Contact Kristin Schamel

With over twenty years of practical experience as an attorney, advocate, and educator, Ms. Schamel brings a broad knowledge base in employment, business, and special education law to her Western New York private mediation practice which also includes divorce, special education, employment, business, and elder law disputes. In addition, she volunteers as a community mediator for CDRC in Chemung, Schuyler, and Tompkins Counties.

As a practicing attorney, Ms. Schamel represented employees in workplace discrimination, wage and hour disputes throughout Southern and Northern California in mediated, arbitrated, and litigated employment law cases. In addition, she represented homeowners in class action construction defect lawsuits, and consulted with small businesses regarding best employment practices and drafting employment agreements and employee handbooks. She went on to teach business law, communications, and civil litigation and, as a parent of a special needs child, to provide pro bono representation as a parent and family advocate to families in conflict with local school districts. She now mediates disputes in these practice areas, as well as divorce and elder and estate administration matters.

Bachelor of Arts: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL Juris Doctor: Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles, CA Certificates Held: Harvard Law School - Mediating Disputes New York Peace Institute: Basic Mediation Training (NYS); Divorce Mediation

As with most mediators, Kristin’s approach to mediation is determined by both the subject matter and the stated goals and needs of the parties during the preliminary conference prior to each mediation session. She is regarded as a perceptive listener and, working with the parties, encourages exploring and developing creative, workable solutions that appeal to both sides, in a warm, welcoming, and respectful manner.

Hourly, half- and full-day (reserved in advance) flat rates apply; sliding and needs-based fees are considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation.

Private mediation facilities located in Corning, NY, and Elmira, NY.