Michael Starr Mediation Services
Specializing in Alternative Dispute Resolution
Michael Starr Mediation Services
Specializing in Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation Philosophy
Michael approaches mediation with the belief that settlements are neither good nor bad—only better or worse than the available alternatives. He emphasizes forward-looking, practical solutions that effectively resolve disputes. This philosophy is grounded in his extensive experience in labor relations and mediation within the context of collective bargaining negotiations.
Michael seeks to create an atmosphere conducive to the resolution of disputes by being respectful, patient, calm, and persistent, helping each side effectively and cooperatively communicate its rationale for settlement and range of acceptable outcomes.
Ultimately, Michael aims to earn the trust of the parties by guiding them toward negotiation strategies that are most likely to elicit acceptable responses from the other side. He also helps them understand what is realistically achievable at any given moment in the negotiation process. He takes seriously that the role of the mediator is to facilitate the parties’ own resolution of their dispute.
Mediation Services
Employment
Employment
Employment
All aspects of the employment relationship including discrimination, retaliation, reasonable-accommodation, noncompetition, trade-secret misappropriation, and employee benefits.
Wage-Hour
Employment
Employment
Matters arising under federal and state laws concerning minimum and overtime wages, exempt status, prevailing wages and nonpayment of wages, including tips and tip-pooling.
Commercial
Employment
Commercial
B2B disputes, especially in the hospitality and restaurant industry, including franchising agreements, licenses, leases, insurance coverage, shareholder agreements, and business dissolutions.
About Michael
Michael Starr has over 30 years of experience in complex civil litigation, focusing on employment and labor-related lawsuits while also handling a broad range of commercial matters.
A fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and a member of the Association of Attorney-Mediators, Mr. Starr has served as a court-appointed mediator and early neutral evaluator for 25 years for federal and state courts in New York City.
In 2019, he started his independent mediation practice for both commercial and employment-related matters.
