Diverse Neutrals Interview Series

One way that arbitration and mediation differ from litigation is that parties to arbitration and mediation have an opportunity to participate in the selection of the neutral who will resolve their matter.

This interview series with CPR's Panel of Distinguished Neutrals, hosted by CPR Vice President of Advocacy and Educational Outreach Ellen Waldman, provides viewers with an opportunity to get to know neutrals in advance of selection. Increasing the selection of diverse neutrals is an important element in CPR's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to ensure that all available talent is deployed in support of dispute management.

Interview #1: Jill Pilgrim 

Jill Pilgrim is a corporate and sports attorney, arbitrator, mediator, law professor, legal author, business consultant, and entrepreneur. Read Pilgrim's professional biography on the Find a Neutral page of the CPR Dispute Resolution website, drs.cpradr.org.

Interview #2: David T. Lopez

David T. Lopez is a Trial Lawyer, Mediator, and International Arbitrator. Read Lopez's professional biography on the Find a Neutral page of the CPR Dispute Resolution website, drs.cpradr.org.

Interview #3: DeAndra Roaché

DeAndra Roaché is a professional full-time neutral specializing in arbitration, mediation and fact-finding of various disputes such as labor, employment, financial securities, construction, consumer and other business disputes. Read Roaché's professional biography on the Find a Neutral page of the CPR Dispute Resolution website, drs.cpradr.org.

Interview #4: Carlos A. Romero, Jr.

Carlos Romero Jr. has been an arbitrator since 1995. He has been a part of panels that are administered by organizations like CPR, AAA, and ICC. Read Romero's professional biography on the Find a Neutral page of the CPR Dispute Resolution website, drs.cpradr.org.

Interview #5: Calvin Hamilton 

Calvin Hamilton is a Chartered Arbitrator with more than 35 years’ experience. Read Hamilton's professional biography on the Find a Neutral page of the CPR Dispute Resolution website, drs.cpradr.org.

Interview #6: M. Salman Ravala, Esq.

Mr. Ravala brings extensive experience in complex, multi-district, and cross-practice litigations with a focus on commercial contracts, domestic and international business law, and employment law. Read Ravala's professional biography on the Find a Neutral page of the CPR Dispute Resolution website, drs.cpradr.org.

Interview #7: Verlyn Francis

Verlyn Francis is an acknowledged leader in Dispute Resolution. She is highly experienced in the adjudicative process and has drafted hundreds of decisions in Estates, Family, Disability and Commercial disputes. Read Francis's professional biography on the Find a Neutral page of the CPR Dispute Resolution website, drs.cpradr.org.

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Check back often for future interviews.