Ava J. Abramowitz has been a mediator for the federal courts in the District of Columbia since the late 1980s, bringing decades of expertise to a wide range of civil cases, including some of the oldest and most complex disputes in the courts. Her mediation experience spans international and domestic corporate cases, class actions, and issues involving civil liberties, intellectual property, and employment discrimination. After leaving her position as vice president at Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc., where she managed the architects and engineers professional liability insurance program, Ms. Abramowitz expanded her focus to design and construction disputes and insurance matters. She has also served as an owner’s representative on residential construction projects, further deepening her understanding of the industry's challenges.
A former Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, Ms. Abramowitz teaches negotiation at George Washington University Law School, where she was honored with the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award in 2011. She is the author of The Architect’s Essentials of Negotiation and numerous articles and chapters on issues facing clients, contractors, and design professionals. A senior fellow of the Design Futures Council and a founding fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers, Ms. Abramowitz has received the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Construction Industry’s Cornerstone Award and Service Award. A graduate of Brandeis University and the George Washington University Law School, she brings a wealth of legal and industry knowledge to her mediation practice.