Bring forty years of trial experience to your negotiation process.
Steve Barney · True North ADR
Steve's trial skills and courtroom experience have consistently led him to recognition by his peers. He is a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has repeatedly been named a Super Lawyer and has served as President of both the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) and the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (MDTC).
Steve's vast years of courtroom work with judges and juries allows him to bring a perspective to the table that will help you, your clients and your adversaries reach resolutions that may seem impossible. Steve has mediated hundreds of cases over the past 20 years and is known for his unique ability to relate to all kinds of personalities.
Steve is a Certified Mediator for both State and Federal Courts. He is a graduate of Harvard University's Mediation Program and has completed additional training from nationally recognized institutions.
In December of 2015, Steve left his former firm of Plunkett Cooney and now provides his services exclusively through True North ADR, LLC. His ADR practice is statewide with some regional and national experience.
True North ADR provides comprehensive alternative dispute resolution services structured to the needs of the matter and the parties involved.
Consulting on non-litigation matters involving a wide range of disputes in the business and professional world — from business partner disputes to employment issues to difficulties with business clients, suppliers and professional services.
Mediation of litigated matters from the filing of a complaint to post-judgment issues. Steve is a Certified Mediator for both State and Federal Courts and has mediated hundreds of cases over the past 20 years.
Arbitration for disputes whether in litigation or pre-litigation, structured to meet the needs of the parties and the subject matter. Steve has been an AAA Commercial Panel Member for over two decades.
A condensed summary trial process — jury selection through verdict — completed in a single day. The parties can use the verdict as advisory or may elect to have it form the basis of a binding settlement.
Fellowship is extended by invitation only to trial lawyers whose careers reflect the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.
A national association of experienced plaintiff and defense trial lawyers dedicated to preserving the right to civil jury trial.
Named a Super Lawyer in Michigan continuously from 2006 through 2014 — a recognition of sustained peer respect and professional achievement.
My entire legal career has been almost exclusively devoted to litigation where I have represented businesses and individuals in a variety of areas: Professional Liability; Construction Liability; Products Liability; Complex Commercial & Property Liability; General Liability & Business Torts; Transportation; Oil & Gas field operations and leasing; and domestic relations.
My Alternative Dispute Resolution practice began more than 20 years ago when I was accepted as part of a pilot program for mediation through the Western District of Michigan's U.S. Federal District Court. I have also been a panel member of the American Arbitration Association's Commercial Arbitrators for the past twenty years.
I left my former firm of Plunkett Cooney in December of 2015 and now provide my services exclusively through True North ADR, LLC. I have mediated several hundred cases and have acted as both a sole and panel arbitrator in a number of cases. I am current on all the AAA's requirements to remain listed as a Commercial Arbitration panel member.
Professional Liability
Products Liability
Complex Commercial & Business Torts
Transportation & Auto
Construction Liability
Various publications in conjunction with personal presentations, most recently on facilitation, products liability, technology and internet discovery, including:
“I have used Steve as a mediator for years in a variety of different cases. I find him to be no nonsense and tells me the good, the bad and the ugly of my cases; something crucial in a good mediator. He will work hard towards a resolution, but not waste your time if resolution isn't a real possibility.”
Blake Ringsmuth, Plaintiff's Counsel
RingsmuthWuori PLC · www.rwinjurylaw.com
“Steve has the kind of trial experience that allows him to analyze a case and determine, with accuracy, a range of value. Even more importantly, he has the personality to look a plaintiff's attorney in the eye and tell him that the case is weak and will not play well to a jury. Similarly, he can look at a defendant's attorney and clearly state the problems with his case. It is Steve's vast trial experience that makes his comments credible and persuasive.”
Mark Bickel, Defense Counsel
Swigger & Bruce, Traverse City, MI · www.swiggerandbruce.com
“If you need a persuasive, insightful, analytical and empathetic professional to resolve cases large or small, Steve Barney is the mediator I recommend you call. Steve possesses extraordinary skills to bring people together. He has never disappointed my clients or me. He is always at his best and always creatively finds ways to resolve disputes that seem beyond out-of-court resolution. We are lucky to have a person of Steve's capacity and integrity to act as a mediator.”
Vincent Petrucelli, Plaintiff Counsel
Petrucelli & Waara, Iron Mountain, MI · www.petrucelliwaara.com
“Steve Barney is a well-respected, seasoned trial attorney, mediator and arbitrator with a stellar reputation as a leader in his field and in his profession. Known throughout the United States and Europe as an advocate for his clients and his brother and sister lawyers, he was elected by his peers as President of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, an invitation-only trade association of 1,300 vetted trial attorneys, in-house corporate counsel and claims professionals — one of the highest professional honors that a defense counsel can receive. Personable, honorable and trustworthy, he is to whom I have and will continue to recommend my most treasured clients when the need arises, knowing as I do that they will receive excellent representation from a classy guy.”
Dan Kohane, Defense Counsel
Buffalo, NY · www.hurwitzfine.com
Steve responds personally to every inquiry. Whether you're exploring mediation, arbitration, or need a consulting opinion before litigation, reach out directly.