For more than 21 years, the Hon. David G. Bernthal, a popular federal magistrate judge, presided over thousands of cases at the US District Court for the Central District of Illinois. During his time on the bench, Judge Bernthal was praised by the legal community for his skills as a jurist, often being described as both a learned scholar and an efficient administrator. 

As a magistrate judge, he worked to mediate and settle many of the cases on his calendar. The unique settlement skill of a magistrate judge is critical to driving the federal court docket forward efficiently. Cases that need to be heard can come before a judge in a timely manner.

"Moving from sitting on the bench to sitting with people in mediation was a natural for me," says Judge Bernthal. "It was gratifying to facilitate negotiations and bring both sides to settlement as a magistrate judge, and now I can do it ever day as a mediator." 

Judge Bernthal has joined ADR Systems, Chicago's largest alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider. ADR Systems provides dispute resolution services, such as mediation and arbitration, to law firms and companies throughout the US. He is a senior mediator and arbitrator with ADR Systems.

"We are delighted to add Judge Bernthal to our panel of mediators and arbitrators," says Marc Becker, president of ADR Systems. Judge Bernthal has outstanding dispute resolution skills and he has successfully settled a wide variety of cases as a magistrate judge.

Judge Bernthal has extensive expertise in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, as well as commercial cases involving employment, contract, subrogation, intellectual property and construction. His proven legal knowledge and keen understanding of negotiation were critical to his settlement success on the bench and are pivotal assets in both his mediation and arbitration practice.

"In mediation, parties are poised for success because the process provides a safe environment for facilitated negotiation, which encourages cooperation rather than unproductive posturing. Parties can educate each other while at the bargaining table and robustly explore all of their settlement options," notes Judge Bernthal. "When parties come in not expecting to resolve their case and actually do settle, there is a sense of relief you can see in them. That always make me feel good about what I do." 

Judge Bernthal is well known throughout central and southern Illinois, and writes a monthly column for the News-Gazette, a newspaper based in Champaign, Illinois.

He also participates in a segment called, The Morning Show, on NewsTalk 1400 WDWS-AM, a Champaign-based radio station. "What I enjoy most about being part of the radio program," explains Judge Bernthal, "is the opportunity to instruct listeners regarding legal concepts that are discussed in the news so that they are not misled or confused about complicated issues they regularly encounter." 

In addition to mediation and arbitration, Judge Bernthal provides early neutral evaluation, special master services and consults in motion practice, witness presentations, and case review. He is available for dispute resolution in the Chicago metro area, downstate Illinois and other locations upon request.