The ADR Centre

500-251 Bank Street, 
Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1X3

Phone: (613) 567-9715
Fax: (613) 567-9722

To promote Alternative Forms of Dispute Resolution (ADR) in resolving and preventing conflict between individuals and/or communities, institutions, ideologies, families and cultures at all levels of society. To assist in the re-establishment or re-enforcement of honour for values and beliefs along with mutual respect, dignity and, if possible, trust, after a resolution process has been implemented (often involving deep-rooted conflict), for the well-being of all of the people involved and future generations, and for my own personal living and growth, after which it is hoped that the participants would be able to negotiate their own solutions without or with less need of Third Party Neutrals or Adjudicators.

Founded the ADR Centre in 1992; it is a transdisciplinary facility of independent practitioners including: Solicitors, Mediators, Arbitrators, Facilitators, Trainers and Social Science Researchers. Adopted the role of Instructing Solicitor in various areas of law, based on the ancient distinction of Barrister and Solicitor (including civil and criminal matters (the latter also involving plea bargaining, negotiations with Crown Attorneys), Parole Board hearing and co-ordination of legal counsel in various jurisdictions with many civil litigation and criminal defence lawyers).

Further to a collaboration with a group of concerned citizens from various backgrounds, established the Dispute Resolution Centre of Ottawa-Carleton (1987), a first response being Canada’s first high school mediation program (Woodroffe High School, Ottawa). Within three years of my non-profit work in ADR (since 1985), a grant was secured from the Donner Canadian Foundation, and a condition of the grant was my full-time commitment to the newly formed Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution.

These years were spent immersed in major contracts and communications in Applied Development Research, travelling extensively through Canada, the United States including a major trip to Europe establishing international and national connections in the emerging field of conflict resolution.

Was retained by corporations and individuals to provide legal advice, problem solving, negotiations and advised on related and various legal matters. I was also licensed in Ontario for private adoptions (withdrew from this adoption work in 1998).

Associate in the former Ottawa office of this large Toronto-based law firm. Acted as senior counsel, with emphasis on business, corporate, real estate, family, contract, music and commercial law and general practitioner. Left to start up independent consulting practice.

As a Solicitor with concentration in business, real estate, contract law, corporate, commercial, franchising, estates, real estate, family music law and general law practice. As a Barrister conducted many civil and criminal litigation cases including being the Trial Lawyer and, in criminal matters also the Sentencing Lawyer.

1976
Ontario, Canada

A project to raise awareness and funding for spinal cord research involving a pending tour around the world in a specially equipped van (Mike Nemesvary).

The Citizen’s Forum Advocating Insurance Review. Using an ADR approach with all stakeholders, the Cabinet Minister responsible in announcing the new laws said "CFAIR’s fingerprints are all over this legislation" which, among other things, resulted in Ontario setting up the first Ombudsman for Automobile Insurance in Canada.

Set up during the Mohawk’s civil strife during which time I acted as the full-time "one the ground" conflict resolution consultant and Honorary Counsel.