I have initiated this website to introduce an exciting development in my career, and to describe my background and qualifications for that new professional status.  

May 1, 2023, is the launch date for Alcott ADR Services. Going forward, as the name of my new enterprise reflects, I will concentrate on Alternative Dispute Resolution – – in particular, serving as an arbitrator, special master and litigation neutral. My appointments will come, as they do now, from arbitral institutions, courts and designating parties. And, of course, I will continue my strong engagement in communal and pro bono activities, as a bar association leader, nonprofit board member, author, lecturer, and the like. 

Coincident with my new venture, I will conclude my long-standing and extremely rewarding affiliation as a practicing lawyer with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP. This change will be the culmination of a trend that began some time ago when, after decades as a partner, I became of counsel to the firm, pursuant to its partnership agreement. In that capacity, I spent increasing amounts of time sitting as an arbitrator, a role that I enjoy and  for which I have prepared through my lifetime of experience as trial lawyer  and ADR counsel. 

Since that time, my arbitration practice has grown, but so has the firm. More and more frequently, I have found it necessary to decline an ADR matter because those involved have a conflict or connection of some kind with Paul, Weiss. By concluding my affiliation with the firm, I will avoid such conflicts in the future and will be able to accept a much broader range of arbitrations. 

Of course, I will always remain a proud Paul, Weiss alumnus. I will always retain my deep affection for my many Paul, Weiss friends and colleagues, with whom I have been privileged to collaborate over the decades; my admiration for the firm’s towering position in our profession; and my gratitude for all it has enabled me to achieve over my professional lifetime.