Learn why Don McNeil is Minnesota Mediation at its best.
Learn why Don McNeil is Minnesota Mediation at its best.
Mediation Expertise
With over 30 years of experience, Donald R. McNeil brings a unique approach to his mediation practice. Not only does Don use evaluative negotiation with input as a neutral, but his background as a trial attorney allows him to effectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each case.
Don is known for bringing ingenuity to his work as a mediator, “I solve problems. I always recommend mediation before going to arbitration or trial, with a limited number of exceptions, and you will find that judges in Minnesota require it. I am honored to receive referrals from judges to mediate difficult business and employment disputes. I think I’m known for being a straight shooter.”
Don is able to host mediation in person or via zoom. He handles two-party mediations and multiparty disputes including the use of the blind mediation technique.
Mediation Expertise
With over 30 years of experience, Donald R. McNeil brings a unique approach to his mediation practice. Not only does Don use evaluative negotiation with input as a neutral, but his background as a trial attorney allows him to effectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each case.
Don is known for bringing ingenuity to his work as a mediator, “I solve problems. I always recommend mediation before going to arbitration or trial, with a limited number of exceptions, and you will find that judges in Minnesota require it. I am honored to receive referrals from judges to mediate difficult business and employment disputes. I think I’m known for being a straight shooter.”
Don is able to host mediation in person or via zoom. He handles two-party mediations and multiparty disputes including the use of the blind mediation technique.
Local Issues. Effective Resolutions.
Don not only provides mediation services in the Twin Cities but also frequently travels to South-Central Minnesota (including Rochester, Mankato, St. Peter, New Ulm, and other areas) to offer his services. As a St. Peter native, Don has a strong connection to the region and often returns to his hometown. Clients who require a neutral mediator outside of their immediate community engage Don to provide services in Greater Minnesota.
Local Issues. Effective Resolutions.
Don not only provides mediation services in the Twin Cities but also frequently travels to South-Central Minnesota (including Rochester, Mankato, St. Peter, New Ulm, and other areas) to offer his services. As a St. Peter native, Don has a strong connection to the region and often returns to his hometown. Clients who require a neutral mediator outside of their immediate community engage Don to provide services in Greater Minnesota.
Litigation Cases that Inform Don’s Mediation Practice
Non-Competition
FINRA
- Non-solicit and restrictive covenants in FINRA arbitration involving the Broker Protocol
- FINRA Customer Disputes
- FINRA Employment Disputes
Commercial & Business
- Business and Commercial Contract Disputes
- Closely Held Business Disputes
- Commercial Real Estate Disputes
- Commercial landlord tenant disputes
- Commercial valuation and investment disputes
More Commercial & Business
- Executive Compensation Disputes
- Employment Disputes
- Statutory and common-law disputes involving individuals with disabilities including aspects of special education.
- Disability discrimination
Litigation Cases that Inform Don’s Mediation Practice
Non-Competition
FINRA
- Non-solicit and restrictive covenants in FINRA arbitration involving the Broker Protocol
- FINRA Customer Disputes
- FINRA Employment Disputes
Commercial & Business
- Business and Commercial Contract Disputes
- Closely Held Business Disputes
- Commercial Real Estate Disputes
- Commercial landlord tenant disputes
- Commercial valuation and investment disputes
More Commercial & Business
- Executive Compensation Disputes
- Employment Disputes
- Statutory and common-law disputes involving individuals with disabilities including aspects of special education.
- Disability discrimination
Don in the Media
“She left her special-needs son at a hospital, police say. Now moms are rallying behind her.”
The Washington Post | December 2019
“Special-ed reform: Paperwork exacerbates funding challenges, proponents say.”
MINNPOST | January 2019
“Inferior Decorations Dept.: Trashing Places”
Mad Magazine | May 2021
Committee on E-12 Policy, Committee Hearings and Actions for S.F. 2698
Minnesota Senate | March 2018
Don in the Media
“She left her special-needs son at a hospital, police say. Now moms are rallying behind her.”
The Washington Post | December 2019
“Special-ed reform: Paperwork exacerbates funding challenges, proponents say.”
MINNPOST | January 2019
“Inferior Decorations Dept.: Trashing Places”
Mad Magazine | May 2021
Committee on E-12 Policy, Committee Hearings and Actions for S.F. 2698
Minnesota Senate | March 2018
A Mediation Champion
As a parent of children with disabilities, Don is uniquely skilled at maneuvering complex disputes that involve individuals with disabilities. Don is especially alert to cases involving the disabled and elderly.
Don’s leadership in the disability community has not gone unnoticed. At the request of the Minnesota legislature, the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Don served on several policy-making committees. From that public service, he offers a unique understanding of the various nuances of disability law and social services resources that are available to individuals with disabilities.
A Mediation Champion
As a parent of children with disabilities, Don is uniquely skilled at maneuvering complex disputes that involve individuals with disabilities. Don is especially alert to cases involving the disabled and elderly.
Don’s leadership in the disability community has not gone unnoticed. At the request of the Minnesota legislature, the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Don served on several policy-making committees. From that public service, he offers a unique understanding of the various nuances of disability law and social services resources that are available to individuals with disabilities.
Scheduling Time with Don
With rates at just $400 per hour, Don provides expert guidance and resolution to your conflicts, ensuring a harmonious outcome for all parties involved.
Scheduling a mediation is as easy as using my calendar, where you can experience the value of our efficient and productive sessions. Let’s navigate the path to resolution together.
Scheduling Time with Don
With rates at just $400 per hour, Don provides expert guidance and resolution to your conflicts, ensuring a harmonious outcome for all parties involved.
Scheduling a mediation is as easy as using my calendar, where you can experience the value of our efficient and productive sessions. Let’s navigate the path to resolution together.
Don’s Mediation Blog
Alexander Hamilton Died from Choosing a Bad Mediator
Choosing the right mediator for resolving your dispute is important and can make all the difference in the world. In the case of Alexander Hamilton, he chose the wrong mediator and it cost him his life. The Aaron Burr v. Alexander Hamilton duel has received recent...
What Chief Justice Sandy Keith Told Me
Former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander MacDonald "Sandy" Keith died last month. I served as a law clerk at the Court when the Chief joined as the junior associate justice in 1989. He was the first person to hold office in each of the three...
The Notorious RBG – And the Honorable Mary Jeanne Coyne
Our country is reflecting on Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's career and contributions to our country both as an advocate and as a jurist. She went to law school during a time that the legal profession consisted mostly of men. Justice Ginsberg graduated at the top of...
Don’s Mediation Blog
Alexander Hamilton Died from Choosing a Bad Mediator
Choosing the right mediator for resolving your dispute is important and can make all the difference in the world. In the case of Alexander Hamilton, he chose the wrong mediator and it cost him his life. The Aaron Burr v. Alexander Hamilton duel has received recent...
What Chief Justice Sandy Keith Told Me
Former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander MacDonald "Sandy" Keith died last month. I served as a law clerk at the Court when the Chief joined as the junior associate justice in 1989. He was the first person to hold office in each of the three...
The Notorious RBG – And the Honorable Mary Jeanne Coyne
Our country is reflecting on Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's career and contributions to our country both as an advocate and as a jurist. She went to law school during a time that the legal profession consisted mostly of men. Justice Ginsberg graduated at the top of...
Feedback
Feedback
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve resolved multiple contested matters using Mr. McNeil as mediator. In fact, I’ve never had a mediation conducted by Don that did not result in a settlement, either during the mediation session or following the session with additional work by Don. Don’s experience as a trial lawyer and mediator, coupled with his thoughtful approach to dispute resolution, are a winning combination.
S.P.
Attorney
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve resolved multiple contested matters using Mr. McNeil as mediator. In fact, I’ve never had a mediation conducted by Don that did not result in a settlement, either during the mediation session or following the session with additional work by Don. Don’s experience as a trial lawyer and mediator, coupled with his thoughtful approach to dispute resolution, are a winning combination.
S.P.
Attorney
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have worked with Don many times over the years. He is a thoughtful mediator, he works hard to understand the dispute and each party’s legal, business, and personal interests in resolving it. Moreover, Don is a good listener, so the parties know they have been heard and understood. That goes a long way to getting a resolution.
V.L.
Attorney
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Don has served as our mediator on several cases involving commercial disputes and securities cases. Don is smart, experienced, personable, and has a strong drive to resolve the case. I appreciate how Don takes the time to adequately prepare in advance of the mediation session and how he keeps the negotiation flowing on the day of.
M.L.
Attorney