Linda A Michler
Phone: +1 412 854 4315
+1 412 480 1731
Email: Linda.Michler@michlerlaw.com
When businesses and law firms seek an effective alternative means of settling disputes, as a skilled mediator and arbitrator, I help resolve their disputes perhaps even before going to court. Please scroll down to see how my services and experience might be of use to you or your firm. All services are available nationally and can be provided virtually, in person and hybrid method.
Linda A Michler, Esquire
I spent the first part of my career working as an attorney in both the business and government sectors at a large law firm, global data, and risk management software company, US Small Business Administration (SBA) and successfully owning and managing my own law firm for over 20 years. During this time, I became skilled with transactional work along with active litigation at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. I handled commercial and government issues involving contracts, finance and banking, employment and healthcare. Areas of expertise can be viewed in the experience section.
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​During my career, 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 matters. As an accomplished mediator and arbitrator (over one thousand, many as chair), I no longer litigate, instead I help businesses and law firms resolve their client’s disputes by providing early neutral evaluation/consultation, arbitration, and mediation services in an efficient manner.
I am a member of The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. NADN’s website, states “The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN) is an invitation-only professional association whose membership consists of mediators and arbitrators distinguished by their hands-on experience in the field of civil & commercial dispute resolution.” I am also an American Bar Foundation Fellow. Per ABF website, “ABF Fellows are a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities.” (insert link to ABF Fellows home page here). Additionally, I participate in the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR) Panel of Distinguished Neutrals. Per CPR’s website, “The Panel of Distinguished Neutrals is a carefully curated, diverse group of prominent, experienced subject matter ADR professionals".
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It is important to me to keep current on issues and at the same time mentor others which is why I have taught 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. For a complete list of organizations and panels I am involved with, see my memberships & affiliations section.
Areas Of Experience
CONTRACT DISPUTES
Assistant District Counsel for US Small Business Administration and private practice in alternative dispute resolution helped provide extensive experience with commercial and governmental contractual issues ranging from negotiations to contractual breach of contract, real estate and title issues, product liability, Magnuson Moss Warranty Act - Lemon Law, subcontractor, franchise disputes, copyright infringement, and landlord/tenant conflicts. Involvement ranges from two person to multiparty large international airport construction.
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BANKING AND FINANCE
Decades of experience has provided proficiency in all aspects of both commercial and consumer finance and banking disputes including lending and collection, shareholder disputes, bankruptcy and receiverships, creditor’s rights, deed recording fraud and mortgages.
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EMPLOYMENT
Proven expertise in employment law, ranging from compliance investigations to mediation and arbitration processes. Providing an impartial approach to understanding both the employee and employer perspectives while maintaining confidentiality to protect problems from escalating, reoccurring and to identify systemic issues and trends. Issues include employment contract disputes and negotiations, executive compensation, intellectual property, reduction in force and regulatory compliance – EEOC, PHRC and FMLA.
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HEALTHCARE
Successfully mediated conflicts between healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies. Skilled at effectively evaluating complex information and promoting impartial solutions, while ensuring regulatory compliance. Some disputes involved product liability, physician employment contracts, joint ventures between companies and professionals, payment issues between managed care companies and providers, No Surprises Act and Stark Law compliance.
Services
Below describes the various alternative dispute resolution services I provide on a local, regional and national level. These ADR services range from early neutral evaluation/consultation to complex mediation and arbitration.
I have handled a wide array of disputes involving healthcare, employment, commercial/business, workplace, contracts, real estate, landlord/tenant, consumer/merchant, and investment/financial disputes.
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 voluntary, confidential, non-binding but formal process where the parties meet with a mutually selected impartial person who assists them in the negotiation of their dispute. I’ve worked to provide an environment to explore discussions regarding the matter in dispute drawing on my extensive knowledge as a litigator, mediator and arbitrator involving hundreds of mediation and arbitration cases. My goal of these discussions includes clearing up misunderstandings, determine underlying concerns, finding areas of agreement and incorporate all into solutions towards a settlement or compromise that is agreeable to both parties. As a neutral I don’t represent either party but work with both to help ensure that discussions are respectful, and agreements are as appropriate as possible given the specific case circumstances.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution that resolves disputes outside of a court trial in a less costly, private (with limited exceptions) and quicker process. Disputing parties agree that one or more individuals can make a binding decision about the dispute after receiving evidence and hearing arguments. My experience as chair or solo on hundreds of arbitrational tribunals allows me to ask the questions that elicit the most critical substantive facts to make a final binding decision.
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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.
Memberships & Affiliations
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National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals - Mediator and Arbitrator
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American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) - Chair, Dispute Resolution Service Review Board Appointed 2024-2025, Member since 2022.
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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, and Healthcare and Life Sciences Committee
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American Bar Foundation Fellows - Appointed in 2024
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Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals
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Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) - Co-Vice Chair of the ACBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
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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)
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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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Association Of Attorney Mediators - Mediator and Arbitrator
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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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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".
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
2025 Linda A Michler All Rights Reserved
Phone
Main: +1 412 854 4315
Cell: +1 412 480 1731