Schilling Certified by the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Tackles Hurricane Ida Mediations

Late last year, Fishman Haygood partner Blair Schilling became a certified mediator by the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, an internationally recognized program at Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law. The Straus Institute is one of the worlds’ leading educational programs in the field of dispute resolution and it prides itself on preparing effective negotiators, peacemakers, and problem solvers. Click here to read more about the ADR Program.

The completion of Schilling’s training comes at a pivotal time for the Louisiana court system. As detailed in the recent Law360 article “Uptick In Laura Suits Stresses Mediation Import, Experts Say,” there has been a vast increase in insurance coverage lawsuits in Louisiana over 2020 hurricane damages. One way to quell the surge? Mediation programs, which can help keep courts from becoming overloaded.

Schilling is making use of her mediation skills to help alleviate these pressures on the court by regularly mediating Hurricane Ida, Zeta, and Delta cases. Schilling approaches mediation as a neutral and confidential setting in which she facilitates an open dialogue with each party about their views on the underlying dispute. Through mediation, she hopes to enhance communication and negotiation between parties in order to lead to a mutually satisfactory resolution.

In addition to her mediation practice, Schilling represents clients in a wide range of commercial matters, with a concentration in environmental law. Click here to learn more about her practice.