Neal M. Eiseman

Practice areas

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Focus areas

Arbitration, Mediation

After dedicating more than thirty years to handling intricate business disputes through litigation, arbitration, and mediation, Neal Eiseman embarked on a new journey by establishing Eiseman ADR LLC. His primary focus shifted towards becoming a full-time neutral arbitrator and mediator. During his career as an advocate, Neal honed his expertise in the construction and real estate sectors, where he represented a diverse clientele comprising real estate developers, owners, lenders, construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, sureties, design professionals, and manufacturers.

Neal has assumed significant roles in various arbitration and mediation organizations. He holds a position on the Panel of Construction Arbitrators at the American Arbitration Association (AAA), including its esteemed Construction Arbitration Master Panel. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Panel of Arbitrators for the International Centre for Dispute Resolution and holds memberships on both the AAA’s Construction Master Mediation Panel and the Panel of Mediators of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. Notably, Neal has achieved the distinction of being ranked as a Band 1 Construction Mediator in New York by Chambers USA.

In his commitment to fostering the next generation of arbitrators, Neal dedicates his time to training newly admitted arbitrators for the AAA. He has also been an instructor for an intensive five-day AAA mediator training program titled “Essential Mediation Skills for the New Mediator.”

Recognized for his outstanding legal acumen, Neal has been named one of the “Top 100 Lawyers” in the New York Metropolitan Area by Super Lawyers in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. In 2017, Best Lawyers honored him as the “Lawyer of the Year” in New York City for “Litigation-Construction Law.”

Furthermore, Neal holds significant leadership roles within prestigious arbitration organizations. He is a Fellow and the President of the College of Commercial Arbitrators for the year 2022-23, a fellowship reserved for nationally and internationally renowned commercial arbitrators. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals.

Beyond his roles as an arbitrator and mediator, Neal contributes to legal education as an Adjunct Professor at Cardozo School of Law, where he imparts knowledge in Construction Law. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at New York University for over 25 years, teaching master’s level courses covering construction, real estate law, negotiation, and dispute resolution. In recognition of his outstanding service, Neal received the School of Professional Studies Award for Outstanding Service from NYU in 2015.

Neal is a sought-after speaker at various events organized by prominent legal associations, including the American Bar Association (ABA), the AAA, and the College of Commercial Arbitrators. He has addressed topics of paramount importance to the legal community, such as recent legal decisions and legislation affecting arbitration, best practices in commercial arbitration, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on arbitration practices.

In his extensive legal career, Neal has achieved notable successes, including representing unpaid telecommunications companies in a class-action lawsuit against Wells Fargo Bank. This lawsuit resulted in a favorable decision, awarding the subcontractors 100% of their claims, totaling $2.7 million, including interest. Neal also secured a significant arbitration award exceeding $1 million, which included attorney’s fees, on behalf of Manhattan condominium unit owners who alleged that the fair market value of their apartments had been diminished due to the sponsor’s actions. Additionally, Neal successfully appealed an adverse decision in a federal trial court case, establishing that a “Residential Exclusion” rider in a comprehensive general liability insurance policy does not allow a contractor’s insurance company to disclaim coverage for a residential condominium project.

Neal is an accomplished legal author, regularly contributing to legal publications on construction and commercial matters. His writings have covered a wide range of topics, from New York Construction Law to claims and disputes in arbitration. He has authored chapters in the ABA’s A201 Deskbook and the College of Commercial Arbitrators’ Guide to Best Practices in Commercial Arbitration.

Throughout his career, Neal’s commitment to the legal profession and dispute resolution has been evident in his contributions to legal associations. He is a member of the American and New York and New Jersey State Bar associations, the New York County Lawyers Association, and ABA Sections in Construction and Litigation. Notably, Neal served as the Chair of the Arbitration Subcommittee of the ABA’s Section of Litigation.

Colleagues and peers have consistently praised Neal’s intelligence, fresh perspective, pragmatic approach, and professionalism. Chambers USA has recognized him as a highly regarded mediator who excels at understanding intricate details and swiftly addressing complex issues.