The American Arbitration Association and NYC Bar Association Present a Panel of Diverse Arbitrators

....some of whom have been chosen to work on 3020-a hearings in New York City: Gaines, Rosario, and Watanabe.

AAA-NYC Bar Program Focused on New, Diverse Arbitrators
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June 14, 2010 -- The American Arbitration Association and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York recently presented a program that introduced new and diverse arbitrators to the labor and employment community.

Meet & Greet

The program, held May 24th in New York, drew about 200 advocates and arbitrators. "Our goal was to showcase the expertise of new women and minority arbitrators," said Jeffrey T. Zaino, vice president, AAA Labor, Employment, and Elections Division. He is also chair of the Increasing Diversity Among Arbitrators Subcommittee of the Labor and Employment Committee of the New York City Bar.
The program presented a unique panel discussion featuring six new neutrals:

* Deborah Gaines (arbitrator, mediator, fact finder)

* William F. Hempfling (arbitrator, mediator)

* Ruth M. Moskovitch (arbitrator, fact finder, and adjunct professor at Baruch College and City University of New York) [Ms. Moskovich quit the NYC 3020-a panel spring, 2010]

* Wendy G. Phillips (arbitrator, attorney, and administrative law judge at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance)

* Haydee Rosario (arbitrator, mediator)

* Roy N. Watanabe (arbitrator, mediator)

All but one of the panelists belong to the AAA roster, with five years or less of experience as neutrals. They all specialize in the labor field. Richard Adelman, a labor and employment arbitrator with over 40 years of experience, moderated the program.

During the program, four arbitration-case scenarios involving termination and other labor and employment issues were presented. At the end of each scenario, the arbitrators were asked whether they would uphold the termination or grant the grievance. They then displayed either a "yes" or a "no" card, and explained their rulings. The program also included a networking reception.

"We were thrilled with such a large turnout. There is certainly an interest in seeing the next generation of arbitrators," said Zaino. The AAA and the New York City Bar plan to present more programs highlighting the skills and expertise of new arbitrators. Programs in New York or New Jersey are being planned for later this year and 2011.