THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
ERIN E. GLEASON ALVAREZ
I bring a structured, strategic, and results-driven approach to dispute resolution, informed by my experience as a litigator, in-house counsel, and neutral. Having worked on all sides of disputes, I understand the challenges parties face, enabling me to guide them toward practical, fair, and enforceable resolutions.
As a clinical professor, I take great joy in working with students to advance the practice of mediation.
Mediation Practice
I began mediating cases in 2005 while earning my LLM in Dispute Resolution at the Straus Institute at Pepperdine University School of Law. After completing my LLM, I led a corporate dispute resolution program, designing mediation strategies that streamlined case resolution and reduced litigation exposure. In 2015, I pioneered online mediation, integrating digital case management tools to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
Since 2017, I have worked as a full-time mediator, facilitating cases involving complex commercial, employment, entertainment, construction, real estate, and insurance disputes. My mediation practice emphasizes structured negotiation and procedural clarity, ensuring that parties can resolve disputes efficiently while maintaining control over the outcome.
I serve on several distinguished mediation panels, including:
-
Panel of Distinguished Neutrals of CPR Dispute Resolution Services
-
American Arbitration Association Mediation Panel
-
United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
I have been recognized for my mediation work with the following honors:
-
Appointed Special Master for the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, First Department (2022)
-
Consistently listed as a top mediator by Who’s Who Legal: Mediation
-
Certified by the New York State Unified Court System ADR Office to conduct mediator training programs
Arbitration Practice
As an arbitrator, I bring a disciplined case management approach, balancing procedural fairness with efficiency to deliver effective and enforceable outcomes.
I have served as tribunal chair, sole arbitrator, wing arbitrator, and emergency arbitrator in complex commercial, corporate, employment, and insurance disputes. My experience spans AAA, ICDR, CPR Institute-administered cases.
Teaching Experience
I serve as the Director of the Mediation Practicum and the Amelia A. Gould Representation in Mediation Clinic at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University. I also taught the "Mediation: Representing Clients" course at St. John's University School of Law during Spring 2025. Previously, I taught the “Managing Litigation and Conflict for Corporations and Organizations” course for J.D., M.B.A., and L.L.M. students at my alma mater, the Straus Institute.