
Robert E. Wright, M.A., J.D.


The Peace Talks, PLC
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25 Division Avenue, South
Suite 500
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
USA
(616) 682-7000
Fax: (616) 676-2772
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Description of Practice
Voted to Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers since 2005, Bob has helped hundreds of people resolve their business, contract, employment, real estate, tort and family disputes quickly and economically, throughout Michigan and the Midwest. Call, send an email or go to our website for more information.
Professional Background
Licensed attorney, arbitrator, Harvard-trained mediator with Masters in psychology. Former magistrate and dispute resolution professional since 1980. Neutral arbitrator/mediator since 1987. Over 400 hours of mediation training in: business, construction, negligence, family & divorce mediation. Over 300 hours as advanced trainer for other mediators.
Experience
Practiced in Michigan state and federal courts since 1980 with over 1,000 cases resolved as neutral mediator or arbitrator. Service on behalf of courts; private parties; U.S. Postal Service; municipalities; and as volunteer for Michigan non-profit Dispute Resolution Centers. Confidential references available upon request.
Degrees
J.D. Wayne State Univerity Law School 1980
M.A. Psychology - University of Santa Monica 2001
B.A. Magna Cum Laude - Western Michigan University 1976
Training
Dates | Trainer(s) | Title |
2000 | Fifer & Zondervaan | Basic Mediation Training - 40 hrs. |
2001 | Zena Zumeta | Family & Divorce Mediation - 40 hrs. |
2004 | Sander, Lewis & Singer | Harvard Mediation Workshop - 40 hrs. |
2003 | Fox & Charbonneau | Advanced Transformative Mediation Skills - 24 hrs |
2009 | Rita Marie Johnson | BePeace NVC Mediation Training - 40 hrs |
2002 | Thomas Taylor | Public Policy Mediation - 30 hrs |
2007 | Susan Butterwick & Susan Hartman | Adult Guardianship Mediation - 16 hrs |
2009 | American Arbitration Association | Arbitration Fundamentals - 16 hrs |
Annual | Various | Min. of 16 hrs Advanced Mediator Training/year |
Approach
Not believing in a "one size fits all," Bob uses what he calls the "Chameleon Approach," incorporating facilitative, evaluative and transformative techniques which are appropriate to the dispute and the parties. He does whatever it takes to identify parties' needs and interests, explore and unearth solutions not yet considered by the parties, to reach consensus on resolution of the dispute. He conveys his neutrality and promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation. Over 80% of the disputes he mediates are resolved by mutual agreement.
Fees
No charge for initial consultation. Fees for mediation services vary between $125 and $150 per party, per hour. The average fee for a one-day mediation is less than $1,200 per party. Arbitration services are provided at $300/hour. No charge for travel time. Free referrals to no cost/low cost mediation services throughout Michigan.
Other Information
Bob is devoted to the peaceful resolution of disputes. His experience, training and communication skills allow him to assist others to resolve their disputes quickly and economically. If you have a dispute you want resolved, call for a free consultation with no obligation.
Areas of Practice
- Adult Family (22 mediated)
- Aviation (4 mediated)
- Business
- Civil (general)
- Commercial
- Community (154 mediated)
- Congregational (4 mediated)
- Construction
- Contracts
- Divorce (all issues)
- Divorce (parenting)
- Education (5 mediated)
- Elder (57 mediated)
- Employment
- Engineering (11 mediated)
- Environmental (5 mediated)
- Estate Planning (6 mediated)
- Family (28 mediated)
- Franchise (22 mediated)
- General
- Health Care (15 mediated)
- Insurance
- Intellectual Property (22 mediated)
- Landlord - Tenant
- Legal Malpractice (21 mediated)
- LGBTQ (4 mediated)
- Medical Malpractice (7 mediated)
- Organizational (9 mediated)
- Partnership (11 mediated)
- Personal Injury (87 mediated)
- Postal Service (75 mediated)
- Probate (12 mediated)
- Professional Fees (45 mediated)
- Public Policy
- Real Estate (30 mediated)
- Securities (11 mediated)
- Social Security (3 mediated)
- Special Education (1 mediated)
- Technology (8 mediated)
- Victim - Offender (20 mediated)
- Workplace (12 mediated)
Professional Services
- Mediator
- Facilitator
- Mediating Lawyer
- Advanced Mediation Trainer
- Communication Skills Trainer
- Systems Designer
- Estate Planner
- Fact-Finder
- Mediator-Arbitrator
- Mediation Consultant
- Mediation Trainer
- Representational Lawyer
- Ombud
- Online Mediator
- Online Arbitrator
- Arbitrator
References
Anne Bachle-Fifer
Attorney & Mediator Trainer
Dale Ann Iverson
Attorney & Mediator
Amy J. Glass
Mediator Colleague
Zena Zumeta
Attorney & Mediator Trainer
Sallee Prieto
Mediator/Colleague
Michael Crump
Mediator/Colleague
Tracy Lee Allen
Attorney & Mediator Trainer
Steven L. Schwartz
Attorney & Mediator Trainer
Kathy Lame
Mediator & Trainer
Sandra Ward
Former Director, Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan
This dispute resolution professional keeps liability insurance.
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