Attorney Paul J. Burkhart
With a career dedicated to the practical realities of business law and alternative dispute resolution, I serve as a neutral arbitrator, acting as chairperson, sole arbitrator, and panel member in more than 350 arbitration cases. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for alternative dispute resolution, firmly believing that arbitration offers a practical, focused, and efficient path forward for complex conflicts.
My practice encompasses a broad spectrum of both commercial and consumer disputes, delivering balanced, well-reasoned resolutions that honor contractual obligations while carefully weighing the positions and realities of all parties involved.
A Focused, Practical Approach
My general approach to arbitration is to move as swiftly and efficiently as possible toward identifying the core concerns and wider interests of all parties. By fostering open communication and establishing common ground, my goal is to deliver a just, well-reasoned award that honors contractual obligations while carefully weighing the positions of everyone involved.
I am honored to be held in high regard for an open and approachable demeanor, having served as a tribunal chair, sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator, and emergency arbitrator in over 300 matters (including appointments through leading forums such as the American Arbitration Association [AAA] since 2017 and FINRA since 2007).
Scope of Expertise & Case Types
My arbitration practice encompasses a broad spectrum of commercial, financial, and consumer disputes, having presided over diverse matters including:
- Commercial & Contractual Disagreements: Wide-ranging commercial contracts, terms and conditions, supply agreements, joint ventures, co-working arrangements, agency and distribution relationships, sales agent activities, and manufacturing contracts.
- Corporate, Partnership & Financial Disputes: Shareholder disputes, mergers and acquisitions, corporate transactions and financing, partnership conflicts, debt and creditor issues, insurance matters, real estate holdings, leasing arrangements, and dissolution of wealth engagements.
- Securities & FINRA Matters: FINRA member-employer disputes (including restrictive covenants and promissory note enforcement), expungements, unsuitable and misleading investment recommendations, unauthorized speculation, over-concentration, supervisory failures, breach of fiduciary duties, and violations of industry rules and securities acts.
- Corporate Conduct & Governance: Claims involving allegations of fraud (common law, securities, and constructive fraud), breach of directors’ duties, negligent misrepresentation, contractual negligence, non-transparent business practices, and wrongful or insolvent trading.
- Employment & Workplace Matters: Claims relating to departing employees, breach of confidentiality, removal of company property, and restrictive covenants.
- IP, Technology & Operations: Software development contracts, framework agreements, IT sector claims, licensing arrangements, and intellectual property rights infringement.
- Specialized Sectors: Music, media, entertainment, and sports sector claims; franchise agreement disputes; professional negligence claims (involving solicitors, accountants, surveyors, and financial advisers); and disputes involving charities, trustees, management, social enterprises, and churches or ministries.
In every proceeding, my commitment is to maintain a fair, balanced, and transparent forum that leads to an equitable and definitive resolution, helping parties move past conflict and back to business.