Career History
PATRICK R. WESTERKAMP, ESQ.
Westerkamp ADR Services, LLC
253 Main Street, MC 360
Matawan, NJ 07747
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(732) 672 3222
mediatorpat@verizon.net
-Since 2005-
Mediator/Labor Arbitrator/Employment Arbitrator
For several years, my practice has been restricted to mediating and arbitrating workplace disputes involving both represented and non-represented employees. As an arbitrator and mediator, I have helped resolve conflicts touching all aspects of wage, hours, and terms & conditions of employment. My legal expertise includes:
Federal & state fair employment practices laws;
Standards for evaluating claims of discrimination;
Wrongful termination;
Whistle-blowing;
Employment torts;wage/hour issues;
Contract interpretation principles applied by labor arbitrators;
Discipline & discharge principles applied by labor arbitrators
I have been recognized as an Advanced Workplace Professional Practitioner by the Association for Conflict Resolution, and as an Accredited Professional Mediator by the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators.
-Prior to 2005-
Tribunal Clerk, New York Office, American Arbitration Association (1967--68)
Prepared lists of proposed commercial arbitrators, assisted with scheduling hearings, prepared confirming correspondence, and attended hearings as a clerk assisting with ministerial tasks
Tribunal Supervisor, New York Office, American Arbitration Association (1968)
Supervised the administration of arbitrations for the General Arbitration Council of the Textile Industry
Assistant Regional Manager, Chicago Office, American Arbitration Association (1968--1971)
Ran two operating departments of the AAA’s Chicago Office, which served six Midwestern states. Duties included planning and implementation of education and training programs pertaining to grievance resolution, and insurance claims. Also, planned and administered union officer elections, and public sector unit certification elections.
New Jersey Regional Director, American Arbitration Association (1971-78)
Opened and managed AAA’s New Jersey Regional Office. Responsible for a staff of 15 persons who administered labor, insurance claims, and commercial arbitrations, as well as overseeing elections for labor organizations. Chaired AAA’s Long Range Planning Committee. Conducted dispute settlement training programs.
Arbitrator/Mediator (1978--1982)
Labor Arbitration & Mediation
Arbitrated contract interpretation, discipline, and discharge grievances in the private sector including pharmaceutical, health care, chemical, transportation, and machine tool industries.
Commercial Arbitration
Arbitrated a range of commercial disputes including disputes involving: purchase agreements; franchises; construction; home owners’ warranties;
real estate; employment contracts; equipment leasing; and brokerage.
Associate, Epstein, Becker & Green (1983--1988)
Assigned to the firm's New York City and New Jersey offices representing corporation with respect to fair employment practices, employment torts, wage & hour issues, and NLRB charges. Although precluded as a managment representiatve from arbitrating labor cases, I served as an arbitrator of business disputes.
Associate Labor/Employment Attorney, PSE&G (1988-2005)
Represented utility in employment and labor relations litigation including presenting contract interpretation, discharge, and discipline cases to labor arbitrators. Presented more than 100 grievance arbitrations, and counseled corporate representatives on the LMRA’s application to collective bargaining.
Adjunct Professor, Seton Hall School of Law (1988 - 1984)
Taught dispute resolution including negotiations, mediation, and arbitration. In prior years, taught collective bargaining on the adjunct faculties of RutgersUniversity, Fairleigh DickinsonUniversity, and SetonHallUniversity.
Education
B. A. Hofstra University
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
M. S. Loyola University
Master’s degree in Industrial Relations
J. D. Seton Hall Law School
Professional Associations
Member, New Jersey State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section, and Secretary/Legislative Liaison Dispute Resolutions Section
Member, Association for Conflict Resolution
Member & Director, New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators
Past President, NYC Chapter, Industrial Relations Research Association
Member & Secretary, New Jersey Chapter, Labor and Employment Relations Association