|
|
|
|
Providing Innovative &
Sustainable Solutions |
Rochester Hills, MI 48307-4946
|
|
Why Choose Laura Athens?
|
|
Experienced
Laura Athens brings a wealth
of diverse education, training and experience to alternative
dispute resolution. Her law degree and master’s degree in social
work and over 30 years in law practice enable her to not only
understand the legal issues, but also the human dynamics involved
in conflict resolution. Her prior experience as a law professor
and current experience working with college and university faculty
and staff brings a unique perspective and appreciation for the
challenges faced by institutions of higher education and those who
work in that environment.
Laura’s previous experience as a hearing officer in special
education and vocational rehabilitation matters, as well as her
current experience as an arbitrator in automotive class action
settlements, provides the expertise needed to effectively,
creatively and impartially manage pre-arbitration preparation and
arbitration hearings.
|
|
Respectful and Compassionate
Laura Athens recognizes
the importance of fostering honesty, integrity and empathy in
dispute resolution. She is committed to promoting diversity,
equity and inclusion and ensuring that all participants are given
an opportunity to present their case, voice their concerns and
contribute to solutions in an atmosphere of trust and respect at
every stage of the alternative dispute resolution process. She
skillfully employs effective tools and strategies to ensure
productive participation and beneficial outcomes.
Her litigation experience representing students and individuals
with disabilities and their families has enriched her
understanding of how underlying emotions and beliefs impact
dispute resolution and how they can be compassionately addressed
to reach an effective resolution.
|
|
Fair
and Flexible
Laura Athens works hard to ensure that the chosen ADR process is
fair, flexible and user friendly. She assists parties and their
legal counsel or representatives to select a process and time
frame that meets their unique needs. Laura engages the parties in
careful and deliberative pre-planning regarding the time, location
and duration of the chosen process, including the use of online
videoconferencing and resources. If work or other obligations
preclude pursuit of the ADR process during normal business hours,
Laura offers flexible evening or weekend options. She also has
expertise in online dispute resolution and video conferencing and
offers a variety of options and approaches to reach innovative and
sustainable results.
|
|
Education
Laura Athens graduated from University of Michigan, Magna Cum
Laude, with Honors in Psychology. She received her Master of
Science in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin. Ms.
Athens obtained her law degree from Washington University School
of Law.
|
|
Extensive Training
Laura Athens has received extensive training in alternative
dispute resolution. Since her initial, intensive 40 hour mediation
training in 1995, Laura has continued to hone her skills and
developed effective tools and strategies through ongoing participation in advanced ADR
conferences, seminars and workshops; preparing and providing ADR
training; frequent lecturing and appearances related to ADR
topics; publishing articles; and participating in ADR
associations.
|
Reasonable
rates
Laura Athens charges for mediation, arbitration, facilitation and
restorative practices are reasonable and highly competitive.
Parties may choose to share the cost or select another equitable
arrangement. Depending on the nature of the case and type of ADR
process selected, fees can range from $500 for a brief mediation
or simple documents-only arbitration to $2,500 or more. Daily and
hourly rates are available.
|
|
Download Laura A. Athens'
resume here. |
|
Contact Laura to learn
more about her services.
Member of
Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan
|