In the world of global commerce, disputes are inevitable.  As they occur, parties have options, including agreeing to arbitrate or use other ADR processes to resolve disputes.  The choices they make can have enormous consequences — not only in terms of outcome (who wins or loses) but also in terms of time and costs to achieve a resolution.

Chuck Ragan believes that a significant purpose of arbitration and other ADR processes is to achieve fair resolution of disputes in a cost-effective fashion, so that parties can get out of conflict mode and back to conducting their respective intended businesses.  

Chuck has more than 30 years of experience as an independent arbitrator, mediator, and evaluator of commercial disputes, as well as first chair experience in international arbitrations and domestic ADR matters.  He has been listed on the International, Commercial, and Large and Complex panels of the American Arbitration Association for many years.  He also is on panels sponsored by the U.S. Council for International Business (ICC); the Silicon Valley Arbitration & Mediation Center Tech List; FedArb. Inc.; the Chicago International Dispute Resolution Association, and the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals.

Recent illustrative appointments include:

  • Chair of panel considering liability for tax imposed by the state upon the landing of oil onshore following series of flash transfers;
  • Party-appointed ICC wing arbitrator in dispute over termination of international distribution agreement;
  • Sole arbitrator in ICC matter involving international distribution agreement and gray-marketing charges;
  • Party-appointed wing arbitrator in dispute regarding acquisition of medical instrument rights and earn-out payments;
  • Sole arbitrator in numerous AAA and ICDR matters.

In his practice while with the Pillsbury law firm, Chuck was heavily involved in the design and implementation of novel ADR processes tailored to meet particular needs including international disputes with clients of diverse legal and cultural backgrounds.

Chuck also served as the chair of the ADR subcommittee of the International Bar Association for several years.