Hon. Ariel E. Belen (Ret.), FCIArb, FCollArb, is a seasoned domestic and international mediator and arbitrator who has resolved a plethora of wide-ranging legal disputes including complex business and commercial, insurance, international and cross-border, employment, entertainment and sports, construction, personal injury and torts, and real estate matters. He joined JAMS in 2012 after nearly an eighteen-year tenure on the bench that included service as an Associate Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department and as Administrative Judge of the Supreme Court, Kings County (Brooklyn). He also helped create and presided over the New York State Supreme Court’s Commercial Division in Brooklyn. 

Judge Belen has earned a reputation for being an intelligent, fair, and hardworking ADR professional who is able to resolve complex legal issues between deeply entrenched parties. Indeed, Chambers and Partners has identified Judge Belen as one of a select group of top mediators in the United States. Chambers’s reviewers note that he is “very personable and able to harmonize difficult personalities and issues such that everybody feels like the time spent negotiating a settlement is worthwhile” (2023) and that “[h]e understands the issues on a deep level and has a fantastic demeanor” (2024). Others emphasize that he is “creative in trying to find solutions to logjams,” “patient even in arduous negotiations,” “available and efficient . . . and cuts straight to the heart of the issue,” and “asks penetrating questions that cause both sides to think carefully” (2025).

Given his deep-seated judicial and ADR experience, Judge Belen is often retained as a court appointed neutral (special master/referee) in complex commercial and civil matters. He was appointed as the Federal Facilitator to guide the Joint Remedial Process in the New York City stop and frisk and trespass enforcement class action settlements as described in the Remedies Opinion in Floyd v. City of New York, 959 F. Supp. 2d 668 (SDNY 2013). In that role, he was charged with assisting the City of New York and its residents in developing sustainable reforms to the stop and frisk and trespass enforcement practices of the New York City Police Department through a community based civic engagement process. His Final Report and Recommendations, filed with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in May 2018, may be accessed here.

Judge Belen is also highly experienced, given his tenure on the bench and his years of service as an arbitrator and mediator, to serve as a neutral evaluator. He is available to assist parties in assessing in a common sense and balanced manner how a judge, jury or arbitrator might respond to a party’s claims, witnesses and experts, how best to position one’s dispositive motions, whether one should consider settlement or move forward with a trial, and what a party’s chances may be on appeal.

He is a highly sought-after domestic and international speaker and trainer for ADR-related topics. He has presented at ADR training and continuing legal education programs for judges, attorneys, and business leaders in the United States, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Mexico and also serves as Co-Chair of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA). He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), a fellow of the College of Commercial Arbitrators (FCollArb), a member of the CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, a member of the International Mediation Institute, and the co-author of New York Trial Notebook (James Publishing, 2008), an 850-page comprehensive practice treatise for the trial of civil cases which is supplemented on an annual basis.

Judge Belen is also a member of the Cornell Law School Dean's Advisory Council and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution.

He is fluent in Spanish and can effectively communicate with Spanish speaking litigants and clients in all matters. 

Representative Matters

• Business & Commercial
• Arbitrated alleged breach of fiduciary duty, negligent misrepresentation, negligent failure to supervise, and aiding and abetting fraud claims in securities matter
• Arbitrated dispute over ownership and operation of medical facility
• Arbitrated dispute over broker commission on purchase of property used to develop major commercial mall
• Arbitrated alleged breach of contract allegations involving forensic expert consulting services
• Served as Neutral Evaluator for mock arbitration proceeding in dispute between two major multinational pharmaceutical companies over commercial use of product pursuant to the terms of several successive licensing agreements
• Mediated intra-family dispute over ownership and continued management of limited liability company holding a city block of commercial storefront property in Upper Manhattan
• Mediated dispute between major regional car dealership and national point of sale (POS) technology provider regarding automatic renewal of contract
• Mediated dispute involving breach of contract allegations between major hotel conglomerate and major supplier
• Mediated disputes involving dissolutions of legal and medical practices
• Mediated dispute involving multinational corporation in a misrepresentation and breach of contract dispute with long-time distributor
• Mediated alleged breach of contract dispute over provisions of marketing services agreement
• Mediated consumer class action lawsuit brought against major tobacco manufacturer for alleged fraudulent pricing scheme
• Mediated dispute between master licensor and sub-licensee in fashion industry
• Mediated dispute arising after arbitration award granted damages, attorneys' fees, and costs in trademark licensing matter
• Mediated intra-family dispute related to the ownership, management, and operation of litigation finance companies
• Mediated alleged breach of contract, fraud, and tortious interference claims between financial institution and company to enforce individual guarantees secured by inventory of a non-party company and for certain actions involving the winddown of company’s business 
• Mediated action involving allegations that health software company breached contract with pension benefit company, engaged in unfair competition, tortiously interfered with claimant’s contractual relationship with a third party, and tortiously interfered with claimant’s economic advantage 
• Mediated diamond industry matter alleging violations of New York General Business Law Sections 340 and 349, fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, breach of contract, tortious interference and New York’s Donnelly Act 
• Construction
• Arbitrated, as Chair of arbitral tribunal, dispute involving breach of contract allegations against independent contractor providing business consulting services to a general contractor
• Arbitrated construction defect matter involving damages resulting from burst plumbing in New York landmark hotel converted into luxury condominiums
• Mediated/Arbitrated dispute involving alleged construction defects in luxury Manhattan condominium building
• Mediated dispute between adjacent owner and developer over allegations that developer failed to obtain proper permitting and installed faulty underpinning and shoring during foundation excavation of a 150-room hotel causing extensive property damage
• Mediated dispute between subcontractor retained to design and fabricate architectural precast concrete walls and its sub-subcontractor who was hired to perform temporary storing, shunting, unloading, rigging, and installation of precast walls at iconic sports stadium in New York City
• Mediated dispute between condominium board and sponsor, selling agent, successor agent, architect, and general contractor over claims of misrepresentations made in the offering plan and promotional materials, and improper construction of the building; sponsor filed third-party complaint against several contractors and engineers who, in turn, filed actions against several other subcontractors for a total of seventeen parties that participated in the mediation
• Mediated dispute between public community college and contractor retained to complete façade restoration over work performed on eight campus buildings; involved allegations of shoddy work, extensive delays, and failure to submit certified payrolls and waste management reports pursuant to agreement and state law
• Mediated dispute between general contractor engaged to complete construction of new eight-story condominium development in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and owner/developer over alleged delays and non-payment of change orders
• Mediated dispute between state authority and major international construction firm involving installation/replacement of antiquated HVAC system in large government facility
• Mediated dispute between major national restaurant chain and general contractor over delays and unpaid charge orders during construction of iconic location in Lower Manhattan
• Mediated dispute between buyers of luxury condominium in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn and the sponsor and developer over claims that condominium unit was allegedly uninhabitable due to water infiltration caused by faulty construction
• Mediated construction defect case involving installation of HVAC system with alleged faulty functionality in a Midtown Manhattan hotel
• Mediated case involving claims arising from freeze-up and water leakage of pipe located in apartment building
• Mediated construction defect case involving a dispute between major hotel conglomerate and manufacturers and installers of heat pump units in guest rooms
• Mediated dispute involving alleged breach of contract claims related to condominium conversion
• Mediated dispute involving collapse of commercial building during construction of adjacent luxury hotel in lower Manhattan
• Mediated dispute between luxury high-rise apartment developer, general contractor, and subcontractors relating to alleged unfinished work, change orders, and claimed defects
• Mediated disputes between owner, construction manager, general contractor, subcontractors, and second tier subcontractors centered around the construction of a high-rise luxury building
• Mediated dispute involving construction defects and zoning restrictions in luxury condominium building converted from commercial printing press building
• Mediated dispute between owner and construction manager involving alleged delays in construction of thirty-one-unit ground-up luxury condominium development with parking garage
• Mediated dispute between owner, general contractor, and subcontractor involving alleged rust/corrosion on installed balconies and railings in high-rise luxury development
• Employment
• Arbitrated, as Chair of arbitral tribunal, alleged breach of contract dispute involving termination of chief executive officer and minority shareholder in closely held corporation
• Arbitrated executive compensation and deferred compensation dispute involving allegations stemming from termination of high-level executive in multinational corporation based in Europe
• Arbitrated alleged age discrimination claim brought by executive of Fortune 100 company
• Arbitrated civil rights matter involving alleged racial discrimination against party in a restaurant
• Served as Neutral Evaluator for mock trial exercise in dispute between global financial services firm and managing directors involving alleged violations of employment agreement and multi-million-dollar compensation amounts allegedly owed to managing directors
• Served as Neutral Evaluator in matter involving bank employee who was allegedly terminated in retaliation for his internal whistleblowing regarding alleged violations of federal rules and regulations by bank employees; case also involved alleged violation of New York Labor Law
• Served as Neutral Evaluator to opine on merits of litigation involving executive compensation claims of departing partner of major financial services firm
• Served as Neutral Evaluator to opine on merits of potential appeal of New York Labor Law Section 240(1) decision involving claims of liability for catastrophic injuries
• Served as Neutral Evaluator to opine on potential merits of executive’s claims in employment compensation arbitration
• Mediated executive compensation dispute between major investment bank and terminated managing director over allegedly outstanding bonus payments and deferred compensation
• Mediated action involving allegations of disability and pregnancy discrimination against nonprofit mental health and social services organization
• Mediated matter involving sexual harassment and retaliation claims against “Big 4” accounting firm
• Mediated executive compensation dispute between chief executive officer of private equity firm and its board of directors
• Mediated alleged breach of contract dispute between employer and employee related to contractual bonus obligations
• Mediated dispute over terms of separation agreement relating to law firm employees’ retirement and termination
• Mediated disputes involving alleged violations Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) 
• Mediated dispute involving employees’ alleged failure to repay company issued loan
• Mediated dispute involving employees’ termination due to alleged disability caused by work-related injuries
• Mediated breach of contract and sexual harassment dispute involving senior executive of venture capital firm
• Mediated promissory note dispute involving deferred compensation claims upon the termination of high-level investment advisor of Swiss bank
• Mediated executive compensation and severance dispute between chief restructuring officer and general counsel of insurance company winding down and liquidating its assets
• Mediated dispute involving alleged discrimination on the basis of race and national origin, retaliation and hostile work environment, which culminated in claimant’s constructive discharge by financial services firm 
• Mediated action involving attempt to recover brokerage commission allegedly diverted to former employee, and claims for alleged misappropriation of corporate assets and work product 
• Mediated matter involving allegations of disability discrimination and failure to accommodate in violation of the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) and the anti-retaliation provisions of the NYSHRL and NYCHRL 
• Mediated alleged breach of contract dispute related to provisions of a sales and purchase agreement and an employment agreement, earnout advance and working capital reconciliations
• Mediated matter involving alleged employment discrimination in violation of Section 1981 and the NYSHRL and allegations that biopharmaceutical company discriminated against claimant on basis of race by terminating him for firing of white contractor in retaliation for that contractor lodging complaints about him 
• Entertainment & Sports
• Arbitrated dispute between professional tennis player and major national sportswear manufacturer regarding compensation allegedly owed for exclusive endorsement of products
• Mediated dispute between global digital media company focused on live and streaming music and national provider of ticketing services to event promoters and entertainment venues
• Mediated dispute involving major national cable news personality accused of assaulting claimant 
• Mediated several disputes between national concert producer and shooting victims during a rap concert performance
• Mediated dispute between high-fashion model and nationally circulated digital and print magazines for alleged unauthorized use and reproduction of image
• Mediated dispute between prominent general manager and major league sports team involving allegations relating to sexual harassment
• Mediated dispute between high profile sports agent and major national entertainment, management, and music publishing company
• Mediated matter involving allegations that high profile professional athlete knowingly spread sexually transmitted disease
• Estate/Probate/Trust
• Served as court appointed Discovery Referee to decide privilege issues in New York State Surrogate Court trusts and estates litigation involving estate of prominent international restauranteur
• Served as court appointed Discovery Referee in New York State Supreme Court (Commercial Division) litigation involving trust and estate issues 
• Mediated dispute pending arbitration involving the distribution of proceeds of an IRA account between widows, heirs, and estate creditors, including the bank holding the IRA
• Insurance
• Arbitrated, as Chair of tribunal, dispute involving commercial office park and multiple insurance carriers over damage allegedly sustained due to Hurricane Irma  
• Arbitrated dispute involving first party insured claims allegedly resulting from devastating Superstorm Sandy damages to graphics and printing plant
• Arbitrated dispute between owner of several public charter schools and its insurance carriers with respect to coverage for damages allegedly sustained during Hurricane Michael 
• Arbitrated dispute between carpet and upholstery company and insurance carrier over amount of insurance proceeds assigned to company in connection with losses allegedly sustained during fire 
• Arbitrated dispute involving owner of several commercial properties and its insurance carrier over scope and number of losses allegedly sustained in connection with Hurricane Irma 
• Served as Neutral Evaluator in high-profile lawsuit involving several hundred million dollars in insurance coverage sought from tower of insurers for alleged damage to paintings lost in residential fire 
• Appointed as Umpire in connection with appraisal of loss valuations involving DUMBO (Brooklyn) luxury condominium apartments that sustained water damage due to burst sprinkler pipe-joint
• Appointed as Umpire in insurance coverage arbitration involving dispute between textile manufacturer and carrier
• Mediated dispute involving first party insured claims over long term disability benefits under individual policy of disability insurance
• Mediated first party insured claims concerning soft cost losses resulting from water damage during construction of major residential development
• Mediated first party insured claims under claims made policy where the insurer disclaimed coverage due to alleged errors in application for coverage
• Mediated first party insured claims concerning collapse of iconic ride in major American amusement park
• Mediated insurance coverage dispute between major national entertainment company and carrier over key person insurance policy on life of events promoter and agent
• Mediated insurance coverage dispute between major national homeware manufacturer and carrier over product withdrawal/recall coverage
• Mediated class action lawsuit arising from Superstorm Sandy damages to waterfront property in lower Manhattan
• Mediated executive compensation and severance claims between chief restructuring officer and general counsel of insurance company that was winding down and liquidating its assets
• Mediated dispute between major national casino and its insurance carrier for losses stemming from the alleged fraudulent actions of casino’s employees 
• Mediated dispute between managed care company that administers health insurance benefits and respondents who provide services in connection with the administration of behavioral health services 
• Mediated dispute between executive and insurance carrier involving assertion of claim under key person insurance policy with rider for disability insurance coverage 
• Mediated ERISA class action lawsuit brought by retired New York City employees and nonprofit corporation against city agency and insurance companies challenging co-pay requirement for certain health services
• Mediated action involving claim for commercial property damages against global insurance and investment organization 
• Mediated insurance coverage dispute seeking coverage from insurers under a builders' risk policy for property and subsequent damages related to tunnel wall 
• International & Cross Border
• Arbitrated, as Chair of arbitral tribunal, international dispute concerning alleged breach of contract between major international telecommunication conglomerates
• Arbitrated breach of contract and fiduciary claims dispute between major international shipping company and private equity investors involving ownership of majority shares of company
• Arbitrated alleged breach of contract and licensing dispute between major international manufacturer of sales technology and Latin American distributor
• Arbitrated executive compensation and deferred compensation claims stemming from termination of high-level executive of multinational corporation based in Europe
• Served as Special Master for matter involving agency and authority disputes in Korean business commercial case involving alleged breach of real estate contract
• Served as Special Master for matter related to authority issues in a business commercial case involving a Korean real estate contract
• Mediated multi-million-dollar dispute involving foreign manufacturer of allegedly defective lithium-ion batteries for U.S. company
• Mediated dispute between developer and construction manager of Caribbean hotel resort and casino complex over breach of contract and intentional misrepresentation claims allegedly resulting in billions of dollars in out-of-pocket damages and lost profits
• Mediated matter involving joint venture with Taiwanese firm involving alleged financial damages and partnership dissolution issues associated with terminated venture
• Mediated alleged breach of contract and fraud claims in patent transaction between U.S. and European parties
• Mediated alleged breach of contract and misrepresentation dispute among U.S. and Chinese parties engaged in major joint venture concerning the purchase of New York City landmark
• Mediated dispute between major Mexican chemicals manufacturing company and North American based insulation manufacturer
• Mediated dispute between U.S.-based investors and Latin American telecommunications venture
• Mediated alleged breach of contract dispute between business partners in international joint venture in South America
• Mediated breach of contract matter involving alleged fraud claims brought by international party against U.S. company
• Personal Injury & Torts
• Mediated disputes involving auto accidents where parties negotiated settlement amounts ranging from two- to twenty-eight-million dollars
• Mediated personal injury and fatality case involving 2008 crane collapse in New York City
• Mediated dispute involving plaintiff’s catastrophic injuries allegedly caused by slip and fall into New York City subway manhole
• Mediated personal injury matter involving bicyclist and truck driver alleging catastrophic injuries that required multiple major surgeries
• Mediated personal injury/premises liability case involving injuries allegedly sustained allegedly due to attack on private property
• Mediated dispute involving injuries allegedly sustained due to faulty elevator
• Mediated disputes involving alleged violations of the NYLL, scaffolding statutes, and regulations
• Mediated wrongful death matter involving food poisoning caused by allegedly contaminated fish
• Mediated eight-figure settlement of claims of catastrophic injuries pursuant to the New York Labor Law
• Mediated NYLL Sections 200 and 241(6) matter involving alleged injuries suffered by electrician on construction site   
• Professional Liability
• Mediated alleged legal malpractice disputes
• Mediated alleged medical malpractice disputes involving results of knee, back, neck, shoulder and other types of surgeries 
• Mediated alleged dental malpractice disputes

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

• Selected Honors 
• Chambers and Partners, Mediators (USA – Nationwide), 2022 – 2025 
• Cornell University Franklin H. T. Rhodes Exemplary Alumni Service Award, 2022
• Member, Commission to Develop Comprehensive Vision for the Court System of the Future, appointed by Chief Judge of the State of New York, 2020 
• Latino Lawyer of the Year, Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County, 2019
• ADR Achievement Award, Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR-GNY), 2019 
• New York State Bar Association Commercial and Federal Litigation Section (COMFED), Tenth Anniversary Award, 2002
• William Goldstein Memorial Award, Association of Law Secretaries of the Supreme and Surrogate’s Courts, 2007
• Hon. John Carro Award for Judicial Excellence, Association of Judges of Hispanic Heritage, 2010
• Puerto Rican Bar Association Award, 2007
• Saint Thomas More Award, Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County, 2007
• Jurist of the Year Award, Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA), 2005
• Memberships

• Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
• Fellow, College of Commercial Arbitrators (FCollArb)
• Member, Cornell Law School Dean's Advisory Council
• Member, Board of Advisors, Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution at the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations
• Member, CPR: International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution Panel of Distinguished Neutrals 
• Life Member, Cornell University Council 

• Member, Committee on Character and Fitness, Appellate Division, First Department, Supreme Court of the State of New York 
• Member, Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York’s Courts
• Member, New York City Bar Association (NYCBA), International Commercial Disputes Committee
• Co-Chair, New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), Dispute Resolution Section Legislative Committee
• Chair, ADR Committee, New York County Lawyers Association
• Member, New York State Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh and Thirteenth Judicial Districts
• Member, Cornell University Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations
• Vice Chair, Cornell University Council
• Member, New York State Bar Association, Commercial and Federal Litigation Section (COMFED), Executive Committee
• Member, Task Force on Judicial Selection, Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)
• Professional Activities

• Co-Chair, Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section
• Completed Virtual ADR training conducted by the JAMS Institute, the training arm of JAMS

• Fellow, Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource Center
• Member, Judicial Task Force on the New York State Constitution
• Vice Chair, Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Minorities, New York State Unified Court System
• Founding Member, The Cervantes Society
• Member, Task Force to Implement the New York State Unified Court System’s Program on the Profession and the Court’s Subcommittee on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Subcommittee on Part 130 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator
• Member, Cornell Latino Alumni Association
• Selected Publications & Media References
  • “Arbitration Essentials: How to Initiate and Navigate an International Arbitration,” JAMS ADR Insights, April 8, 2025
  • “How Can We Increase Selection of Diverse ADR Neutrals?” JAMS ADR Insights, October 4, 2022
  • “Discovery by Design: Strategies for Efficient International Arbitration,” New York Law Journal, June 2, 2021
  • “No Reason to Fear Discovery in International Arbitration Seated in the United States,” JAMS ADR Insights, March 30, 2021
  • “Virtual Arbitration at a Glance,” New York State Bar Association Commercial and Federal Litigation Section Newsletter, Vol. 26, No. 2, Fall 2020
  • “Diverse Deciders: Paving the Way for More Inclusive ADR,” Noticias, 2020 HNBA/VIA Corporate Counsel Conference & Annual Convention, November 1, 2020
  • Facilitator, “New York City Joint Remedial Process on NYPD’s Stop, Question and Frisk, and Trespass Enforcement Policies: Final Report and Recommendations,” 2018
  • “Diversity in Mediation,” JAMS ADR Insights, January 3, 2014
  • “Has the Standard for Discrimination Claims Truly Changed for NYC Employers and Employees?” InsideCounsel.com, May 13, 2013
  • Co-author along with Edward Birnbaum and Carl Grasso, New York Trial Notebook, (James Publishing, 2008) (supplemented annually), an 850-page comprehensive practice treatise for the trial of a civil case in New York
• Selected Presentations, Lectures and Teaching
• Speaker, “Ethical Challenges in the Legal Profession: Maintaining Integrity in Complex Scenarios,” HNBA 2025 Convention, September 5, 2025
• Speaker, “Crossfire: Strategic Dispute Resolution Between the U.S. and Latin America,” New York City Bar Association, 2025 Latin American Summit, June 11, 2025
• Speaker, “U.S.-Mexico Cross-Border Disputes and Investigations in the New Sexenio,” ABA International Law Section Annual Conference, April 30, 2025
• Moderator, “Navigating the Courtroom: Insights and Best Practices from the Bench,” HNBA Corporate Counsel Conference, March 21, 2025
• Moderator, “HNBA Judicial Blueprint: Mapping Your Path to a Clerkship,” HNBA Litigation & Dispute Resolution Section/Law Students Union, February 5, 2025
• Panelist, “Global Perspectives: Navigating Employment Disputes Across Borders,” JAMS, September 19, 2024
• Speaker, HNBA/VIA Annual Convention, September 4 – 6, 2024
• Speaker, 2024 HNBA Encuentro Internacional, HNBA and Barra Mexicana de Abogados, Mexico City, June 26 – 29, 2024
• Panelist, “Drafting Arbitration Clauses: Advanced Considerations for In-House Counsel,” In-House Connect, May 8, 2024
• Panelist, “HNBA, The World is Your Oyster: Practical Considerations for International Transactions & Disputes,” HNBA/VIA Corporate Counsel Conference, March 22, 2024
• Speaker/Introduction, “Cross-Border Disputes in the U.S. and Latin American Jurisdictions,” HNBA Litigation & Dispute Resolution and International Law Sections, February 26, 2024
• Speaker/Opening Remarks, “Pathbreaking Latinas and their Paths to the Bench,” HNBA Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section and Judicial Division, November 14, 2023
• Speaker, “A Tour Around the World: Academic, In-House and Judicial Views of Managing Complex Multi-Jurisdictional Disputes,” 2023 HNBA/VIA Annual Convention, September 8, 2023
• Faculty, “Comprehensive Commercial Arbitration Training for Arbitrators and Counsel,” New York State Bar Association, July 17 – 19, 2023
• Speaker, “Evidentiary Issues in Cross-Border Disputes in LATAM and the U.S.,” New York City Bar Association, Inter-American Affairs Committee, May 25, 2023
• Speaker, Latino Judges Association Foundation Inaugural Reception at JAMS, Inc., April 26, 2023
• Speaker, “Fending Off Mass Arbitration: Preventive and Responsive Defense Strategies,” HNBA/VIA Corporate Counsel Conference and Moot Court Competition, March 9 – 11, 2023
• Host, “Investor Protection and State Regulation in Investor-State Arbitration,” HNBA Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section and the Special Committee on Latin American Affairs, February 9, 2023 
• Host, “Cybersecurity CLE Panel,” HNBA Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section, November 17, 2022
• Moderator, “Diversity Within Alternative Dispute Resolution,” HBNA Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section, October 11, 2022
• Panelist, "ADR in the Private Sector," Association of Law Secretaries to Supreme and Surrogates' Court, October 2019
• Speaker, CLE Program, “Commercial Arbitration Training for Arbitrators and Counsel,” Dispute Resolution Section, New York State Bar Association, June 2019
• Panelist, Global Pound Conference, Guatemala City 2017
• Presenter, "Effective Techniques in Mediation Advocacy," Federal Bar Council at the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, March 2016
• Presenter, “Medical Malpractice Mediation in New York,” to a delegation of attorneys from the Japanese Medical Malpractice Information Center, JAMS, 2014
• Moderator, “Constructive Perspectives: Are New York's Construction Safety and Insurance Laws Serving the Public?", New York City Bar Association, March 2014
• Moderator, CLE Program, "Effective Techniques in Mediation Advocacy," JAMS, February 2013
• Speaker, "2013 CPLR Update: 2012-2013 Major Appellate Decisions," Colombian Lawyers Association, April 2013
• Moderator, "Effective Techniques in Mediation Advocacy," Asian American Bar Association of New York, April 2013
• Moderator, "Bootcamp for Lawyers: The Ultimate Trial Clinic," New York State Trial Lawyers Institute, May 2013
• New York State Unified Court System Civil Law Curriculum Development Committee: taught for many years at the New York State Judicial Institute
• Cornell Extern and Shadow Programs
• Brooklyn Law School Judicial Clerkship Clinical Program
• Clinical programs at Hofstra Law School, Brooklyn Law School, and St. John’s University Law School

Background and Education

• Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Second Department, Supreme Court of the State of New York, 2008 – 2012 
• Judge, Supreme Court of the State of New York, 1995 – 2012
• Administrative Judge, Civil Term, Supreme Court, Kings County, 2007 – 2008
• Associate Justice, Appellate Term, Supreme Court, Second and Eleventh Judicial Districts, 2005 – 2012
• Judge, Commercial Division, Supreme Court of the State of New York, 2002 – 2005
• Chief, Bronx Borough Office, City of New York Law Department, Office of the Corporation Counsel, Tort Division, 1994 – 1995
• Deputy Chief, Brooklyn Tort Division, City of New York Law Department, Office of the Corporation Counsel, 1993 – 1994
• Assistant Corporation Counsel, City of New York Law Department, Office of the Corporation Counsel, 1990 – 1993
• Legal Aid Society of New York, Criminal Defense Division
• Supervising Attorney, 1986 – 1989
• Criminal Trial Attorney, 1981 – 1986
• J.D., Cornell Law School, 1981
• International Legal Affairs
• B.A., cum laude, Brooklyn College, 1978