In-person and online
mediation services
Meet the Founder
Brian R. Haskell, JD
National Association of Certified Mediators
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from University of Rhode Island
- Law Degree, University of Connecticut School of Law
- Former clerk for the Connecticut Supreme Court
- 20 years in the private practice
I formed Next Chapter Mediators to serve the community as an expert in resolving difficult and sometimes seemingly intractable disputes.
Most disputes I have worked to resolve involved relatively typical matters between spouses, land use and property lines, business and corporate matters, and alleged contract breaches. But many unusual cases have walked through my door as well. One involved the misidentification of a valuable show horse because the identifying tattoo on the inside of her lip had been misread. Another involved the rightful owner of a race car that had been bequeathed in a will. Perhaps the most difficult involved the valuation of a rare gemstone that represented about half the value of a very large estate. The most important case, however, is always the one I am working on. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
What we do for you
We measure the success of mediation by the desirability and durability of the resulting agreement. Such agreements are best arrived at in a calm, respectful, and confidential environment guided by someone with a thorough understanding of the issues and life experience providing perspective and understanding.
We share our lived experience and hard-earned knowledge to help people resolve their differences and move forward with confidence, optimism, and happiness.
Brian’s Story
Initially, I chased my dream of a professional music career, studying trombone at Indiana University followed by a six year stint in the U.S. Navy band. I then earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Rhode Island and a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
After law school, I enjoyed perhaps the best job any lawyer can get as a clerk for the Connecticut Supreme Court. I followed this with 20 years in the private practice of law, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. This practice required expertise in corporate, tax, labor and employment, liability and risk assessment, bankruptcy, and property law among other things. I also maintained a robust, pro bono, family law practice.
In 2009, after completing three years as General Counsel for a NASDAQ listed company, I retired from the regular practice of law to form my own company. There, I learned the difference between the strict application of law, and the practical resolution of real-life problems. After selling that company, I was vice president and member of the executive committee for Applied Concepts, Inc.
As an attorney, business owner, and business executive, I observed and participated in disputes that could have been resolved successfully with the parties sitting around the table talking reasonably. All too often, however, these cases exploded into pitched court battles at catastrophic expense in time and money to both parties. After such clashes, even the prevailing parties were often left unsatisfied.
For this reason, I developed a strong affinity for alternatives to litigation, especially mediation. I believe that when parties reach resolution based on shared interests and understanding, and without the heartache and conflict of an expensive and uncertain litigation process, healing can begin and individuals can more rapidly move on to the next phase of their lives.
Testimonials
Brian is a rare breed in the world of mediators. He has the business and legal experience necessary, but he also has compassion. He understands that he is dealing with people’s lives and he takes that into consideration every step of the way.
Sara Wilkinson
Associate General Counsel
AAA New England, Inc.
Brian provides a unique perspective that most with legal training do not possess. His intelligence, thoughtfulness, and ease of communication make him the clear choice for anyone seeking advice, counsel, and assistance in any dispute, whether personal or business. I highly recommend Brian for whatever challenges you may face. He will be someone you can count on and can trust explicitly.
Craig Primiani
Chief Executive Officer
Labthink International, Inc.