From the Editor’s Desk
by: David M. S. Shaiken
Reid and Riege, P.C; Hartford, Conn.
The first quarter of 2006 has brought with it the ADR Committee’s revitalization of the ADR Committee Newsletter. I thought it would be good to start us off by introducing the newsletter to members and also telling you a bit about myself.
The newsletter, to be published three or four times per year, is designed to highlight both practical and legal issues of importance to practitioners of ADR in the bankruptcy and insolvency communities and, I hope, to stimulate thought and discussion. In addition, I hope to highlight the work of the ADR Committee, as well as the accomplishments of its members.
This issue of the newsletter digests recent court rulings on ADR of particular interest to insolvency professionals. Please take a moment to fill out and return the survey response form to assist me with identifying authors and topics.
Arbitrators, mediators and advocates are great communicators. We can learn from each other, so please use this newsletter to share your comments and thoughts.
In order for the newsletter to be a success, we need your contributions of articles. Please submit your articles, and ideas for articles, to me at dshaiken@reidandriege.com. You may also fax submissions to (860) 240-1002 or mail them to Reid and Riege, P.C., One Financial Plaza, 755 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103.
I have been an ABI member for 16 years but only recently joined the ADR Committee. I have spent a great deal of my career in a small law firm specializing in bankruptcy, insolvency, workouts and commercial and business litigation. Five years ago I became an AAA commercial arbitrator, and I also have a 40-hour mediator training certificate and serve as both counsel and a neutral in arbitration and mediation matters concerning business disputes. I serve on a pro bono panel of volunteer mediators in the bankruptcy courts in Hartford and New Haven, Conn. I presently work at Reid and Riege, P.C., a 50-lawyer firm based in Hartford, Conn., where I do business litigation, ADR, fiduciary litigation, ERISA and employment litigation and administrative law. I am enthusiastic about ADR and a great believer that it is an underutilized tool in the bankruptcy system.
I look forward to working with you on the newsletter.