Marking a Decade of Excellence with a Gala Celebration in NYC on November 19
Silicon Valley, CA – November 5, 2024 – The Silicon Valley Arbitration and Mediation Center (SVAMC), a leader in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tailored for the global technology sector, proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, SVAMC will host a special 10th Anniversary Gala on November 19, 2024, in New York City during New York Arbitration Week.
A Visionary Start: The Founding of SVAMC
SVAMC was established as a nonprofit educational foundation by international technology lawyer Gary Benton with a mission to support the U.S. and international technology sector through ADR. Joining Benton in leadership were the initial directors and Executive Committee members, including Les Schiefelbein, Chris Compton, Susan Nycum, Jim Grossman and Bob Morrill. These founding members conceived SVAMC not as an administrator of ADR proceedings, but as a catalyst for collaboration between leading technology companies, law firms, universities, and national and international ADR providers. With a focus on education, outreach, and building strong ties with the tech sector, SVAMC became a trusted and independent voice, promoting arbitration and mediation as practical alternatives to lengthy litigation in resolving complex business and technology disputes.
Under the leadership of the Founding Directors, one of SVAMC’s early major accomplishments was the publication of the “SVAMC Tech List,” an annual peer-vetted selection of top-tier arbitrators and mediators with specialized expertise in technology.
In 2024, Jonathan Fitch was elected CEO. As SVAMC enters its second decade, its mission remains clear: to promote the effective use of ADR within the technology sector. Through ongoing educational programs, international collaborations, and thought leadership, SVAMC continues to shape the future of dispute resolution in an industry known for its rapid evolution and complexity.
To celebrate its ten years of achievements, SVAMC is hosting a 10th Anniversary Gala on November 19, 2024, during New York Arbitration Week.
“We are thrilled to celebrate SVAMC’s 10th anniversary and reflect on a decade of innovation and leadership in ADR for the tech sector,” said Jonathan Fitch, current CEO of SVAMC. “Our founders had a vision to revolutionize how technology companies resolve disputes, and thanks to their pioneering work and the dedication of our members, we’ve seen that vision come to life,” added Sarah Reynolds, recent Managing Partner at Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP, and immediate past SVAMC CEO.