Arbitration & Mediation
Resolve Disputes Faster — Without the Cost of Full Litigation.
Not every business dispute needs to go to trial. Arbitration and mediation offer faster, more cost-effective paths to resolution — while still delivering real results. For many commercial disputes, they're a better option than years of litigation.
Ainsworth Gorkin represents businesses in commercial arbitration and mediation proceedings across New York and New Jersey. We bring the same preparation, strategy, and tenacity to ADR that we bring to the courtroom.
ADR services we handle:
→ Commercial Arbitration
→ AAA & JAMS Arbitration
→ Contract Arbitration Clauses
→ Business Mediation
→ Partnership & Shareholder Mediation
→ Pre-Litigation Negotiation
What We Handle
ADR Services for New York Businesses
01Commercial ArbitrationBinding arbitration for contract disputes, business disagreements, and commercial claims — often faster and less expensive than court litigation.
02AAA & JAMS ProceedingsRepresentation in American Arbitration Association and JAMS proceedings — navigating the rules, procedures, and strategy for these major arbitration forums.
03Arbitration Clause ReviewReviewing and negotiating arbitration clauses in contracts before you sign — understanding what forum, rules, and procedures will govern future disputes.
04Business MediationFacilitated negotiation with a neutral mediator — preserving business relationships where possible while still achieving a meaningful, binding resolution.
05Partnership & Shareholder MediationResolving internal business disputes between partners and shareholders without the destruction and cost of litigation — when the relationship still has value.
06Pre-Litigation NegotiationStrategic negotiation before a dispute escalates to arbitration or court — often the fastest and least expensive way to resolve a business dispute.
Know the Difference
Arbitration vs. Mediation — Which Is Right for Your Dispute?
The right ADR process depends on the nature of your dispute, your relationship with the other party, and what outcome you need. We help you understand your options before choosing a path.
Arbitration
Binding Decision by a Neutral Arbitrator
Arbitration is like a private court — both sides present their case and an arbitrator (or panel) issues a binding decision. It's faster than litigation, more private, and often required by contract. The outcome is final and enforceable.
Mediation
Facilitated Negotiation Toward Settlement
Mediation uses a neutral mediator to facilitate negotiation between the parties. It's non-binding — the parties must agree on a resolution. It works best when both sides want to resolve the dispute but can't get there on their own.
When to Arbitrate
Your Contract Requires It — or You Want a Final Answer
Many commercial contracts include mandatory arbitration clauses. Even when optional, arbitration is often preferable for complex disputes where you need a binding resolution and want to avoid the time and expense of court litigation.
When to Mediate
You Want to Preserve the Relationship — or Need Flexibility
Mediation is ideal when the parties have an ongoing business relationship worth preserving, or when a negotiated solution would serve both sides better than a winner-takes-all decision.
Why Ainsworth Gorkin
ADR Representation That Actually Fights for You.
Some attorneys treat arbitration as a lesser forum — less rigorous preparation, less strategic thinking. We don't. We approach every arbitration and mediation with the same preparation and tenacity we bring to courtroom litigation.
Because we're also litigators, we understand what happens if ADR fails. That perspective makes us better ADR advocates — we know what the other side is trying to avoid and we use that to your advantage.
We Know When ADR Is the Right Call — and When It Isn't
Not every dispute should go to arbitration or mediation. Sometimes litigation is the right answer — especially when the other party is acting in bad faith or needs the force of a court order. We give you an honest assessment of your options before you commit to a path.
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Litigators Who Know ADRWe're trial lawyers who do ADR — not ADR specialists who've never seen a courtroom. That dual experience makes us more effective in both settings.
2
Partners Handle Your MatterLevi or Shaya handles your arbitration or mediation directly — not an associate building their resume on your case.
3
Strategic, Not Just ProceduralWe approach ADR strategically — positioning your case for the best outcome, not just going through the motions.
4
Transparent FeesWe explain costs upfront. For defined-scope ADR work we offer flat fees where possible.
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Free Initial ConsultationWe'll review your situation, explain your options, and tell you whether ADR makes sense before you commit to anything.
Business dispute that needs resolution? Let's talk through your options.
Free consultation. Honest assessment. No commitment required.