Linda A Michler
Phone: +1 412 854 4315
+1 412 480 1731
Email: Linda.Michler@michlerlaw.com
I am an experienced mediator and arbitrator who helps parties resolve their conflicts without going to court, in a faster, less costly and private alternative process. Please scroll down to see how my background and dispute resolution experience might be of use to you or your firm. All services, from simple to complex mediation and arbitration, are available virtually, in person and hybrid method.
Linda A Michler, Esquire
After several years working as an attorney for a law firm and then as Assistant District Counsel, Special Assistant United States Attorney with the US Small Business Administration (SBA), I transitioned my efforts to successfully owning and managing my own law firm, running the diverse activities of managing attorneys and administrative personnel. For more than 30 years, I have provided and seen the power of alternative dispute resolution, allowing parties the opportunity to work through and resolve complex cases, some involving multiple parties, issues and damages ranging from small to substantial. This firsthand experience with alternative dispute resolution matters my firm metamorphosed from transactional work and active litigation, including trials and appellate, federal and state agencies work, into providing early neutral evaluation/consultation, arbitration and mediation services.
In addition to once maintaining a law practice, representing primarily financial institutions and small businesses, I taught legal courses at Robert Morris University, Duquesne University, Community College of Allegheny County and have been a long-standing leader in many professional organizations and an advisor in alternative dispute resolution, as a teacher, presenter and author for several CLE providers including the American Bar Association, National Business Institute, and the Allegheny County and Washington County Bar Associations.
I have been in-house counsel for a global data and risk management software company. I am licensed and currently admitted to all Pennsylvania, North Carolina and New York Courts, US District Courts for Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania, US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and US Supreme Court.
While working in the government sector I was responsible for the legal review of the small business loans, 8(a) programs, disaster program, Freedom of Information Act Requests, and employee issues. In addition to drafting of court pleadings, I researched and wrote memoranda and legal opinions on a variety of the SBA’s programs. As Assistant District Counsel, I handled negotiations with labor and government management, unemployment compensation, and reduction in force issues.
Areas Of Experience
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Automotive
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Banking & Finance
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Bankruptcy / Creditors
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Commercial / Business
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Contract Disputes
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Copyright Infringement
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Employment (including workplace investigations, EEOC & PHRC)
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Franchise
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Health Care
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Insurance
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Landlord / Tenant
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Lemon Law
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Mortgage Foreclosure
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Product Liability
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Professional Malpractice
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Real Estate
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Shareholder Disputes
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Title Disputes
Memberships & Affiliations
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National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals - Mediator and Arbitrator
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American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) - Appointed to the 2023-2024 Leadership Year - Dispute Resolution Service Review Board
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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.
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American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section, 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)
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American Bar Association -- Dispute Resolution Leadership Member, Ethics Committee Member, Healthcare Committee Member, Employment Committee Member, Mediation Committee Member
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Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA, formerly NASD) – Mediator and Arbitrator
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Better Business Bureau – Mediator and Arbitrator
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United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania – Mediation Panel Member, Special Advisor to the initial Mediation Rules Subcommittee
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US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania – Mediator and Arbitrator
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State of North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission – Certified Mediator
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American Arbitration Association -- Mediator and Arbitrator- commercial and consumer panels nationally, Appointed mediator for the NC Disaster Program administered by the American Arbitration Association
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Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation – Mentor
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Pennsylvania Council of Mediators – Alternative Dispute Resolution – A Forgotten Resource After Natural Disasters, Newsletter November 2017
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Special Assistant US Attorney, Assistant District Counsel, Pittsburgh Office, US Small Business Administration
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Federal Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section – Past Vice- President Western PA Chapter
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Financial Women’s International – Past President of Western Pennsylvania Chapter
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Southwinds Incorporated – Past Board Member, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee
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Family Services of Western Pennsylvania – Past Board of Trustees Member
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For list of publications, click "View Publications".
Services
Providing all forms of dispute resolution from simple consultation, to complex mediation and arbitration, servicing local, regional and national
Consultation -
Early Dispute Resolution
When you are in a dispute with another party, emotions can be high and sometimes it helps to discuss options. If you find yourself in this situation and would like to have a 30-minute consultation to discuss the differences between arbitration and mediation, I can discuss the differences with you and the benefits and drawbacks of each process. To schedule a consultation, click below.
Mediation
Mediation is a process where the parties meet with a mutually selected impartial and neutral person who assists them in the negotiation of their differences. The mediator oversees discussions concerning the matter in dispute with the goal of clearing up misunderstandings, determine underlying concerns, finding areas of agreement, and incorporates all into solutions towards a settlement or compromise that is agreeable to both parties. The mediator is neutral and doesn't represent either party but works with both to help ensure that discussions are respectful, and agreements are as appropriate as possible given the situation.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution that resolves disputes outside of a court trial. It is, with limited exceptions, a private process where disputing parties agree that one or several individuals can make a binding decision about the dispute after receiving evidence and hearing arguments. The advantages of arbitration are quicker resolution and reduced costs than traditional trial. The key to realizing the advantages of arbitration as a dispute resolution tool lies in the flexibility of the process. By avoiding common errors and openly discussing time and cost efficiencies, the parties can satisfy their expectations, including due process and fairness.
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 Information
Address
Pennsylvania
301 South Hills Village Drive
Suite LL-200
Pittsburgh PA 15241
South Carolina
231 Bluff Point Lane
Bluffton SC 29909
2023 Linda A Michler All Rights Reserved
Phone
Main: +1 412 854 4315
Cell: +1 412 480 1731