Mediation
Two of our attorneys take mediation appointments: Ken Shapiro for business and commercial disputes, and Sam Funt for injury, medical negligence, business and commercial, and government liability matters. Scheduling for each is below.
The firm also represents clients in mediation and arbitration when the neutral is someone else, working toward a resolution without the expense and delay of a trial.
Mediators
Each has worked both the plaintiff and the defense side of a case, so they know how each side actually values one.
Kenneth A. Shapiro
Read bio →Ken Shapiro has handled commercial disputes in Atlanta since 1997 and is regularly retained as a neutral in other firms’ cases. He mediates business and commercial matters: contract disputes, partnership and shareholder disagreements, real estate, landlord-tenant, and creditor matters. To schedule, use our contact form; it helps to note the court, the case type, and whether you would prefer to meet in person or by video.
Samantha J. Funt
Read bio →Sam Funt mediates personal and catastrophic injury, medical negligence, business and commercial litigation, and municipal and government liability matters, in person or by video. Licensed in Georgia and Florida, she has tried more than 25 jury trials as lead counsel, and spent five years on the defense side at a large national firm before becoming a plaintiff-side partner here.
She joined Henning Mediation’s panel of neutrals (opens in new tab) in July 2026, and takes mediation appointments there. Read the announcement.
How mediation works
In mediation, a neutral third party works with both sides to reach a resolution. The mediator does not rule on the dispute; the outcome is left to the parties. The firm works with opposing counsel toward an agreement that protects the client’s interests, while preserving the business relationships that matter going forward.
If your contract requires arbitration
In arbitration, an impartial third party, the arbitrator, hears each side’s argument and issues a ruling. Depending on the terms of the parties’ agreement, that ruling may or may not be binding. Arbitration is increasingly common in the commercial context, and many contracts now require it before a dispute can be heard in court. The firm advocates on behalf of clients before the arbitrator, and continues to represent them at trial if the matter isn’t resolved through arbitration.
Things to weigh before you decide
Disputes among partners
Disagreements between partners, shareholders, and employees usually call for a more careful approach, since the business relationship often continues after the dispute is resolved.
Disputes with outside parties
Conflicts with suppliers, clients, or other outside parties can often support a more direct approach, without the same relationship to protect.
Staying out of court
Mediation is generally faster and less expensive than litigation, and it gives both sides more control over the outcome than a trial would.
When litigation is necessary
Not every dispute settles through mediation or arbitration. When a resolution can’t be reached in a matter where the firm represents a party, it is prepared to represent that client’s interests in court. The attorneys here have handled complex litigation matters in Georgia since 1997.