Bill VanDeWeghe, Esq., is a mediator and arbitrator focusing on commercial, professional liability and employment disputes throughout the United States. 

“Bill expertly mediated a complex business dispute over a substantial investment, bringing clarity and resolution to a seemingly intractable situation. His keen understanding of financial intricacies and ability to foster productive dialogue between conflicting parties were instrumental in reaching a fair agreement. Bill’s direct approach broke through on a legal battle into a collaborative solution.”

“…With very little briefing, and Bill conducting a lot of independent research on the parties and the past litigation between them, he had an impressive mastery of the facts of the case, making his participation instrumental in the global settlement. We strongly recommend using Bill, because he has proven himself to be a smart, prepared and effective mediator! Bearing in mind that he was thrown into a complex case, at the last minute as the closer! Despite these challenges, he achieved a fabulous result, with only a single session of mediation.”

Mr. VanDeWeghe has been endorsed by plaintiff’s and defense counsel. He has a deep understanding of the challenges both sides of a dispute face as they navigate the uncertainties, risks and costs of litigation. As a former litigator, investment banker, CEO and board member, Mr. VanDeWeghe has firsthand experience with the complex issues regularly encountered by business owners, employees, boards of directors, investors, attorneys, accountants, contractors and vendors.

“…our firm retained Bill VanDeWeghe to assist in mediating a case that was on the verge of trial, to take one last shot at settling the case. This was a complex dispute involving multiple parties and entities, several lawsuits, and years of litigation. Bill immediately realized the need for a global settlement of all matters. After a full day of work, we were able to reach a settlement that surpassed the expectations of our clients and the opposing party.”

• CEO of a lab equipment and services company
• Co-founder and former CEO of a software startup company
• Managing director at an investment banking firm
• Public and private company board member
• Litigator for 15 years (10 years as a shareholder)
• AV rated since 1996
• Certified mediator at Align Mediation

Representative Matters

• Over 100 consumer mediations, resolving disputes between customers and a Fortune 500 corporation involving:
  • Financial agreements
  • Sales practices
  • Equitable compensation
• Mediated issues involving:
  • Conflicts between and among owners and board members
  • Business succession
  • Executive performance
  • Corporate exit planning
  • Intentional and negligent misrepresentations
  • Venture capital
  • Wrongful termination in violation of public policy
  • Employee liability
  • Insurance coverage
  • Executive indemnification
  • Contractual agreements
  • Business practices and administrative compliance
  • Business solvency

• Represented numerous companies (e.g., manufacturers, shipyards, restaurant chains, contractors and professional corporations (legal and accounting)) in claims involving:
  • Business disputes
  • Employment matters
  • Professional negligence and malicious prosecution
  • Intellectual property
  • Breach of contract
  • Product liability
  • Premises liability
  • Environmental contamination
  • Admiralty/Maritime
• As an investment banker, CEO, and board member, worked with business owners to:
  • Raise capital (individual investors and VC and PE firms)
  • Prepare for and conduct due diligence
  • Draft and negotiate purchase and merger agreements
  • Acquire, merge and sell companies
  • Assess and manage director and officer performance
  • Ensure compliance with banking and securities agreements and regulations
  • Obtain insurance coverage and pursue claims
  • Communicate with investors and assist in the resolution of disputes

Background and Education

• J.D., William and Mary Law School, 1990
• A.B., Princeton University, 1983
• Army Officer, 1983-1987