Richard J. Fodera, Esq. is a seasoned litigator with more than 30 years of experience in civil litigation. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Mr. Fodera successfully represented clients in hundreds of complex high exposure cases from inception through verdict or settlement including those involving negligence, personal injury, stemming from auto accidents, premises liability and labor law matters, and product liability cases. Since joining NAM, he has successfully arbitrated and mediated a myriad of cases involving automobile accidents, labor law, and premises liability.

Prior to becoming a full-time Hearing Officer at NAM, Mr. Fodera represented a wide range of clients from major corporations to smaller business entities and individuals. His clients have included some of the largest corporations in the U.S., such as United Parcel Service, JC Penney Department Store, Federated Department Store, and Regal (United Artists) Cinemas. Mr. Fodera regularly appeared arguing matters before the Supreme Courts of New York, Kings and Richmond Counties, as well as the Civil Court of Kings County. Further, he has represented clients in the Jury Coordinator Part (JCP) in Brooklyn Supreme Court where he participated in thousands pre-trial settlement conferences involving automobile cases and premises and labor law disputes.

As a litigator, Mr. Fodera participated in numerous mediations and arbitrations, a method he views as an effective means to efficiently move cases to settlement. His background as a managing attorney, litigator, and skillful negotiator provides him with the experience and focus required to bring parties and counsel together and move cases toward an equitable and impartial resolution. Mr. Fodera is well known and highly respected throughout the New York legal community by both plaintiff and defense attorneys alike, allowing him to develop a positive working relationship with both sides of the bar.

In 2023, for the fourth year in a row, Mr. Fodera was voted a Top Ten Arbitrator in the New York Law Journal “Best Of” survey. He is motivated by a judicial philosophy that competency, honesty, integrity, courtesy, and compassion are essential to a successful arbitration or mediation.

He is available to arbitrate and mediate cases throughout the New York Metro area.