Scheinman Arbitration & Mediation Services

Experience.  Excellence.  Results.

 

Martin F. Scheinman, Esq., Arbitrator, and Mediator, founded Scheinman Arbitration and Mediation Services (SAMS) after 40 years of practice to expand upon the professionalism and skill set which has made Marty one of the country’s leading arbitrators and mediators of workplace and business disputes. By incorporating other highly skilled neutrals steeped in the Scheinman method, SAMS utilizes the full array of innovative, cost-effective strategies to settle and decide the most complex and vexing disputes.

Our varied experiences, coupled with the breadth of capacity, differentiates SAMS from solo practitioners. SAMS is designed to also handle complex, time-sensitive cases, some requiring multiple neutrals able to work collaboratively. SAMS neutrals are recognized for their experience, commitment to excellence and innovative techniques and practices. They are enhanced by a full support staff whose professionalism and multi-faceted administrative capabilities are unparalleled in ADR.

List of Law firms which have utilized, in the last three years, neutral services offered by Martin Scheinman and SAMS.

Housed in a custom-designed, state-of-the-art Arbitration and Mediation facility, SAMS is located along the historic waterfront in Port Washington, New York, convenient to New York City and the surrounding Tri-State region. It can accommodate, simultaneously, numerous hearings and mediations with ample space for multi-party cases, with expansive conference rooms, break out rooms, seamless technology and full-service office amenities.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scheinman requested by Governor Hochul and State Corrections Union for SAMS to mediate dispute on an urgent basis due to strikes at dozens of correction facilities statewide.

On February 19, 2025, I was contacted by representatives from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and representatives from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (“NYSCOPBA”). The parties requested my and my team’s immediate involvement as an independent mediator to quickly and equitably resolve the strike at numerous Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”) facilities. Upon meeting with the parties via Zoom yesterday afternoon, I agreed to help and to do so quickly.

To this end, as my colleagues and I enter this dispute, I am mindful of the February 19, 2025, Order of State Supreme Court Judge Dennis Ward and the underlying safety concerns raised by the present situation. I am concerned this process to facilitate a meaningful resolution of the Union’s issues may be frustrated by disregarding the Court’s Order.

I have determined it is in the parties’ best interests to set an aggressive mediation schedule to discuss numerous outstanding issues fueling the strike. The parties will conduct an introductory informational session this week via Zoom to present an overview of initial positions and issues.  Three days of mediation shall be conducted on February 25, 26, and 27, 2025. Additional days shall be scheduled as needed.

The following mediation teams shall attend:

NYSCOPBA:

  1. President Chris Summers
  2. Executive Vice President Matt Keough
  3. William P. Golderman (counsel)
  4. Gregory T. Myers (counsel)
  5. Keith R. Jacques (counsel)

The State of New York:

  1. Office of Employee Relations Director Michael Volforte
  2. DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello

I am confident this mediation process can help the parties open a constructive dialogue to move towards resolution of their differences. I look forward to working with both teams to ensure a fair and thoughtful discussion of their concerns takes place.

Martin F. Scheinman, Esq.

Mediator
Scheinman Arbitration and Mediation Services

UPDATE

At the initial meeting today, February 21, 2025, NYSCOPBA pressed for formal mediation to start more quickly. Based upon NYSCOPBA’s arguments, I suggested it was a good idea to begin earlier and the Commissioner of DOCCS; and his Chief of Staff, and the Director of OER, readily agreed.

Therefore, the formal mediation will begin Monday, February 24, 2025.