Meet Mediator Steven Schwartz
Fri, Sep 19th, 2025 | by Miles Mediation and Arbitration | Article | Social Share
We recently spoke with Steven Schwartz, an attorney and mediator at Miles Mediation & Arbitration, about his background and interest in alternative dispute resolution.
Q: Steve, tell us a little bit about your legal background. What types of cases do you handle?
A: Before joining Brown & James in 1987, I worked for the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., handling intellectual property cases. My current practice includes business litigation, employment discrimination claims, professional liability cases (defending lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals, insurance brokers, and others), insurance coverage litigation and intellectual property litigation.
Q: You handle a variety of legal work. What sparked your interest in mediation?
A: I have handled hundreds of mediations for clients. Even though they may not have been initially excited about attending a mediation, once the case settled, most clients were relieved to have the matter behind them. I would like to contribute to the community of people who help settle cases because I have seen how it can affect people in a positive way.
Q: What types of cases are you interested in mediating?
A: I am interested in mediating all types of cases, but I have extensive experience with business/commercial cases, employment discrimination claims, professional liability cases, insurance coverage, and intellectual property cases.
Q: Every mediator has his or her own approach to mediation. How do you describe your “style” or approach?
A: I try to be creative in finding a middle ground between the parties. Each case is different and there is no “cookie-cutter” method that works every time. I try to find out the different motivations the parties have and move the discussion in that direction.
Q: What should lawyers expect from you when you mediate a case for them?
A: I will not give up easily. If the parties are at a standstill, I will try to find a creative way to bring them together.
Q: Is there anything else about you that you’d like potential clients to know about you, your background, and your work?
A: I have been a defense lawyer most of my career. Some people on the plaintiff’s side may be reluctant to hire me for that reason. There’s another way to look at this issue, however — because of my defense background, the people in the defendant’s room are more likely to listen to me. Therefore, I believe I can benefit both parties at a mediation. Regardless, I’m there to facilitate settlement on behalf of or all the parties involved.
ABOUT MILES MEDIATION & ARBITRATION
Miles Mediation & Arbitration is shaping the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) industry with our comprehensive professional services model that combines the expertise of our highly skilled, diverse panel of neutrals with an unparalleled level of client support to guide and empower parties to fair, timely, and cost-effective resolution regardless of case size, specialization, or complexity. For more information, please call 888-305-3553 or email support@milesadr.com.