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Marc E. Isserles , Esq.

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    Biography
    General Biography
    Practice Areas & Industries
    Smart Contracts & Blockchain
    Antitrust & Competition
    Art Law
    Bankruptcy
    Business & Commercial
    Civil Rights (including Public Accessibility)
    Class Action & Mass Tort
    Cybersecurity & Privacy
    Employment Law
    Energy & Utilities
    Entertainment & Sports
    Environmental Law
    Insurance
    Intellectual Property
    Life Sciences
    Professional Liability
    Real Estate & Real Property
    Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities
    Background and Education

    Marc E. Isserles, Esq. is a skilled commercial mediator and arbitrator with nearly twenty-five years of litigation experience in complex business and commercial, intellectual property, and employment disputes. 

    A former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and a founding former partner of a top New York City litigation boutique, Mr. Isserles is known for his keen analytical skills, judicious temperament, thorough preparation, and ability to quickly grasp both sides of a complicated issue while keeping an open mind. In its 2024 and 2025 Mediators – USA Nationwide rankings, Chambers and Partners reviewers recognized Mr. Isserles as one of the leading mediators in the United States, remarking that he “easily grasps the most complicated issues” and “makes the parties feel comfortable and heard.” They describe him as “persistent and dogged,” “methodical,” and “calm, cool and collected.” Reviewers also laud him for “work[ing] tirelessly to help the parties reach resolution." 

    Mr. Isserles brings to his mediation and arbitration practice the skills of a seasoned litigator, legal strategist, and nuanced legal thinker. He has handled matters in a wide variety of substantive areas, including: intellectual property (copyright, trademark, trade secrets and patents), false advertising, life sciences, entertainment, art law, breach of contract and license agreements, distribution and franchise agreements, software development and new technologies, publishing and royalty disputes, partnership and LLC disputes, disputes between family members or small business owners, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of restrictive covenants, attorneys’ and other professional fee disputes, employment discrimination, Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) wage and hour, employee compensation and bonus disputes, retaliation and whistleblower claims, sexual offense and assault claims, public accessibility and civil rights, insurance coverage, hospitality industry disputes, government contracts, bankruptcy, appellate, class actions, securities, legal and professional malpractice, ERISA, antitrust, energy, and environmental matters.

    Representative Matters

    • Antitrust & Competition
        • Mediated 8-figure price fixing dispute, in connection with antitrust MDL, between several major retail pharmacies and generic drug manufacturers
    • Art Law
        • Mediated dispute between three different purported owners of the same painting after repeated sales of the same work by a fraudster
        • Mediated claims between owner of paintings and art gallery, and its insurer, relating to alleged damage to paintings consigned to gallery
        • Mediated dispute between attorney and client over business deal in artwork, and litigation arising out of that deal
        • Mediated dispute between art collector and major gallery over sale of famous surrealist painting
        • Mediated insurance dispute between foundation of famous artist and insurer over valuation of work damaged at a gallery
    • Bankruptcy
        • Co-mediated claims in excess of $1 billion by bankruptcy trustee against secured lenders seeking to avoid security interest in hundreds of thousands of purported fixtures of automobile manufacturer
    • Business & Commercial
        • Mediated numerous partnership and LLC member disputes, including dissolution and break-ups, compensation claims by departing partners/members, and breach of fiduciary duty, breach of restrictive covenants and similar claims brought against departing partners/members/employees
        • Mediated numerous fee disputes between law firms and former clients; between law firms acting as co-counsel; and between law firms and departing partners
        • Mediated numerous disputes between software developers and clients, in a wide variety of industries, over issues including design and functionality of software, timing of software development, and fees
        • Mediated numerous licensing disputes in a wide variety of industries involving claims by licensor for payment and/or licensee’s claims that product or service was deficient
        • Mediated numerous publishing and royalty disputes, including disputes between authors and book publishers, disputes between book publishers and on-line platforms, disputes between publishers, and an antitrust dispute between book sellers and book publishers
        • Mediated numerous disputes between competitor companies where key employees left plaintiff and joined defendant allegedly in violation of restrictive covenants and/or by improperly stealing trade secrets
        • Mediated several disputes between investors and lending company over proper calculation of investment returns
        • Mediated 9-figure dispute between founding employees of crypto currency software company and founder over alleged dilution of equity stake
        • Mediated high 8-figure contract dispute between major consulting firm and Fortune 500 client over scope and quality of consulting services
        • Mediated asset purchase agreement dispute between buyer and seller over right to receive earn-out payment and alleged misrepresentations made during transaction
        • Mediated New York Judiciary Law Section 487 claim by plaintiff against adversary’s law firm for alleged false statements made to court during litigation
        • Mediated 7-figure breach of contract action between payment solutions provider and client over calculation of referral fees
        • Mediated multi-party contract and tort action over development of a solar energy project
        • Mediated indemnification claim between parties to merger agreement relating to potential liabilities to third parties
        • Mediated dispute between parties to purchase agreement for community solar project involving alleged failure by seller to make adequate disclosures about operation of project by utility company
        • Mediated pre-litigation partnership dispute between founders of creative production company over work effort, management styles, and profit allocation
        • Mediated termination of software services contract due to financial difficulties related to COVID-19 and alleged “frustration of purpose”
        • Mediated 9-figure dispute between investors in aerospace company and CEO of company
        • Mediated 9-figure dispute between analyst and hedge fund over termination and forfeiture of compensation arising out of alleged improper side agreements
        • Mediated dispute between global placement agent and private equity fund over placement fees
        • Mediated 7-figure dispute between principals and owners in two telecommunications companies with over 15 years of history
        • Mediated business separation between two high-profile NYC medical doctors
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between major international airline and manufacturer of aircraft engine over lease of two aircraft engines
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between former and new owners of crypto currency exchange over payments allegedly owed to founders
        • Mediated contract dispute between major telecommunications provider and device manufacturer
        • Mediated interpleader action brought by bank relating to distribution of trust funds, and counterclaim alleging mismanagement by trustee
        • Mediated dispute between former and new owners of restaurant over alleged theft and unauthorized control by former owners
        • Mediated dispute between major financial services firm and recruiting firm over alleged breach of “off limits” provision
        • Mediated dispute between exclusive global placement agent and private equity fund for alleged failure to pay placement fee
        • Mediated enforcement action between state attorney general and ticket resellers over sale and marketing of allegedly “speculative” tickets
        • Mediated dispute between aviation engineering services company and engineering design consultant over unpaid invoices and alleged project delays and deficient performance
        • Mediated dispute between online broker and technology company over alleged unlawful termination of distribution agreement for portfolio solution
        • Mediated subrogation claim brought against electrical company for alleged faulty wiring causing collapse of turbines
        • Mediated tortious interference claims brought by owner of solar panel company against investor and investor’s attorney
        • Mediated Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) claim against major media company
        • Mediated subrogation claim brought against shipper for alleged heat damage to valuable wine
        • Mediated dispute between restaurant and adjoining building, and its contractors, over scaffolding that was allegedly interrupting restaurant’s business
        • Mediated dispute between warehouse and contractor over amount and nature of invoices for clean-up work following major storm
        • Mediated dispute between former joint ventures over alleged usurpation of opportunity for financing a new hedge fund
        • Mediated breach of contract dispute between property owner and interior designer over alleged forged checks and unauthorized transactions
        • Mediated multi-million-dollar dispute over alleged obligation to negotiate agreement to build telecommunications pipeline
        • Mediated several claims against shippers and terminals involving alleged damage to cargo during Superstorm Sandy
        • Mediated numerous claims arising out of several asbestos settlement trusts
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between two direct mortgage lenders after defendant firm allegedly poached dozens of employees from plaintiff’s most lucrative office
        • Mediated breach of contract dispute between luxury hotel brand and management company over termination of long-term hotel management agreement
        • Mediated fraud claims brought by investor against law firm and third party who allegedly defrauded individual of millions of dollars of bitcoin
        • Mediated claims brought by outpatient dialysis providers against consultants to self-funded employer health plans arising out of alleged disruption of existing provider network agreements
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between major toy manufacturer and two former executives who started their own company and allegedly misappropriated exclusive license of former company
        • Mediated nuisance and trespass dispute between private homeowners’ association, tennis club, and concert promoter over noise and traffic issues relating to summer concert series
        • Mediated distribution agreement dispute between craft beer exporter and major beer manufacturer
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between shipping company and company providing warehousing services over alleged performance failures at warehouse facilities
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute over valuation of LLC interests in a health care company
        • Mediated 8-figure termination dispute between major fashion designer and investor/distributor
        • Mediated dispute between community bank and major commercial bank over failure to identify forged checks and UCC warranties governing transaction
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between three parties to a digital advertising agreement
        • Mediated contract dispute between joint operators of a sync licensing business
        • Co-mediated $1 billion+ fraud dispute between noteholders of a failed telecommunication company and private equity sponsors of debt offering
        • Co-mediated 9-figure fraud action against major law firm and bank in connection with sale of mortgage fund securities
        • Co-mediated dispute over attempted foreclosure of commercial mortgage for a shopping center
        • Co-mediated alleged negligence and fraud action brought by receiver and shareholder class against officers and directors of failed bank
    • Civil Rights (including Public Accessibility)
        • Mediated dispute between fair housing organization and real estate companies over allegedly discriminatory treatment of Section 8 applicants
        • Mediated 14-year-old Fair Housing Act and civil rights dispute between developers of affordable housing complex and town
        • Mediated numerous Title III Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) public accessibility claims against major retailers and restaurants
        • Mediated numerous Fair Housing Act accessibility claims against commercial developers and design professionals
        • Mediated appeal of Section 1983 excessive force claim involving alleged wrongful detention and arrest of a train enthusiast
        • Mediated equal protection “class of one” claim brought by homeowner against town and town officials
        • Mediated dispute between disability rights organization and major metropolitan city over alleged failure to provide accessible housing units within city-sponsored housing developments
    • Class Action & Mass Tort
        • Mediated several nationwide class action lawsuits challenging Cost of Insurance (COI) charges under universal life insurance policies
        • Mediated numerous wage and hour class action and/or collective action disputes
        • Mediated nationwide Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) class action involving alleged kickbacks to captive reinsurers
        • Mediated purported nationwide class claim brought against major retailer for alleged violation of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)
        • Mediated nationwide class action brought by purchasers against major automobile manufacturer over alleged engine defects
        • Mediated dozens of sexual abuse claims against hospital arising out of pain doctor’s alleged abuse of patients
        • Mediated consumer class action arising under New York statute requiring fee disclosures by theaters, ticket sellers, and re-sellers
        • Mediated several nationwide consumer class actions under the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) relating to alleged disclosure by websites of information relating to consumers’ viewing of videos
        • Co-mediating approximately 1,000 sexual abuse claims alleged against Archdiocese of Baltimore in connection with Archdiocese’s bankruptcy filing and dispute with insurance carriers
        • Co-mediated alleged personal injury and property claims arising out of major accident at construction site
    • Cybersecurity & Privacy
        • Mediated numerous lawsuits involving spoofing, hacking and other security breaches resulting in wrongfully diverted funds to fraudsters 
        • Mediated claim between cloud storage company and medical provider client over alleged loss of business and patient data following a security breach
        • Mediated enforcement action against major food and beverage chain over alleged failure to properly prevent and remedy various data security breaches in connection with mobile application
        • Mediated subrogation claim brought on behalf of parts manufacturer where it was alleged that customer payments were wrongfully diverted following security breach of computer system
    • Employment Law
        • Mediated and arbitrated numerous gender, race, age, and disability discrimination disputes in a wide variety of industries
        • Mediated and arbitrated numerous whistleblower and other retaliation claims arising under various state and federal statutes
        • Mediated and arbitrated numerous FLSA (and state and local law) wage and hour disputes
        • Mediated and arbitrated numerous employee/executive compensation and bonus disputes
        • Mediated numerous Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) disputes
        • Mediated numerous putative class action cases for untimely payment of wages under New York Labor Law (NYLL) Section 191
    • Energy & Utilities
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between U.S. electric vehicle charging network and foreign manufacturer and distributer of electric charging equipment
        • Mediated 9-figure breach of contract and fraud dispute between electric vehicle manufacturer and foreign investment partner
        • Mediated dispute between major online retailer and manufacturer of solar panels over alleged failure to maintain equipment and related safety issues
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between purchaser of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) pipeline and seller over location of allegedly competing HVDC pipeline
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between solar wind farm owner and purchaser of energy over energy shortfalls arising out of winter ice storm
    • Entertainment & Sports
        • Mediated dispute between jewelry designer and celebrity actress over alleged failure by actress to market and support the product
        • Mediated dispute between talent agency and “influencer” over termination of representation agreement 
        • Mediated dispute between media company, major record company, and product placement agency relating to production of music video
        • Mediated dispute between former management company and major R&B recording artists over termination of management agreement
        • Mediated right of publicity claim brought by individual against health care organization for alleged unlicensed use of photo
        • Mediated multi-million-dollar contract and royalty dispute between new artist and managers
    • Environmental Law
        • Mediated enforcement action for cleanup of superfund site
        • Mediated contract dispute over responsibility for legacy environmental clean-up costs between buyer and seller of chemical compound manufacturing business
        • Co-mediated multi-million-dollar property claims and third-party contribution claims arising out of major environmental accident at water storage facility
    • ERISA
        • Mediated multi-party ERISA action involving 9-figure alleged underfunding and mismanagement of hospital pension fund
        • Mediated 9-year-old, 9-figure class action lawsuit by 1,000 ex-employees against pension plan of major manufacturer over alleged failure to pay residual annuities
        • Mediated dispute between pension plan, directors, and former executive director over alleged ERISA violations in connection with allegedly impermissible favored transactions
    • Insurance
        • Mediated insurance dispute between insurer and insureds over insurer’s obligation to make payments under policy prior to insured’s resolution of contractual indemnification claim
        • Mediated class action brought by life insurance policy holders over allegedly improper cost of insurance charges
        • Mediated dispute between insurance company and individual that mistakenly received death benefit paid to the wrong party
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between insured and insurer over validity of a trade credit policy following purported material misrepresentations and submission of fraudulent claims by insured
        • Mediated indemnification agreement dispute following sale of specialty materials company over defense and indemnity obligations relating to a foreign lawsuit over a ship fire
        • Mediated 7-figure dispute over first-party business interruption coverage while insured’s vendor was in bankruptcy 
        • Co-mediated multi-million-dollar alleged malpractice action against law firm in connection with coverage advice given to insurance carrier in property damage litigation arising out of a major construction accident
        • Co-mediated multi-party insurance coverage dispute arising out of $1 billion proposed class action settlement of tort claims
        • Co-mediated insurance coverage dispute between primary and excess carriers over allocation of settlement
        • Co-mediated coverage dispute arising out of settlement of products liability claims brought against major manufacturer following a fire
        • Co-mediating insurance coverage issues in connection with approximately 1,000 sexual abuse claims brought against Archdiocese of Baltimore 
        • Arbitrated dispute between bankruptcy trustee and insurance carriers over effect on insurance coverage of bankruptcy plan provision limiting recovery against former officer and directors
        • Arbitrated dispute between malpractice carrier and insured over duty to defend and informed consent policy exclusion
    • Intellectual Property

      • Copyright

        • Mediated financial break-up of famous musical duo
        • Mediated high-profile copyright lawsuits by photographers against famous artist accused of appropriating their works
        • Mediated numerous high-profile copyright infringement and/or co-ownership disputes brought against major record labels, publishing companies, composers, and recording artists 
        • Mediated numerous disputes between celebrity artists/performers and their former business managers 
        • Mediated copyright and trademark dispute between major costume manufacturer and manufacturer of allegedly counterfeit goods
        • Mediated multi-jurisdictional copyright infringement actions arising out of exploitation of music publishing rights under licensing agreements
        • Mediated copyright ownership dispute between authors of a musical
        • Mediated copyright infringement claim by photographer against book publisher for using unlicensed photograph
        • Mediated 7-year-old dispute between investment firm that commissioned a statute and artist who created it
        • Mediated 9-year-old high-profile copyright lawsuit between two photographers and Richard Prince over Prince’s alleged appropriation of photographs into artwork
        • Mediated multi-billion-dollar copyright infringement claim by company that created a virtual room design planner tool against major retailer
        • Mediated nine-figure contract dispute between streaming platform and copyright owner over exclusive streaming rights to hit comedy show
        • Mediated Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) dispute between a group of visual artists and large municipality over alleged removal and mutilation of protected works
        • Co-mediated copyright dispute over design of web portal for hotel chain
        • Co-mediated copyright dispute between photography rightsholders and textbook publisher

        Patent

        • Mediated numerous, high-stakes patent disputes in a wide variety of industries
        • Mediated 9-figure royalty licensing dispute between owner of business method patents and licensee/purchaser of business
        • Co-mediated dispute between foreign government and U.S. research center over patent royalties allegedly derived from laboratory research conducted in foreign country
        • Mediated royalty dispute under licensing agreement between inventor of baby products and development, manufacturing, and distribution company

        Trademark/False Advertising (Lanham Act or State Equivalent) and Trade Secret

        • Mediated numerous trademark licensing and trademark infringement disputes in a wide variety of industries
        • Mediated 9-figure trade secret misappropriation claims relating to use of alleged trade secrets in an FDA application for new drug 
        • Mediated numerous trademark licensing disputes over alleged sales by licensees in unauthorized channels
        • Mediated numerous disputes in various industries involving alleged theft or misappropriation of trade secrets by departing employees and/or competing companies  
        • Mediated high-profile trademark dispute brought by major media publication against artists who created parody of magazine cover     
        • Mediated trademark dispute between major sneaker companies over mark
        • Mediated trademark dispute between two companies competing in private lending market
        • Mediated trademark dispute over name of race between two competing running events organizations
        • Mediated copyright and trademark dispute between famous guitar maker and music store over use of photograph depicting famous guitar design
        • Mediated high-profile false advertising dispute between two leading tax preparation services 
        • Mediated false advertising dispute between public interest organization, manufacturer, and certification entity over claims relating to fair trade practices in the sourcing of cocoa
    • Life Sciences
        • Mediated 9-figure dispute between major pharmaceutical company and major drug manufacturer that partnered on developing a failed virus vaccine
        • Mediated numerous high-stakes disputes over development/distribution of pharmaceutical products and devices 
        • Mediated 8-figure contract termination dispute between medical device maker and marketing and commercialization partner 
        • Mediated dispute over distribution agreement between molecular diagnostics company and manufacturer and distributor of clinical laboratory supplies for alleged failure by distributor to meet minimum purchase requirements 
        • Mediated dispute involving alleged breach of provision requiring exclusive negotiations with potential acquirer of pharmaceutical company 
        • Mediated 8-figure breach of contract action over development and supply agreement relating to immunoassays 
        • Mediated 9-figure dispute over fees allegedly due under bio-pharmacy credit agreement
        • Mediated 9-figure breach of contract dispute between owner of senior care center facilities and provider of pharmacy services over termination of master services agreement
        • Co-mediated high 8-figure dispute between biotechnology company and contractor over management of clinical trial 
    • Professional Liability
        • Mediated numerous legal and other professional malpractice disputes
    • Real Estate & Real Property
        • Mediated numerous commercial real estate and real property disputes, including those involving building and construction issues; lending and financing; disputes between investors; landlord and tenant disputes, including disputes over condition of property at lease expiration; property management; and land use and other real property restrictions
        • Mediated numerous disputes between family members over real estate and other family assets and holdings
        • Mediated commercial lease dispute between restaurant chain and landlord of shopping center over alleged breach of provision limiting landlord’s ability to lease adjoining properties to similar restaurants
        • Mediated 8-figure dispute between immediate family members over alleged mismanagement of family real estate business and trusts
        • Mediated dispute between manufacturer of military-related products and owner over value of owner’s share of real estate
        • Mediated dispute between real estate company and commercial tenant over termination of restaurant lease
        • Mediated dispute between commercial lender and historic church over loan default and potential loss of church property
        • Mediated dispute between former spouses and family members over alleged failure to return money used to purchase real estate
        • Mediated claims by real estate investors against developers in connection with efforts to obtain a green card through EB-5 immigration program 

    Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

    • Chambers and Partners, Mediators – USA – Nationwide, 2024-2025
    • Presenter, “Effective Mediation Advocacy: Skills and Strategies for Litigators,” Annual Presentation, Association of the Bar of the City of New York, 2018-2024
    • Speaker, “Intellectual Property & International Dispute Resolution – What Every Lawyer and Corporate Counsel Needs to Know,” Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, 2024
    • Completed Virtual ADR training conducted by the JAMS Institute, the training arm of JAMS
    • Lecturer in Law, Columbia Law School, Negotiation Workshop, 2018-2019
    • Neutral on various court panels, including the mediation program for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the Supreme Court, Commercial Division for New York County, 2013-2025

    Background and Education

    • Founding Partner, Shapiro, Arato & Isserles LLP, 2009-2014
    • Partner and Associate, Cohen & Gresser LLP, 2005-2008
    • Associate, Parcher, Hayes & Snyder, O’Melveny & Myers, and Jenner & Block, 2000-2005
    • Law Clerk, Hon. Stephen G. Breyer, U.S. Supreme Court, 1999-2000
    • Law Clerk, Hon. Laurence H. Silberman, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, 1998-1999
    • J.D., magna cum laude, Harvard Law School, 1998
      • Notes Editor, Harvard Law Review, 1996-1998
      • Joshua Montgomery Sears Prize (for highest grade point average during second year), 1996-1997
    • B.A., Sarah Lawrence College, 1993
    Counsel Comments
     
    • "Marc Isserles, Esq. was among the best mediators I have worked with in my 24 years of practice. He was very well prepared, highly professional, incredibly capable of understanding the parties' motivations and needs, and instrumental in resolving a difficult case."
    • “Marc helped us reach an exceptional result in a case that could have created huge expense and agita for years to come. Settlement would never have happened without his tenacity, resourcefulness and strategic approaches. After several disheartening rounds of talks with opposing counsel, it was clear that we didn’t have a chance of settling the case unless a miracle happened. Marc brought that miracle into being. Prior to his entrance into the case, opposing counsel’s proposals went from bad to worse, and attempts at bringing him into the real world failed. Then, enter Marc Isserles from stage left. The rest is history. I have worked with a good number of top notch mediators, arbitrators and judges over the years and I have never had the privilege of working with anyone who has been able to reach this kind of result.”
    • “In 45 years of commercial litigation practice, Marc Isserles is the best mediator with whom I’ve ever had the pleasure to work.  Marc was instrumental in a settlement of a very complex case, the most contentious (both at the client and counsel levels) matter in which I have ever been involved.   Based on his knowledge of the law and understanding of the people involved, Marc was able to move both parties to positions that I never thought possible before the mediation….For those looking for a dedicated and quite skilled mediator, I highly recommend Marc without any reservations whatsoever.”
    • “Marc is the one of the best prepared and effective mediators I’ve worked with.  Some mediators ignore the law and simply want to knock heads together.  Not Marc.  He came into a highly contentious mediation with a thorough and nuanced understanding of both the parties’ arguments and the state of the law, and showed the ability throughout the day to convincingly distill the parties’ positions into their strengths and weaknesses.  He was able to significantly narrow the chasm between the parties’ negotiating positions during the in-person session and worked tenaciously with counsel afterwards to get the parties to a point where we were able to ultimately resolve the matter.  I couldn’t recommend him more highly.”
    • “Marc was a pleasure to work with and is a very effective mediator.  He was well-prepared for the mediation session and he impressed with his command of the pre-mediation materials and his understanding of both side’s positions.  At the mediation he very effectively moved each side such that we were able to settle, with Marc’s continued help, a few weeks after the formal single day mediation session ended.  Marc stayed with the matter and I am certain the case would not have settled without his dogged and thoughtful help throughout.  He is among the best mediators I have worked with and I now regularly recommend him to clients.”
    • “Excellent legal knowledge and first rate Mediation skills. I would recommend him highly. I would rank Mr. Isserles among the best Mediators I have encountered.”
    • “Indefatigable! Marc worked tirelessly—with patience, creativity, and empathy—to resolve the unresolvable. Thoroughly prepared, thoughtfully firm, and convincingly direct, he won the respect of two ferociously antagonistic adversaries. Undaunted by obstacle after obstacle, he steadfastly moved the parties to a fair resolution. I recommend him for all manner of disputes.”
    • “Marc is professional, prepared, persuasive, effective and has a fantastic bedside manner when dealing with the senior-most executives of corporations, explaining the risk in terms that resonate, yet taking the temperature down to a level where cooler heads can thoughtfully deliberate on their respective risk profiles. What's more, Marc was literally available on a moment’s notice over the Christmas holiday as my client was aiming to ink a settlement prior to the New Year.  Only by virtue of his positive encouragement and full engagement, Marc succeeded in getting the ball across the goal line with a few hours to spare.”
    • “Marc is tireless, has a brilliant legal mind, and is relentless in getting cases settled.  Last year, I mediated three cases with him that were each difficult to settle—and he got all three of them resolved.  He is one of precious few mediators in the country who are truly impactful in getting your case settled.”
    • “Marc has a rare ability to find common ground and promote compromise in even the most difficult circumstances.  He masters not only the facts, but also the dynamics of the relationship between the parties, and then combines his obvious intelligence with a strong practical sense, and even with a sense of humor, to pursue creative avenues of agreement.  His down-to-earth manner makes it easy for both lawyers and their clients to have confidence in his judgment.  I always recommend him when asked for a good mediator.”
    • “Marc is one of the best Mediators I’ve used. He tackled a difficult and highly contentious matter with just the right touch. Keeping the parties 'at the table' for several months as we sparred over the many issues to be addressed, he was ultimately able to help us get to final resolution. A job well done was truly and greatly appreciated by all involved.”
    • “Marc mediated a challenging joint venture dispute where the parties initially agreed on very little. Marc spent the time to master the facts. He was constructively insistent, delving into the merits – strengths, weaknesses, misunderstandings, inflammatory rhetoric, all of it with the goal of finding common ground if possible. There were several key points in our negotiations where common ground did not seem possible. Marc was patient, even keeled, and intellectually rigorous. He is not a passive messenger. I would use him again without reservation.”
    • “He recently mediated a hotly contested partnership dispute over two sessions and many emails and phone calls.  He is incredibly patient, practical and good humored.  He has a good sense of the realistic value of a dispute while remaining sensitive to personal factors affecting all sides.  He works well with confident, sophisticated clients. I highly recommend him – he never gives up.”
    • “I found Marc to be insightful, pragmatic, and doggedly persistent. I think he’d be effective and I wouldn’t hesitate to mediate with him in any kind of civil action, but the case that we settled with him happened to be a music copyright substantial similarity matter, and his understanding of music notation and theory was particularly advantageous.”
    • “I’ve mediated several cases with Marc, including one where prior settlement efforts had failed. Marc is very knowledgeable, always well prepared and tireless in his efforts. But what sets him apart is his patience, temperament and his ability to get through to even the most difficult clients and counsel and talk them off of their intractable positions. Marc’s efforts don’t end at the end of the mediation day, and he will continue to work for a deal if he believes there is any chance of resolution. I won’t hesitate to work with Marc again and highly recommend him as a mediator.”
    • “Simply put, Marc Isserles is in the top tier of JAMS mediators and as we know JAMS is at the top of the ADR heap. I’ve successfully mediated two very different employment cases with Marc – one involving the criminal conviction discrimination claim of a low-wage earner, and the other controlled departure of a high-ranking executive in the pharmaceutical industry who claimed disability and protected leave discrimination. In each case, Marc was relentless in his pursuit of common ground for the respective parties, clear and consistent in articulating his vision of an achievable settlement, and open and compassionate about the pressures that were impacting and motivating each side. With his understated, prepared, and honest manner, Marc was able to draw both sides into the realm of reality necessary to achieve resolution. I would wholeheartedly recommend Marc to mediate any type of employment dispute!”
    • "We all admired how focused Marc was on mastering the facts and law and procedural history of a complicated case that the parties had been litigating for almost 7 years before he became involved. Because he learned the case so well, his assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the parties' positions had a great deal of credibility. Without a doubt, I do not believe a settlement would have been possible. We also appreciated that Marc took time even before the mediation sessions began to get to know our clients and to hear from them directly about their thoughts on the case. And we were amazed at his skills in overcoming the extraordinary levels of distrust and division that existed in our case - not just between the plaintiffs and defendants but also as between different defense factions. Marc deftly moved entrenched, hostile parties together and was able to accomplish the two separate settlements that were necessary in order to resolve one litigation. It took a lot of skill to do that, as well as great tenacity and patience. Thanks again, Marc."
    • “Marc is a top-notch mediator who I have used on multiple occasions. He instills confidence by being well prepared and through his excellent active listening skills, impartiality, and ability to communicate complex issues clearly and accurately. He is extremely smart, empathetic, and determined to facilitate a resolution.”
    • “Marc not only got knee-deep in some of the facts critical to the case and resolving it, he was tenacious in working with both sides to set realistic and reasonable expectations after years of hard fought and expensive proceedings. The case would not have resolved without his dedication and ongoing assistance over multiple days. I have already recommended him to other counsel; he is smart, fair, and highly effective.”
    • “Marc is an extraordinarily effective mediator, and clearly one of the very best in the country. He is smart, extremely well-prepared, hard-working, and creative. He helped us settle a highly sensitive and contentious matter – and was able to do so at the end of a very long day even after it seemed like the parties were at a complete standstill.”
    • “Marc was an excellent mediator in our hard-fought retaliation case. He was absolutely essential to our achievement of a terrific result. Very late in the day--approximately 7pm--I was frustrated because we had put in a huge effort, but were nowhere close to a resolution and I was prepared to walk out. Marc encouraged me to stay with it, suggesting a pivot in the approach to the negotiation. Because he had earned our trust, we followed his lead (which was spot on) and he then quickly guided us to the end. I highly recommend him!”
    • “Marc is a talented and tireless mediator who continued to act in the best interest of each party by relentlessly pursuing settlement even after the formal mediation ended. The extra effort produced a compromise neither party believed possible and resulted in a fair resolution for all involved.”
    • “Mr. Isserles is an intelligent, persuasive, thoughtful, empathic and patient mediator. He is a pleasant person to spend the day with and is careful to always keep the focus on the clients. These qualities enable the parties to reach a handshake without even realizing their arms had been twisted.”
    • “Marc has that rare and perfect combination of mediator skills - patience, persistence, personable, and razor-sharp smarts. He quickly masters legal issues and gets to the heart of a dispute and what drives each side. He masterfully helped resolve my multi-party action involving a number of strong personalities.”
    • “Marc did a herculean job of mediating a very complex case… After two very long and grueling mediation sessions in person at JAMS, both of which went well into the night, he continued to press forward with both sides for several months thereafter, until the parties were finally able to negotiate and agree upon a Settlement Agreement. His insights and mediation skills are excellent and I would not hesitate to use him on my next mediation. Few mediators would have stuck with this case for as long as he did.”
    • “Marc quickly got up to speed on a business dispute that involved seasoned business owners and investors. He was able to deftly handle both the issues and positions taken by both sides to steer them in reaching a sensible resolution. My client was able to avoid arbitration and resolve related litigation as a result, in large part, of Marc’s skill set and efforts.”
    • “I would not hesitate to work with Marc again and indeed, look forward to doing so. He was thorough, prepared, insightful and went the extra mile to get our case resolved. He was a pleasure to work with but more important, he was incredibly effective.”
    • “After the parties experienced an unsuccessful and very contentious mediation with another mediator, Mr. Isserles stepped in and managed to professionally and expeditiously resolve the parties' complex partnership dispute in less than a day.”
    • “Marc Isserles was able to settle a multifaceted commercial case involving multiple parties, in which no one going into the mediation believed would ever settle. The case, which had already been through a full hearing before the California Labor Board, in connection with a breach of an Artist’s Manager contract, was extremely contentious. Marc quickly assessed the situation, identified the issues and managed to deal with some extremely difficult clients on both sides of the table. He had thorough knowledge of the law, knew the history of the case and effectively used this information to work with both sides. Marc persevered even when he was told by both sides there would be no settlement. Before the evening ended, a deal memo was signed. I recommend Marc without reservation.”
    • “Marc Isserles served as a mediator in a complex commercial dispute involving numerous disputed legal and factual issues. Throughout the process, Marc demonstrated great skill, patience and understanding in dealing with the parties and their respective claims. He is smart, open-minded and demonstrated a unique ability to come up with possible creative solutions for settlement throughout the mediation process - all the while maintaining the respect of the litigants and counsel. I would certainly recommend Marc to be a mediator in any commercial dispute and feel confident that his involvement will be favorably received by all participants.”
    • “Mr. Isserles served as mediator in a commercial contract dispute. He quickly became conversant with the factual and legal issues involved in the case and, just as important, identified the practical impediments to settlement and brainstormed with the parties how they could best be overcome. Before the day of mediation ended, we had reached a complete settlement that might not have been attainable with a less skilled mediation professional.”
    • “Marc has the qualities found in only the very best mediators - intelligence, attentiveness, creativity, and persistence. I very much look forward to working with Marc again.”
    • “In a wage & hour case he mediated for us, Marc helped us reach a resolution that we weren’t sure was going to be possible. Marc was well-prepared, engaged, and persistent, and had a good manner with our clients. He stayed with the case after the mediation session, leading to a final resolution just days later.”
    • “Marc helped us resolve a business dispute in which personal feelings ran high. He showed intelligence and attention to detail, and dealt with the parties with energy and humor. We would recommend him highly.”
    • "Marc did a great job in a relatively small but emotionally-charged employment/bonus case. I thought he...showed excellent judgment and excellent people skills in bringing the parties to the right compromise figure. Importantly, he showed creativity and doggedness in working through a very tricky procedural issue after the parties had agreed on the settlement amount. In a good and respectful way, he wouldn’t let us go home and give up, and we eventually found a way through the issue.”
    • "Marc is a highly effective, intelligent mediator with a remarkable work ethic. In a highly contentious employment case, he was personable and patient, well-prepared, and completely impartial. Marc was instrumental in bringing about a good result for all parties. I would recommend him without reservation.
    • "After my client had great experience with Marc in New York, we flew him across the country to help with a contentious disability discrimination case by a former executive. He quickly cut to the core issues in the case – legal, factual, and emotional – and guided the parties to a resolution in the weeks after mediation when lengthy and expensive litigation seemed imminent. His insights and reads were all spot-on, and the client was extremely happy to have invested in his expertise."
    • "Marc Isserles did a great job at our mediation. We showed up with fairly low expectations given how far apart the sides were, but left with an agreement. Marc was prepared at the outset and drilled down throughout the process on the merits and motivations of the parties. He then used a practical approach to help direct the parties to resolution. I would highly recommend Marc and plan to use him again if the need for a mediator arises."
    • "Marc was remarkably attentive to my clients and their desire to understand and engage in the negotiation process. He maintained his laser focus, sharp analysis and patient demeanor throughout a prolonged mediation session. I feel very fortunate to have had him handling our case and would easily recommend him to my colleagues and others in the field."
    • "Marc is an excellent mediator, who I would highly recommend. I had a complex and difficult employment matter that we could not resolve. Through Marc's hard work, patience, guidance and expertise both sides reached a fair agreement. It wasn't easy but Marc brought us together. Myself and my attorney greatly appreciate his professionalism."
    • "Marc is a stellar mediator. He was prepared, patient and intelligent. He went above and beyond all expectations by following up after the mediation to facilitate a successful settlement in a complex commercial dispute. I highly recommend him as a mediator"
    • "I would highly recommend Mr. Isserles as a mediator for a broad range of commercial disputes. Mr. Isserles has served as mediator for our clients on two separate occasions involving commercial contract disputes in vastly different industries, both of which were successfully resolved. The resolution in each matter was due in large part to Mr. Isserles’ preparation, patience and creative thinking"
    • "Marc served as the mediator in a 'business divorce' case in which our client, an investment advisor, was seeking to expel one of its three owners and managing members. Our client, of course, wanted him out as soon as possible while paying him as little as possible. He wanted the opposite. Emotions were very high on both sides. Marc did an extraordinary job in guiding the parties to a settlement that both could (unhappily) live with. He was calm, rational, insightful and listened well but also knew when to point out weaknesses or push back. After an initial in-person session, he worked with us for more than a month as the parties exchanged offers and counter-offers against the backdrop of a difficult and deteriorating business environment. He was unfailingly responsive and constructive. He was also instrumental in helping the parties overcome several instances in which it appeared they had reached an impasse. I would enthusiastically recommend Marc for any commercial dispute."
    • "Marc is an extraordinarily skilled mediator who can quickly master the legal and factual issues, and most importantly, communicate effectively with strong personalities. He has a unique ability to candidly communicate difficult information that a party would prefer not to hear in a respectful and empathetic manner. Marc’s patience, diligence and persistence are especially impressive."
    • "In my many years of practice and many mediations, Marc is one of the best mediators I’ve encountered. He was thoroughly prepared and did not hesitate to press both sides. And he has the right temperament for the long, tense days that mediations often require."
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