Bridging the Gap: Transitioning from Mediation to Arbitration Effectively

Overview
Speaker(s)

Conflict resolution doesn't always end at the mediation table. When agreements stall or disputes persist, arbitration often becomes the next step - but how do professionals transition given ethical considerations, judicial review and client expectations?

This program brings together experienced practitioners to explore the practical and strategic transition from mediation to arbitration. The panel will examine how mediation outcomes, negotiation dynamics, and party expectations can inform arbitration strategy, evidence presentation, and case framing. You’ll learn when and why arbitration is appropriate, how to preserve key advantages from mediation, and what pitfalls to avoid when shifting forums.

Whether you guide clients through both processes, advise on dispute resolution options, or simply want a deeper understanding of how these mechanisms intersect, this session delivers actionable insights to strengthen your approach and achieve better outcomes.

Complimentary to Fellows

This program is not eligible for CLE credit.

John A. Pappalardo

Partner

Pappalardo Law Group, PLLC

John A. Pappalardo, Esq., Partner, has been an attorney practicing matrimonial law for forty (40) years. He is admitted in the States of New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. He is admitted in the Eastern and Southern Federal Courts of New York State. He is also admitted to practice before the Federal Courts in New Jersey and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Pappalardo was a partner in the law firm of Farber, Pappalardo and Carbonari from 1995 to 2022 before founding The Pappalardo Law Group PLLC in 2022. Mr. Pappalardo has also been consecutively selected to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list from 2016 through 2025. He has also been nominated by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys as 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction for the years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. Additionally, Mr. Pappalardo has been consecutively selected as a member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC) from 2017 through 2021. Mr. Pappalardo is a member of the mediation and collaborative law panels in Westchester County. Additionally, he has had a private matrimonial mediation practice and has acted as an attorney for children for thirty-five (35) years. He is an arbitrator and mediator for the American Arbitration Association and the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution. Mr. Pappalardo is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, International Association of Matrimonial Lawyers, the Westchester County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and their relevant domestic relations and ADR subsections.

Maris J. Weiner

OF Counsel

Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP

Maris J. Weiner is Of Counsel to Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP representing clients in all phases of family law resolution, litigation, and arbitration throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Her clients include entrepreneurs, physicians, lawyers, artists, parents, grandparents and third parties seeking custody. Recognized as a leader in the family law bar, Maris handles complex litigation and sensitive negotiations that involve high-net-worth marital estates; business valuations; executive compensation; custody and relocation; high-conflict marital/parental disputes and negotiating prenuptial/postnuptial agreements. Maris is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and also completed training with the AAML to obtain certification as a family law arbitrator. She has also been named to the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars. Maris speaks frequently to lawyers and financial experts locally and nationally on a range of family law issues, including finding, valuing and dividing assets, alimony and child support, and the benefits of arbitration. She received her J.D. magna cum laude from Suffolk University Law School, and her B.A. magna cum laude from Union College.