Divorce Attorney Brian Vertz Receives Arbitration Certificate

Pollock Begg partner one of only two AAML-trained family law arbitrators in western PA

February 04, 2014 | Press Releases

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PITTSBURGH — Divorce attorney Brian C. Vertz, partner of family law firm Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC, recently received his certificate as a family law arbitrator from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Vertz is one of only two arbitrators with AAML training in Western Pennsylvania.

With this credential, Vertz can offer arbitration services to estranged couples seeking a more confidential, swift and sophisticated option to resolve their divorce without litigation and out of the general court system.

A fellow of the AAML with more than 20 years of experience in family law litigation, settlements and appeals, Vertz received the certificate from the AAML after completing an intensive training course and submitting a model arbitration award for evaluation by a panel of leading family law arbitrators from across the United States.

Arbitration, a method used widely to settle commercial disputes, continues to generate interest within family law as an alternative to litigation. It is similar to mediation ensuring confidentiality and a much faster process than hearings or trials in a courtroom. However, unlike mediation, which requires all parties to reach an agreement, arbitration allows spouses to voluntarily choose arbitrators to serve as private and impartial judges who make decisions.

“The court system is slow, and court dockets are growing longer every year. Many judges have limited capacity to hear economic issues because they are just trying to keep up with the custody cases,” said Vertz. “Private arbitration comes with a price, but many clients will experience a discernible cost savings due to their cases being completed faster and more efficiently.”

Pennsylvania has a general arbitration statute that adapts very well to family law, and as more clients desire speed and efficiency and flock to arbitration, Vertz predicts more family law attorneys will seek training.

Vertz comes to the arbitration process with a business valuation skill set rare among divorce lawyers. He holds an MBA and business valuation training, and focuses much of his practice on complex financial issues in family law.

“My training and experience have taught me to adapt the arbitration procedures to family law, offering all the advantages that have made arbitration popular in the business law community here and nationwide,” Vertz said.

Inducted as a fellow of the AAML in 2003, Vertz is among a group of more than 300 AAML-trained arbitrators across the U.S. The AAML is the only national organization offering family law arbitration training.

Vertz joined Pollock Begg in 2001 and became a named partner in 2012. His list of numerous professional accolades includes Best Lawyers in America every year since 2010 and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers every year since 2005.

AAML membership is restricted to those recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill, and integrity. There are currently 1,600 members in 50 states.

About Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC
Founded in 2001, Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC is a family law practice located in Downtown Pittsburgh. Pollock Begg is one of the largest firms dedicated solely to family law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a top-tier law firm as ranked by LexisNexis, Martindale-Hubbell and Best Lawyers, and is a champion for attorney pro bono work, volunteerism and community involvement. For more information, visit www.pollockbegg.com.

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For more information contact:
Susan Paff
Ideality Communications, LLC
(724) 513-0316
Susan@IdealityCommunications.com

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