The Future of Resolution

In this episode of The Future of Resolution Podcast, Miles mediator & arbitrator Steve Dunn sits down with civil litigator Charles Ali Everage to discuss the complexities of wrongful death cases, why he finds this work so rewarding, his thoughts on the future of the industry, and his advice to young attorneys entering the field.

In this episode of The Future of Resolution Podcast, Miles mediator & arbitrator Steve Dunn sits down with employment and collaborative law-trained attorney Bartina Edwards, to discuss her fascinating career journey, her philosophy on being "busy," CP3 Paradigm (and what the name stands for), collaborative law, and more.

In this episode of “The Future of Resolution” podcast, Miles mediator & arbitrator Steve Dunn sits down with Mathew Flatow, managing partner of SeiferFlatow, PLLC to discuss an interesting case that was resolved, and then turned into an all-out personal war. This case is an interesting commercial defamation case between business owners who, in addition to their legal dispute, also are neighbors and torment each other in ways that are unfathomable.  

In this episode of The Future of Resolution Podcast, Miles mediator Steve Dunn interviews prodigious attorney Martin “Marty” White about his time as a JAG Corps officer, representing NASCAR drivers, keeping things in perspective in the legal industry, and the future of mediation. A managing partner at Johnston, Allison & Hord in Charlotte, Marty is one of the most interesting business litigators in North Carolina.

In this episode of The Future of Resolution Podcast, Miles mediator Danae Woodward speaks with Amy Cox Gruendel and Salim Uqdah about their efforts to address COVID-related stressors on the court system and the rise of landlord-tenant cases through programs they've implemented.

In this episode of The Future of Resolution Podcast, Miles mediator & arbitrator Steve Dunn sits down with Katie Dolan, former ADR coordinator of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse and new Senior Customer Service Specialist at Miles, to discuss her journey and how it will contribute to her new role.

Never underestimate the power of being underestimated. ​In this episode of The Future of Resolution Podcast , Miles mediator & arbitrator Steve Dunn sits down with Sara Lincoln of Lincoln Derr, well-known in Charlotte for their performance as civil litigators. Dunn and Lincoln discuss how she overcame initial challenges in the field, her journey along the way, and how she sees the legal industry moving forward. 

With all the focus on national government these days, it's easy to forget the importance of local government, especially as it is the first line of defense against COVID-19 in our communities. College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom sits down with East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingram, Attorney Robbie Ashe, and Attorney Rusi Patel to discuss the importance of local government, especially during the pandemic.

In these high-stress times, the last thing most people want is to deal with a knock-down-drag-out legal battle. Mediator and Collaborative Attorney Danae Woodward discusses the growing practice of Civil Collaboration Law with some of its foremost advocates, Colleen Byers and John Sarratt, and how it can take the antagonism out of a legal case.  

In this episode, Miles mediator and arbitrator Steve Dunn talks with Josh Durham, Partner at Bell Davis Pitt. Durham discusses his own podcast, his career as a business litigator, and his personal writings.

In this inaugural Charlotte podcast episode, Miles mediator & arbitrator Steve Dunn talks with Greg Parent, also a mediator & arbitrator at Miles. Parent shares why he became a mediator, how his past roles have shaped his success in mediation, and what his vision is for Charlotte as it relates to his career and the business community there. ​

With all the changes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, mediator Jennifer Grippa and Rebecca Bratter discuss the current challenges of doing business and how it could change the climate of the law industry moving forward. They also talk life, parenting, giving back, and practical strategies for success in business.

Miles mediator & arbitrator Jason Harper joins James Westbury, a long-time local government attorney and currently an Attorney and Property & Liability Claims Manager of the Georgia Municipal Association and Ken Jarrard, a well-known government attorney and Partner with Jarrard and Davis. They discuss several topics pertaining to local government law and ADR.

In this episode, Joseph Blanco discusses his previous role as General Counsel of Crawford & Co., where he now serves as President of the company. Crawford is the largest publicly listed independent claims management firm in the world. 

As we conclude Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), mediator Michael Eshman sits down with Ana Maria Martinez, President and Co-Founder of the Georgia Latino Law Foundation, to discuss efforts to help support and promote Latinx law students in Georgia and ways to increase diversity in the legal community. 

Miles mediator & arbitrator Winter Wheeler interviews the legendary CK Hoffler, President of the National Bar Association and Chair of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. President Hoffler's contributions to the legal profession and commitment to social justice inspires, motivates, and energizes everyone around her! 

In this episode of “The Future of Resolution” Podcast, Miles mediator & arbitrator Matt Thiry talks with Rett Peaden of Smith, Gambrell & Russell about the concept of business divorce, why businesses split up, and how it can be a contentious process.

In this episode, Miles mediator and arbitrator Winter Wheeler speaks with Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Verda Colvin. Judge Colvin opens up about growing up in Atlanta and her inspiring legal career. Colvin was sworn into the Court of Appeals by Governor Kemp on April 10, 2020, making her the first African American​ woman appointed by a Republican Governor.  

Angus Haig, Senior Vice President, and General Counsel of Cox Automotive discusses his journey with Coca-Cola to his role as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Cox Automotive, and shares the ongoing expansion of Cox in emerging industries.

Judge Susan Forsling discusses the value of in-person mediation and arbitration and how and she has maintained her alternative dispute resolution (ADR) practice throughout the pandemic. She also provides valuable advice for new lawyers and working parents, and tips on ways to resolve conflict in an effective manner.

Join Miles Mediator & Arbitrator Winter Wheeler and Sherry Boston, as they discuss Ms. Boston's journey from private criminal defense attorney to District Attorney for DeKalb County.

Paula Frederick discusses ongoing challenges in the legal industry and her roles as general counsel of the State Bar of Georgia and Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility.  

Kwende B. Jones, partner at the law firm of Burr & Forman, joins Miles Mediation & Arbitration Neutral Matt Thirty to discuss the value of civility and professionalism within litigation. Kwende practices in the firm's Litigation section, focusing on general commercial litigation and financial services litigation and represents financial institutions, commercial lenders, telecommunications companies, and other businesses of all sizes in various business disputes in both State and Federal Courts. 

Emily Ward, a practicing white-collar defense attorney at Smith, Gambrell & Russell and co-owner of Southern Belle and Georgia Boy, two Southern-rooted restaurants located in Atlanta's Poncey-Highland neighborhood. Emily joins Miles neutral Winter Wheeler to talk about the impact Covid-19 has had on her restaurant businesses and her law practice.

Miles Mediation & Arbitration neutral Christopher "Smitty" Smith moderates a discussion with employment lawyers Sarah Lamar and Wade Herring about the challenges employers face with bringing their employees back to work. Smith, Lamar, and Herring are partners in HunterMaclean's Savannah office. 

In this episode, Winter Wheeler of Miles Mediation & Arbitration speaks with Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Kenneth Hodges about mental health in the legal profession, particularly during COVID-19. 

In this episode trial lawyer David Fried, founder and partner of Fried & Bonder discusses the effects of COVID-19 on the legal industry, including the long-term effect on business cases, personal injury, employment disputes, and the types of claims that will arise in the future. Fried is interviewed by Miles Mediation & Arbitration neutral Winter Wheeler. 

In recognition of the first annual Lawyer Well-Being Week, Stacey Dougan, Denise Gaskin, and Kristy Weathers discuss strategies and resources aimed at encouraging well-being for lawyers, their support teams, and institutional stakeholders. This episode also provides an overview of what lawyers and legal professionals are experiencing during the pandemic crisis and how law firms and organizations can help in meaningful ways. 

In this episode, Carla Wong McMillian, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, and former Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals joins Miles Mediation & Arbitration Neutral, Hon. Jason T. Harper to discuss her background and the range of cases from complex business litigation to traffic tickets, she has presided over. The judges provide an insider's perspective on the realities and logistics of running a courtroom from security protocols to support staff management.  

In this episode, Miles Mediation & Arbitration neutral Julie Jun interviews Kira Fonteneau, a Partner at the 5 Points Law Group, whose employment and civil rights practice covers both Georgia and Alabama.  She currently serves as President of the Board of ACLU of Alabama, Vice-Chair of the American Diabetes Association's National Legal Advocacy Sub-Committee, and a member of the Alabama State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners and the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation. 

This episode features Ed Buckley, one of Atlanta's leading employment and civil rights lawyers. Buckley is one of the founding partners and current Managing Parter of Buckley Beal LLP in Atlanta. Buckley opens up about his law practice; charity work; his recent novel, All the Way Home, and much more. He is interviewed by Miles Mediation & Arbitration neutral David Nutter. 

In this episode of "The Future of Resolution" Podcast, Miles neutral Leigh Wilco interviews Marty Ellin, who has served as the Executive Director of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation since 2001. The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF), founded in 1979, is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Greater Atlanta.

This episode features Roger Quillen, Managing Partner and CEO of Fisher Phillips in Atlanta. Under Quillen's leadership, Fisher Phillips has tripled in size and is consistently recognized as one of the country's top labor and employment law firms. Fisher Phillips has implemented many innovations in labor and employment, including the development of the award-winning Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Calculator App. In the episode, Quillen shares valuable insights on leadership principles and his experience leading Fisher Phillips for nearly 20 years. Miles neutrals David Nutter and Nigel Wright lead the in-depth discussion with Quillen.

Miles Mediation & Arbitration CEO and senior neutral Joe Murphey discuss the impact of the Coronavirus on law firms and how attorneys and legal professionals are adapting by leveraging technology to keep cases moving. 

Shelby Guilbert, a partner with King & Spalding, addresses the Uniform Mediation Act in Georgia in the latest episode of “The Future of Resolution” Podcast.  Shelby aids large businesses and financial institutions in insurance recovery actions, high-stakes contract disputes and cross-border litigation. As a partner in King & Spalding's Insurance Coverage and Recovery and Contracts and Business Torts practices, Shelby has helped his clients recover nearly a billion dollars from insurance companies in the U.S., London and Asian markets. Stephen McKinney, Miles neutral and Chair of the Georgia Bar's Dispute Resolution Section,serves as the host of this episode. McKinney shared: "In conjunction with other positive developments in international dispute resolution, like the U.S. becoming a signatory to the Singapore Convention on the enforcement of mediated settlements, passage of the Georgia Mediation Act will provide foreign parties with the level of confidence they need to increasingly look at Atlanta as a premier venue for the mediated and arbitrated resolution of international disputes. Shelby's wide-ranging experience representing foreign and domestic parties in commercial arbitrations and mediations makes him the ideal promoter of the Georgia Mediation Act and Atlanta's larger dispute resolution ambitions.  

In this episode, rising star plaintiff's attorney Mike Rafi continues a discussion with Miles senior neutral Gino Brogdon, Jr. about the future of personal injury law, the importance of mediation, and a range of other topics. Rafi is the founding partner of The Rafi Law Firm in Atlanta. He began his career at Troutman Sanders LLP where he defended large companies in personal injury and commercial litigation cases. Rafi graduated with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law.

In this episode, rising star plaintiff's attorney Mike Rafi opens up about the challenges of starting a law firm. Additionally, he discusses the importance of achieving work-life balance, the role mediation plays in his law practice, and much more. Miles senior neutral Gino Brogdon, Jr. leads the bold discussion with Rafi.  Rafi is the founding partner of The Rafi Law Firm in Atlanta. He began his career at Troutman Sanders LLP where he defended large companies in personal injury and commercial litigation cases. Rafi graduated with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law.

In this episode, Lisa Smith, author of A Girl Walks Out of a Bar, shares a raw account of her alcohol and drug abuse and journey to recovery. She details her struggles with imposter syndrome while practicing law, her predisposition to mental health disorders, and what resources have helped her in recovery.  Miles neutral and co-host Bianca Motley Broom also participates in the discussion.   Smith's memoir Girl Walks Out of a Bar is a "candid portrait of alcoholism through the lens of gritty New York realism. Beneath the façade of success lies the reality of addiction." The book has received four independent press awards.  

In the U.S., nearly half of all lawyers have experienced anxiety and depression at some point in their careers. Robin Frazer Clark, Jonathan Ringel, and Stacey Dougan offer insights on attorney well-being and suicide prevention and explore how the culture of the legal profession must change to promote mental health.  The group provides helpful recommendations to manage mental health problems among law students and attorneys at large law firms, small firms, and those in solo practice.  Miles neutral Bianca Motley Broom and CMO Marcie Dickson guide the discussion and provide additional resources.   

Prominent Atlanta-based neutral Rex Smith shares mediation best practices, his thoughts on diversity and the future of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) during an in-depth discussion with Miles Mediation & Arbitration CEO John Miles.  With 30+ years of experience as a mediator, arbitrator and special master, Smith handles complex disputes in areas of business/commercial; personal injury; construction; products liability; wrongful death; professional negligence; medical malpractice; aviation; contract disputes, insurance, nursing home litigation, and premises liability.     

In this episode, prominent family law attorney Randy Kessler discusses his prolific practice and the complexities and benefits of domestic mediation with Miles neutral Hon. Jason Harper. Kessler is the founding partner of the law firm Kessler & Solomiany in Atlanta. He has 30+ years of experience in Domestic Relations and Family Law matters including divorce, custody, paternity, prenuptial agreements and child support. He is the author of several family law books including "Divorce: Protect Yourself, Your Kids and Your Future," "The GA Library of Family Law Forms," and "How to Mediate a Divorce." He is an adjunct professor of Family Law Litigation at Emory Law School and has served as the Chair of the Family Law Sections of the American Bar Association; the State Bar of Georgia; and the Atlanta Bar Association.  

In this episode, Miles senior neutral David Nutter sits down with Nekia Hackworth Jones and Wade Malone, partners in the Atlanta office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Jones and Malone discuss their involvement with Atlanta Bar Association's Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP). Malone is a co-founder of  SLIP, and Hackworth Jones is an alumna of the program. Malone practices commercial litigation and serves as Chair of the  Business Litigation team for Nelson Mullins' Atlanta office. Hackworth Jones handles white collar criminal defense matters, government investigations, and business litigation at the firm. 

Season 2 of The Future of Resolution Podcast kicks off with former American Bar Association president Linda Klein. In this episode, Klein touches on a range of important issues impacting the practice of law, including the importance of diversity in alternative dispute resolution; judicial independence; and attorney wellness initiatives.  Klein is a senior managing shareholder at Baker Donelson and a past president for the American Bar Association (ABA), the world's largest voluntary professional association. She previously served as chair of the ABA's House of Delegates, the association's policymaking body. She has also served as chair of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, chair of the Committee on Rules and Calendar of the House of Delegates, chair of the Coalition for Justice, and chair of ABA Day, the Association's Congressional outreach effort. She is a recent member of the Council of the ABA Section of International Law and also served as a columnist and on the Board of Editors of Law Practice Management Magazine. In 2013,  Klein had the honor of being a McGlothlin fellow on the campuses of William and Mary's Business and Law Schools. She delivered the commencement addresses at Atlanta's John Marshall College of Law (2018), Georgia State University College of Law (2017), Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (2017), Pepperdine University School of Law (2016), and Washington and Lee University School of Law (2012). In 2009, Klein was honored with the Randolph Thrower Award for Lifetime Achievement and was named to the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. In 2004, the American Bar Association honored Ms. Klein with the prestigious Margaret Brent Achievement Award.

Brian D. “Buck” Rogers continues a discussion about the future of trucking litigation; ADR best practices; and the importance work-life balance. Rogers is the immediate past president of the State Bar of Georgia and partner with Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC in Atlanta. He is the 55th president of the State Bar of Georgia and has been on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Georgia since 2008. He was selected as one of the “14 Under 40” in the Fulton County Daily Report in 2006 and as one of the “Top 100 lawyers” in Georgia by Atlanta Magazine. Rogers was president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association from 2013 to 2014 and served on the Atlanta Bar Association's Continuing Education Committee. He is a graduate of the National College of Advocacy, the Ultimate Trial College in Washington, D.C., and the Trial Lawyers College. He is a Master in the Lamar Inn of Court. Additionally, Rogers devotes his time to numerous philanthropic and educational initiatives, including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Civil Justice PAC Inc.; the State Council of Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) for which he is the Chair of Leadership, the Shepherd Spinal and Brain Injury Center, where he is a Trustee and serves on the Auxiliary Board and the Advisory Board; and faculty at the Trial Skills Clinic at the University of Georgia as well as the Keissler-Eddison program at Emory. He is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the American Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Trial Lawyers, a sustaining member of the Interstate Trucking Litigation Group, and an associate member of the National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists, Inc.  

Brian D. “Buck” Rogers discusses his impressive career; the future of trucking litigation; alternative dispute resolution; and the importance of attorney work-life balance. He also provides thoughtful advice for young attorneys seeking to grow a meaningful law practice.  Rogers is the immediate past president of the State Bar of Georgia and partner with Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC in Atlanta. He is the 55th president of the State Bar of Georgia and has been on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Georgia since 2008. He was selected as one of the “14 Under 40” in the Fulton County Daily Report in 2006 and as one of the “Top 100 lawyers” in Georgia by Atlanta Magazine. Rogers was president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association from 2013 to 2014 and served on the Atlanta Bar Association's Continuing Education Committee. He is a graduate of the National College of Advocacy, the Ultimate Trial College in Washington, D.C., and the Trial Lawyers College. He is a Master in the Lamar Inn of Court. Additionally, Rogers devotes his time to numerous philanthropic and educational initiatives, including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Civil Justice PAC Inc.; the State Council of Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) for which he is the Chair of Leadership, the Shepherd Spinal and Brain Injury Center, where he is a Trustee and serves on the Auxiliary Board and the Advisory Board; and faculty at the Trial Skills Clinic at the University of Georgia as well as the Keissler-Eddison program at Emory. He is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the American Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Trial Lawyers, a sustaining member of the Interstate Trucking Litigation Group, and an associate member of the National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists, Inc.    

Former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears shares fascinating details about her distinguished career and recent biography, Seizing Serendipity: The Life and Career of Leah Ward Sears. Additionally, she discusses professionalism and changes within the practice of law and the value of alternative dispute resolution. In 1992, Sears became the first woman and youngest justice to sit on the Supreme Court of Georgia. In 2005, she became the first African American woman to serve as chief justice of any state supreme court in the country. Sears was twice on the President's shortlist for appointment to the United States Supreme Court. Sears is currently a partner at Smith Gambrell & Russell in Atlanta.        

Miles neutrals Jennifer Grippa, Stephen McKinney and Matt Thiry continue a discussion about arbitration. This episode explores the importance of crafting the right arbitration clause; additional ways an arbitrator can effectively guide parties throughout the arbitration process; and additional insights on how to achieve successful outcomes.   As expert neutrals, Jennifer, Stephen, and Matt have collectively mediated and arbitrated thousands of cases and understand the unique set of challenges often presented at arbitration, and what it takes to resolve complex disputes.

Miles neutrals Jennifer Grippa, Stephen McKinney and Matt Thiry continue a discussion about the risks and rewards of arbitration. This episode highlights the importance of the arbitrator selection process; use of mediation during arbitration; ex parte communications; and insights on how to achieve successful outcomes by realizing economy and efficiency through the arbitration process. As veteran dispute resolution experts, Jennifer, Stephen, and Matt have collectively mediated and arbitrated thousands of cases and understand the unique set of challenges often presented at arbitration.

Miles neutrals Jennifer Grippa and Steve McKinney discuss arbitration as a powerful tool for dispute resolution.  As certified arbitrators with extensive experience arbitrating complex disputes, Jennifer and Steve are attuned to the perceived bias of arbitration and explore factors that have contributed to views that it can be more expensive than traditional litigation. In addition to providing an overview of arbitration proceedings, they discuss specific strategies to restore economy in the arbitration process and ways in which it can be used as a valuable form of dispute resolution. 

We are committed to helping parties realize the original principles and promise of ADR. Over the past decade, Miles has evolved from one of the early alternative dispute resolution providers to an award-winning firm, trusted among thousands of clients to achieve successful outcomes.  Listen to a discussion with Miles Founder and CEO John Miles and Miles CMO Marcie Dickson about recent changes at the firm and what it represents for future of dispute resolution.