Meet Erin Gleason Alvarez | Mediator, Arbitrator & Special Master

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Gleason Alvarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As a lawyer, I was trained to assess and manage risk. I’ve always worked in disputes – as a litigator initially and now as a mediator and arbitrator. It has always been my job to help other people identify risk and how to either manage or avoid it. From a business perspective, risk management is a necessity in order for companies to grow, promote efficiencies, and manage cost.

In my own life, risk is a necessary factor. Living fully means taking risks. Often. I never want to be in a position where I say to myself, “I wish I had only….” So I listen to my gut and I do what I want to do. It doesn’t always work perfectly, but that’s ok. With every risk, I know myself better, I learn and grow.

What should our readers know about your business?
Working as a mediator and arbitrator is peacebuilding work. With every case, I am privileged to be able to help others move on from the stress, anger, and anguish that comes with conflict. That’s also why much of my work is influenced by the practice of mindfulness – helping people release judgment and manage the heavy emotions that often come up.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have lived in New York for over 20 years (though there was a two year hiatus in Westwood). These days, I live in a quiet Brooklyn neighborhood with my husband and son. Here is our list of must-see NYC:

Outdoors: Prospect Park in Brooklyn, particularly the Nethermead. Central Park North Woods waterfall hike. Bronx Zoo; Central Park Zoo.

Culture: Metropolitan Museum, Whitney, Morgan Library, Brooklyn Library, Met Opera, new David Geffen Hall.

Food: So many restaurants were closed in the wake of the pandemic, including many favorites. But Cortelyou Road is still thriving in Brooklyn. Also love Cecconi’s, Cipriaini Wall Street, anything Keith McNally.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother has always been my biggest cheerleader. When I was about ten years old, I decided I was going to be an attorney. There were no lawyers in our family. I had never met such a person in real life. But I knew that was the path for me. My mom always told me that I could do whatever I wanted, that I was brilliant and strong and that I would be a great success. And she still tells me these things today.

Website: www.gleasonadr.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gleason-alvarez/