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Robert J. Zapf
FICM COI Checked CPD Current International Trade, Transport & Maritime Bench

Robert J. Zapf

Arbitrator & Mediator

Oaks, United States · Americas
Bench: International Trade, Transport & Maritime Bench Practice: mediation arbitration Sectors: Maritime
Professional Biography
I also believe that parties caught in a dispute appreciate receiving a frank and impartial assessment of the merits of their claims or defenses from an outside observer. Thus, I frequently engage in evaluative mediation, where, if a party wishes, I provide my views on the matter in private, confidential, discussions during the mediation process. The ensuing dialogue helps the parties and me to realistically frame achievable goals in the process of coming to an ultimate resolution of the dispute.
Professional Background
Duane Morris LLP - Special Counsel, 2005- 2015 Coudert Brothers LLP - Partner, 2000-2005 Hancock Rothert & Bunshoft LLP - Partner, 1997-2000 Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP - Partner, 1996-1997 Burlingham Underwood LLP - Partner, 1981-1996 - Associate, 1975-1981 Mediator - Los Angeles County Superior Court Attorney Settlement Panel, 2002 – June 2008 - United States District Court for the Central District of California Attorney Settlement Panel, 2002 – June 2008 - Private Mediations, 2003 - present The Maritime Law Association of the United States - Chair, Practice and Procedure Committee, 1995-2000 - Chair, Subcommittee on Federal Rules and Statutes, 2001-present - Member, Board of Directors, 2000-2004 Member, The American Law Institute - Member, Members Consultative Group on the development of The Restatement of the Law of Liability Insurance Member, Joint Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Maritime Liens and Mortgages and Related Subjects, 1996-1999 Advisor, U.S. Delegation to the Diplomatic Conference to Consider and Adopt the \"International Convention on the Arrest of Ships, 1999,\" Geneva, Switzerland Delegate from The Maritime Law Association of the United States to The Comité Maritime International Centenary Meeting, Antwerp, June 1997 Member, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York Committee on Civil Litigation/Advisory Group, 1995 - 1996.
Experience
I have conducted mediations since 2003, completing dozens of matters in over 300 hours of mediation sessions.
Training
  • 9/27/ 2002, LA County Bar Assoc. Dispute Resolution Services, Inc., Basic Mediation Training, 30 hours
  • 6/21-23/2007, Pepperdine University, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Advanced Mediation: Skills & Technics, 18 hours
Approach
I believe that parties caught in a dispute appreciate receiving a frank and impartial assessment of the merits of their claims or defenses from an outside observer. Thus, I frequently engage in evaluative mediation, where, if a party wishes, I provide my views on the matter in private, confidential, discussions during the mediation process. The ensuing dialogue helps the parties and me to realistically frame achievable goals in the process of coming to an ultimate resolution of the dispute.
Professional Services
  • Mediator
  • Mediating Lawyer
  • Arbitrator
  • Collaborative Professional
  • Facilitator
  • Mediator-Arbitrator
Overview
I have been mediating disputes since 2003. The experience I’ve gained over the more than 40 years I’ve practiced in admiralty & maritime, insurance coverage, and commercial litigation gives me a solid background for service as a mediator. To enhance that background, I completed a 30 hour mediation training course with Los Angeles County Bar Association Dispute Resolution Services and
Qualifications & Education
  • B.A., Boston College 1972
  • J.D., Boston College Law School, 1975
Global Bench
International Trade, Transport & Maritime Bench

Shipping, aviation, logistics, cross-border trade, customs, maritime disputes.

Services & Capabilities
Arbitration Dispute System Design Neutral Services
Who this Neutral Serves
For Global Corporations For Lawyers & Legal Fraternity
Industry Experience
Financial Services Professional Services International Trade
INDS™ Qualified

Robert J. Zapf is listed on the TheNeutrals.ORG™ Global Bench and is qualified under the INDS™ Neutral Evaluation methodology. Every engagement follows the six-stage INDS™ process: Intake, Information Gathering, Behavioural Assessment, Risk Analysis, Strategy & Settlement Feasibility, and Final Report. All four sub-frameworks (INDS-BF™, INDS-RG™, INDS-SFM™, INDS-SF™) apply to every evaluation engagement.

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