Pittsburgh, PA – June 1, 2022- Leech Tishman is proud to announce that firm partner Crystal H. Thornton-Illar recently completed a 40-hour basic mediation training offered by The Conflict Lab/Behrend Mediation. Thornton-Illar is a Partner with Leech Tishman and a member of the Business Restructuring & Insolvency Practice Group where she co-leads the Bankruptcy Chapter 11 Subchapter V Debtor Group and leads the Bankruptcy Chapter 7 and 13 Debtor Group. Crystal is based in Leech Tishman’s Pittsburgh, PA office.
The Conflict Lab’s basic 40-hour mediation training is presented in conjunction with Behrend Mediation Services. In addition to comprehensive mediation skills, the training provides an overview of psychology and theory behind negotiation and conflict resolution. Participants are encouraged to develop their own mediation style based on their individual strengths and practice areas. The training includes the 16 hours of role plays required by the Federal Court ADR program. The course also meets the requirements of CLASP and other court-sponsored programs.
Over the course of her career, Thornton-Illar has represented commercial debtors, secured creditors, landlords, and trustees in both chapter 7 and chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. She has also represented creditors’ committees. Thornton-Illar is experienced in both prosecuting and defending preference and fraudulent transfer actions. She has also assisted various commercial clients in achieving out of court workouts with creditors alleviating the need for a bankruptcy proceeding.
In addition to being well-versed in commercial bankruptcy matters, Thornton-Illar has extensive experience in representing individual debtors in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. She has assisted numerous individuals in obtaining a fresh financial start by way of a bankruptcy discharge.
“Getting trained as a mediator in Pennsylvania requires a commitment to 40 hours of training and education on conflict resolution,” stated Pete A. Fuscaldo, managing partner of Leech Tishman. “This professional distinction will assist Crystal in helping her clients navigate dispute resolution issues and will be a great asset to the business restructuring & insolvency team here at Leech Tishman.”
ABOUT THE CONFLICT LAB AND BEHREND MEDIATION SERVICES
The Conflict Lab provides trainings to the public, organizations and corporations in conflict and mediation skills. For more information, visit: https://www.theconflictlab.com/
Behrend Mediation Services seeks to provide mediator expertise that is cost- effective, ethical, and responsive to the participants. With over 30 years of mediation experience, Bernie Behrend is one of the most experienced mediators in the Pittsburgh area. For more information, visit: http://www.behrendmediation.com/
ABOUT LEECH TISHMAN
Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl is a full-service law firm dedicated to assisting individuals, businesses, and institutions. Leech Tishman offers legal services in business restructuring & insolvency, corporate matters, employment & labor, estates & trusts, intellectual property, litigation & alternative dispute resolution, and real estate. In addition, the firm offers a wide range of legal services to clients in the aviation & aerospace, cannabis, construction, emerging cyber technologies, energy & natural resources, healthcare, and hospitality industries. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Leech Tishman also has offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Sarasota, and Washington, D.C.
Photo Credit: The Conflict Lab