Melvin L. Vatz – Mediator and Arbitrator is a Pittsburgh-based legal professional specializing in alternative dispute resolution, with a distinguished focus on employment law, civil rights, and labor-management disputes. With over 15 years of dedicated experience as a mediator and arbitrator in both federal and state court cases, he stands out for his balanced perspective, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants throughout his extensive career.
His approach is informed by 45 years of civil and criminal trial litigation experience, offering clients a mediator and arbitrator who deeply understands the nuances of litigation from all angles. He is particularly valued for his ability to facilitate constructive dialogue in high-stakes disputes, helping parties assess case strengths, avoid prolonged court battles, and achieve efficient resolutions. His practice caters to individuals, labor unions, small businesses, and organizations involved in employment-related or civil rights conflicts.
Services Offered
- Mediation service
- Arbitration service
- Employment law mediation and arbitration
- Civil rights claims mediation and arbitration
- Age, race, sexual harassment, gender, and disability discrimination claims resolution
- Section 1983 claims and police misconduct disputes
- First Amendment claims resolution
- Employment contract disputes
- Non-competition clause and intellectual property disputes
- Collective bargaining agreement arbitrations
- Personal injury and workers’ compensation dispute resolution
- Early neutral evaluation
- Alternative dispute resolution for federal and state court cases
He serves clients across the United States District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, as well as all Pennsylvania Common Pleas Courts. He is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial Arbitration Panel, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel, and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Mediation Labor Arbitration Panel.
