Michael Russell
Michael Russell Senior Neutral
See Rates Below

Overview

Michael Russell

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Michael Russell is widely regarded as one of the leading employment law and class action mediators in the United States. In addition, Michael frequently mediates complex business disputes and matters involving high-profile litigants. His first book, “Mediation Matters: Practical Negotiation Strategies from a Nationally Recognized Mediator,” was the #1 new release among ADR books on Amazon, and in 2024, he was one of only three mediators in Tennessee to receive a “Band 1” ranking, the highest ranking possible, by Chambers USA. 

With a national practice, Michael has successfully mediated cases from coast to coast. He has helped resolve disputes that have been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and many other leading media outlets. 

Michael graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee. He received his law degree from the University of Memphis, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a Humphreys Law Fellow. Michael also holds an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from the University of Missouri. Michael has a distinguished teaching career, having served on the adjunct faculty at multiple universities. He currently teaches alternative dispute resolution at the Belmont University College of Law.

Michael is a sought-after speaker and writer. He has published articles in the American Journal of Mediation, the American Journal of Trial Advocacy, the Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal, the University of Memphis Law Review, the Ohio Northern University Law Review, the Seton Hall Constitutional Law Journal, and Employee Rights Quarterly. His articles have been cited by courts, scholars, and in testimony before the United States Congress. 

In his spare time, Michael enjoys reading, travel, and spending as much time on the tennis court as he can. His travels have taken him to Cuba, Central America, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and across much of Europe. He and his wife, Heather, live in suburban Nashville; they have two sons, Preston, and Carlisle.

Education

  • B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, University of Tennessee
  • J.D., Magna Cum Laude, University of Memphis
  • LL.M. in Dispute Resolution, University of Missouri

Admitted to Practice

  • Tennessee, 1999 –  Present

Professional or Trade Affiliations

  • 2024 Chambers USA Ranked – Litigation: Mediators – TN – Band 1 – the highest ranking possible (assessed by technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment)
  • 2023 Chambers USA: Leading Lawyers for Business (Litigation: Mediators in Tennessee)
  • National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Mid-South Super Lawyers
  • Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent (5.0 out of 5.0)
  • 2018 Nashville Lawyer of the Year – Labor
  • 2020 Nashville Lawyer of the Year – Employment
  • 2023 Nashville Lawyer of the Year – Labor and Employment Litigation
  • 2024 Nashville Lawyer of the Year – Employment Law
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Tennessee
  • Top 50 Lawyers in Nashville
  • Fellow, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
  • Fellow, Tennessee Bar Foundation
  • Fellow, Nashville Bar Foundation
  • Co-Founder, Howell Edmunds Jackson American Inn of Court
  • Former Member of the Board of Governors, University of Tennessee Alumni Association
  • Former Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association Labor and Employment Section
  • Former Chair of the Nashville Bar Association ADR Committee

2024 Chambers USA Ranked – Litigation: Mediators – TN – Band 1 – the highest ranking possible (assessed by technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment)

Testimonials

What Michael’s colleagues say about him . . .

“Thank you, again, for all of your tremendous assistance yesterday.  It was a master class in negotiation and we are exceptionally grateful for all that you did.”
– New York attorney

“Thanks so much for your hard work yesterday.  You are an extremely talented mediator and should raise your rates (except for our matters).” – Nashville attorney

“My clients and I always notice the effort you put into understanding the issues and all parties’ perspectives and how hard you work to help achieve a satisfactory resolution to the problem at hand.  The combination of talent, knowledge of the law, effort, and humor (I love that part), and the overall approach that you bring to mediation, is rare and remarkable.  Keep up the great work.  It serves litigants and the justice system well and is appreciated very much by clients and lawyers alike.” – Nashville attorney

“Thanks again for all your hard work last week.  You ran a mediator’s masterclass in problem-solving.” – Atlanta attorney

“Michael Russell has quickly become the ‘go to’ mediator for my firm.  He comes to the mediation well prepared and apprised of the facts and applicable law.  He connects very well with my clients and is not afraid to push both sides of the table when necessary.”  – Nashville attorney

“Thanks again for the great work you did at the mediation today. I did not think that case would settle, but you worked some serious magic.” – Nashville attorney

“I highly recommend [Michael].  He works very hard and spends more time on pressing each side as opposed to telling war stories and wasting time.  At the same time, he still manages to establish an excellent rapport very quickly.” – Chattanooga attorney

Rates and Fees

Rates - Michael Russell

If you have questions regarding our rates and fees, please contact support@milesadr.com

MEDIATION RATES:

Flat Rates
Standard Rate: $8,000.00 Per Day
Class, Collective and Multi-Plaintiff: $10,000.00 Per Day
Weekend Rate: $18,000.00 Per Day
In-person Mediation Conducted Outside of Tennessee: $18,000.00 Per Day
These flat rates cover all travel time, up to 3 hours of prep work, and up to 2 hours of follow-up. Rates are exclusive of travel expenses and administrative fees.

 

Nashville Mediation Admin Fee: $300 per party
Pre/Post Consultation & Document Review: $650 per hour
Arbitration Rates: $8,000 per day for the hearing on the merits; $650 per hour for pre/post hearing matters
Travel expenses, including but not limited to  flights, meals and lodging, billed separately and split equally among the parties.

MEDIATION CANCELLATION POLICY

Mediations cancelled within 10 days of the mediation will be charged a cancellation fee of $2000.
However, mediations cancelled, rescheduled or settled within 24 hours of the mediation will be charged half of the Neutral’s per day flat rate. Cancellation fees shall be sent to the cancelling party unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

Mediation /Arbitration Admin Fees
Nashville Mediation Admin Fee - $300 per party
Arbitration Commencement And Administration Fee: $1500 per party

ARBITRATION FEE PAYMENT POLICY

Arbitration Commencement and Administrative Fee is $1500.00 per party, per arbitrator. At the commencement of arbitration, each party will be invoiced $1500.00. This fee is refundable minus $500.00 per party until the initial case management order has been issued. All arbitration related invoices are due upon receipt.

ARBITRATION CANCELLATION POLICY

If a single-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within 15 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate. However, if the single-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within 2 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 8 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate.

If a multi-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within 28 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator's hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing. However, if the multi-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within 7 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 8 hours of the Arbitrator's hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing.

Issuance of the Final Arbitration Order/Award

Arbitration Awards/Orders will not be issued to either party until Miles has received full payment for all fees and expenses associated with the arbitration.