“I became a neutral because most trial lawyers fall into the category of warriors or peacemakers,” says Glaser. “I've always been more of a peacemaker, so it was a natural evolution to becoming a mediator.”
Glaser became a mediator following a successful practice, primarily as a defense attorney. When one of his biggest clients, an insurance company, went bankrupt, he had some time to fill and began thinking about mediation.
“I love it. I get to spend my days with people I like and respect and get to help resolve their cases. There’s not a much better way to spend your day,” he adds.
Glaser could have easily taken a side road in his career path when he became involved in real estate. Not only did he buy, develop and operate three office buildings housing law firms, but he and a partner also built a number of spec homes for a few years.
“I found out it is a lot easier to build them than to sell them,” he laughs. However, he admits the experience helped him when he built his personal home in 1994 and when he mediates construction defect cases. “I’ve found it very helpful as a mediator to be able to read plans and understand construction sequencing,” he says.
In fact, Glaser feels one of the things that differentiates him from some mediators is his mathematical approach to settlements. He has developed a litigation risk analysis matrix which helps each party find the parameters of the settlement he calls “mutually uncomfortable”, the “sweet spot" of a mediation. This model helps educate people, particularly plaintiffs, as to what can and cannot be achieved.
Glaser’s family includes daughter Kimberly, 30, a high school English teacher, and Kevin, 26, an investment banker and passionate golfer. Son Dan was lost in an accident two years ago.
His wife is “the best-looking Wayne you’ll ever see,” according to Glaser. They have had lots of amusing situations as a result of her unusual first name, Wayne.
For fun, Glaser says he concentrates on the three G’s: gardening, golf, and his grandson, 2-year-old Patrick
Originally from Harrisburg, Virginia, Glaser came to Atlanta after completing a B.S. at Hampden–Sydney College and his J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1973. “I thought I’d go back to Virginia but I never did. Atlanta has just been a very exciting place to be the last 30 years,” he says.
The colleagues, who offer him the kind of respect Rodney Dangerfield could never know, are glad he stayed.
For more information on Art Glaser, go to www.henningmediation.com
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