During our series, esteemed leaders in law and dispute resolution Ms. Debra Hamilton of New York and Mr. Gary Norman of Maryland will discuss applying traditional as well as virtual Alternative Dispute Resolution tools in resolution of conflicts among people involving their animals. We will focus on every day events that impact pet ownership including divorce, neighbor, kennel, groomer vet or dogwalker/dogpark issues and in particular conflicts involving service or assistive animals. The public as well as practitioners in the legal or Alternative Dispute Resolution fields will learn the importance of having these difficult conversations in divorce, the neighborhood, the tavern, and the workplace involving animal related conflicts. Debra and Gary will explore how alternative dispute resolution methods, mediation or collaborative practice, help progress these difficult conversations towards resolution without litigation. In discussing the kinds of arenas where conflicts about animals may arise, our guests will address various legal issues that might be involved at the mediation of animal conflicts, including a two-part episode looking at issues implicated by the misuse of service animal status by the general public.

In this episode, the co-speakers will introduce listeners to the subfield within Alternative Dispute Resolution of animal related conflicts. Debra Hamilton and Gary Norman will tell you the what, where and how to include animal related conflicts in to your practice and how you can use the full range of tools available to alternative dispute resolution practitioners to assist these parties find their own solution to such conflicts.

Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, is the principal of Hamilton Law and Mediation, (HLM) Debra provides an alternative means of resolving conflict in disagreements between breeders/owners and handlers, neighbors over barking dogs, divorcing couples arranging pet custody agreements, vets and their clients, condo/coop - tenant and management. Her mediation practice provides a neutral ground on which to have a the conversation you want to have while peacefully co-existing. She helps her clients be heard at the time of the conflict and in the future. She works with everyone who wants to further their passion in the care of pets while reducing their exposure to conflict and litigation. You may contact Debra at 914-273-1085.

Gary Norman constitutes an attorney, licensed in Ohio, licensed in Maryland, and licensed before the United States Supreme Court, seeking to leverage Alternative Dispute Resolution tools to resolve conflicts. In his many adventures about town, where he is often the sole or even the first guide dog team in the room, his able second guide dog Pilot is present with them, reflecting the uniqueness of having a disability. As a lawyer, who specializes in the full range of Alternative Dispute Resolution tools, including, litigation when necessary; he believes that animals may play a leading role both at a mediation table and in the courtroom. Being a dynamic broker of relationships and of ideas, Mr. Norman is the leader in many organizations. Given this level of activity and his commitment to public service, he is the recipient of many awards. When he is not doing all of this, he may be found caring for his two dogs, a retired and an active guide dog; or reading one of his myriad books from the library for the blind. Gary Norman's article: Dispute Thy Neighbor, Hire A mediator was recently published in The Virginia Maryland Dog Magazine. You may contact Gary at (410) 241-6745

For more information: Gary Norman