership roles in numerous professional organizations and continue to mentor the next generation of legal professionals. See the memberships & affiliations section for more.

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Areas Of Experience

Over the years, I have learned that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach to sustain my 92% resolution rate. I make it a priority to quickly assess the personalities and dynamics of the parties involved and to adapt my methods, accordingly, ensuring steady progress toward resolution.

COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENTAL CONTRACT DISPUTES

Extensive experience handling commercial and governmental contractual matters, including negotiations, breach of contract, real estate and title issues, product liability, Auto Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Lemon Law, subcontractor and franchise disputes, copyright infringement, and landlord/tenant conflicts. Engagements have ranged from two-party disputes to complex, multiparty international airport construction projects.   

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EMPLOYMENT

Proven expertise in employment law, with emphasis on compliance investigations, mediation, and arbitration. Skilled at impartially evaluating both employee and employer perspectives, ensuring confidentiality, and preventing escalation or recurrence of disputes. Matters include employment contract disputes and negotiations, executive compensation, intellectual property concerns, workforce reductions, and federal, state and regulatory compliance.

 

HEALTHCARE

Strong background mediating conflicts among healthcare providers, patients, vendors and insurers. Adept at evaluating complex clinical and contractual issues, promoting creativity to reach impartial solutions, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Experience includes product liability claims, physician employment contracts, healthcare joint ventures, managed care payment disputes, and compliance with the No Surprises Act and Stark Law.  

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BANKING AND FINANCE

Decades of proficiency in commercial and consumer finance disputes, covering lending and collections, shareholder disputes, bankruptcy and receivership, creditors’ rights, deed recording fraud, and mortgage issues. Recognized for resolving complex disputes while balancing regulatory, financial, and business considerations.

Services
Decades of Experience with Arbitration & Mediation 

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Mediation

Conflict is part of life—but it doesn’t have to be destructive.

I provide structured, neutral, and confidential mediation services designed to help individuals and organizations resolve disputes respectfully and efficiently—without going to court.

 

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential, non-binding but formal and collaborative process.  It brings parties together with a mutually selected, trained, impartial individual who facilitates productive dialogue and negotiation.  The goal? A mutually acceptable resolution—without the expense and stress of litigation.

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Why Choose Mediation?

  • Confidential: What’s said in mediation stays in mediation, it is not disclosed to the public.

  • Impartial:  I offer unbiased support to help both sides find common ground.

  • Efficient & Cost- Effective: Save time and legal fees by reaching agreements quicker outside of court.

  • Solution-Focused: Move from conflict to clarity with practical, lasting outcomes.

  • Voluntary and Collaborative: All voices are heard, empowering you to create your own outcomes that may not be possible in a court setting.

  • Preserves Relationships:  Mediation fosters communication, understanding and long-term cooperation.

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Professional Mediation for Every Situation

Whether you're navigating a contractual disagreement, a product malfunction, a workplace conflict, a landlord-tenant issue, or a business partnership dispute, I offer a collaborative process that empowers all parties to find mutually acceptable solutions.  Mediation services I provide include:

  • Workplace & Employment Mediation

  • Civil & Commercial Disputes

  • Healthcare Provider, Patient, Insurance Company Conflicts

  • Commercial and Consumer Finance & Banking Disputes

  • Landlord-Tenant and Property Issues

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The Value I Bring

As a neutral third party, I don’t represent either side. My role is to facilitate respectful, constructive conversations that lead to meaningful outcomes.  Drawing on my extensive experience as a litigator, mediator and arbitrator involving hundreds of mediation and arbitration cases, I create a safe space for: 

  • Clarifying misunderstandings

  • Identifying core issues and interests

  • Exploring common ground - areas of agreement

  • Developing creative, tailored solutions

 

When agreements are reached, they are customized to the unique need of the situation and built for long term success.

 

How the Process Works

  1. Free Initial Consultation – I assess your situation and explain the mediation process.

  2. Private Mediation Sessions – Neutral, respectful, and focused discussions.

  3. Agreement Drafting – I help formalize any resolution in clear, written terms.

  4. Follow-Up Support – Ongoing guidance, if needed, after mediation.

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Let’s Resolve Your Dispute—Together

Unresolved conflict can be draining. Let’s work toward a practical solution that preserves relationships and moves you forward with clarity and confidence.

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Contact me today to discuss how I can assist you in resolving your dispute through mediation. 

Services are provided nationwide virtually, in-person or hybrid.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a widely used and trusted alternative to litigation in which the parties agree to submit their conflict to one or more neutral arbitrators, who render a decision. By selecting arbitration, parties choose a private, confidential, flexible, and efficient path to resolve disputes outside of court.

 

Why Choose Arbitration?

I offer decades of experience in arbitration. My practice is grounded in the fundamental principles that define effective arbitration:

  • Voluntary & Consensual: Arbitration proceeds only with the agreement of all parties—typically through contractual provisions or mutual consent after a dispute arises.

  • Party-Controlled Process: Parties have a say in selecting the arbitrator(s), shaping the process to fit their unique needs.

  • Neutral & Impartial: I serve as an independent decision-maker with no vested interest in the outcome.

  • Confidential: Proceedings are private, and confidentiality is preserved except in limited circumstances.

  • Final and Enforceable: Arbitral awards are legally enforceable and are generally easier to enforce internationally than court judgments.

 

Evolving with Arbitration

Over the years, I have seen arbitration evolve. While it remains efficient in many cases, large-scale or multi-party arbitration can become complex—mirroring litigation with prolonged discovery, motion practice, and delays. In such matters, the arbitration can be divided into two distinct roles: a Process Arbitrator and a Substantive Arbitrator.

 

PROCESS ARBITRATOR - Keeping Proceedings On Track

As a Process Arbitrator, I manage procedural aspects such as:

  • Discovery disputes

  • Scheduling and timelines

  • Pre-hearing motions

 

This role is key to maintaining efficiency, fairness, and momentum, avoiding procedural gridlock thereby allowing the substantive issues to be addressed without unnecessary delay.

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With decades of national experience in litigation, arbitration, and mediation, I bring a deep understanding of arbitration rules, case management strategies, and procedural fairness. I resolve pre-hearing disputes efficiently maintaining neutrality while keeping the case on track.

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SUBSTANTIVE ARBITRATOR - Delivering Clear, Fair Decisions

The Substantive Arbitrator is tasked with determining the outcome of the dispute based on the evidence and legal arguments presented. This role demands:

  • Active engagement

  • Legal expertise

  • Analytical precision

  • Balanced judgment

  • Ability to deliver a clear, reasoned decision

 

My extensive nationwide work across a wide variety of arbitration matters has given me in-depth knowledge of the laws, regulations, and business practices that impact each case. I bring strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and clarity in decision-making—ensuring that all parties are heard and that awards are fair, final, and enforceable.

 

The Value I Bring - Experience. Fairness. Efficiency.
Whether serving as a Process Arbitrator or Substantive Arbitrator, Mediator or trusted guide through the arbitration process, I bring:

  • A deep understanding of arbitration frameworks

  • Strong case management and decision-making skills

  • A commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and resolution

 

Ready to move your dispute forward with clarity and confidence?
Contact me today to discuss how I can assist in resolving your matter through arbitration. 

Services are provided nationwide virtually, in-person or hybrid.

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Memberships & Affiliations

Linda A Michler link to profile on NADN website
American Health Law Association Logo
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American Arbitration Association Logo with link to AAA website
International Institute Conflict Prevention Resolution Logo
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Better Business Bureau Logo
North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission Logo
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  • National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals - Mediator and Arbitrator

  • American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) - Chair, Dispute Resolution Service Review Board Appointed 2024-2026, Member since 2022.

  • International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution - Panel of Distinguished Neutrals, Banking, Accounting and Financial Services Panel, Dispute Resolution Panel, Employment Disputes Panel, Franchise Panel, Mass Claims Employment Panel, and Healthcare and Life Sciences Committee

  • American Bar Foundation Fellows - Appointed in 2024

  • Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals

  • Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) - Chair of the ACBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

  • American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section, Former Arbitration Committee Co-chair and E-Newsletter Editor; Webinar Chair, Women in Dispute Resolution Former National Chair for Regional Chairs and Regional Co-Chair (Mid – Atlantic Region)

  • American Bar Association -- Former Dispute Resolution Leadership Member, Ethics Committee Member, Healthcare Committee Member, Employment Committee Member, Mediation Committee Member

  • Association Of Attorney Mediators - Mediator and Arbitrator

  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA, formerly NASD) – Mediator and Arbitrator 

  • Better Business Bureau – Mediator and Arbitrator 

  • United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania – Mediation Panel Member, Special Advisor to the initial Mediation Rules Subcommittee 

  • US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania – Mediator and Arbitrator 

  • State of North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission – Certified Mediator 

  • American Arbitration Association -- Mediator and Arbitrator- Healthcare, commercial and consumer panels nationally, Appointed mediator for the NC Disaster Program administered by the American Arbitration Association 

  • Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation – Mentor

  • Special Assistant US Attorney, Assistant District Counsel, Pittsburgh Office, US Small Business Administration 

  • Federal Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section – Past Vice- President Western PA Chapter 

  • Financial Women’s International – Past President of Western Pennsylvania Chapter 

  • Southwinds Incorporated – Past Board Member, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee 

  • Family Services of Western Pennsylvania – Past Board of Trustees Member 

  • For list of publications, click "View Publications". 

Disclaimer

If you would like more information about services, whether as a potential party or as a lawyer in need of an experienced mediator or arbitrator, I encourage you to contact me via telephone.  This site does not create an attorney-client or prospective client relationship and it is not intended for detailed advice. 

CONTACT

Contact Information

Address

Pennsylvania

301 South Hills Village Drive

Suite LL-200

Pittsburgh PA 15241

South Carolina

231 Bluff Point Lane

Bluffton SC  29909

2025 Linda A Michler   All Rights Reserved

Phone

Main:  +1 412 854 4315

Cell:  +1 412 480 1731

Fax:  +1 866 390 4385

Social Media

  • LinkedIn

Email

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