Attorney Stewart Edelstein Joins National Panel of the American Arbitration Association

Bridgeport, CT July 8, 2008 - Stewart I. Edelstein, Chair of the Litigation group at Cohen and Wolf, P.C., has been certified as a member of the National Panel of American Arbitration Association (AAA) arbitrators for commercial disputes.

The certification as an AAA arbitrator qualifies Mr. Edelstein to be the arbitrator of any commercial dispute where the parties have agreed that the rules of the American Arbitration Association apply. The designation will expand the scope of Mr. Edelstein's services. For more than 30 years as an attorney, he has represented clients in arbitrating, mediating, and litigating a broad spectrum of commercial disputes.

"I am honored to take on the critical role of the arbitrator in the dispute resolution process," said Mr. Edelstein. "I believe strongly in the value of alternative dispute resolution and have experienced its benefits many times, having successfully represented clients in arbitrations throughout the course of my career."

To qualify as an American Arbitration Association Arbitrator, a candidate must have the requisite experience - including 10 years of senior-level business or professional experience or legal practice; be free from bias and prejudice; be able to evaluate and apply legal, business or trade principles; be able to manage the hearing process, and be held in the highest regard by peers for integrity, fairness and good judgment. Candidates must also undergo a substantive interview, submit letters of recommendation, and complete an intensive two-day course.

The American Arbitration Association, the global leader in conflict management since 1926, has provided services to individuals and organizations who wish to resolve conflicts out of court. The AAA is a not-for-profit, public service organization committed to the resolution of disputes through the use of arbitration, mediation, conciliation, negotiation, democratic elections and other voluntary procedures. In 2007, nearly 128,000 cases were filed with the Association in a full range of matters including commercial, construction, labor, employment, insurance, international and claims program disputes. More information is available at http://www.adr.org/.

Stewart Edelstein is a principal and chair of Cohen and Wolf's Litigation Group. His clients include Fortune 500 and other national corporations, as well as leading municipalities and notable individuals. He has taught Trial Practice at Yale Law School for more than a decade, and was selected to teach the first Advanced Trial Practice course at Yale this spring. Mr. Edelstein is a frequent faculty member at National Institute for Trial Advocacy seminars and at the Connecticut Trial Advocacy Institute. He regularly authors articles on litigation-related topics. He received his J.D. in 1973 from Cornell University and his B.A., magna cum laude, in 1970 from Oberlin College.

For more than half a century, Cohen and Wolf has represented business and individual clients in matters involving litigation, corporate and securities law, real estate, land use, tax, employment and labor, municipal law, personal injury, family law, estate planning, elder law and asset protection planning. The firm's team of nearly 50 experienced lawyers is based in its four Connecticut offices in Bridgeport, Danbury, Orange and Westport. For more information please visit http://www.cohenandwolf.com/.

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