about us
About Richard Bales
I grew up in Houston, Raised by a school secretary mother and a father who became Acting Police Chief, I learned early the value of hard work and perseverance. My interest in labor law was sparked in college after reading about workplace harassment, prompting me to pursue a law degree at Cornell, where I focused on employment relations.
After practicing with major law firms, I transitioned into academia, where I found my passion for teaching. Alongside teaching, I developed a growing arbitration practice, serving on various panels and providing international dispute resolution training. Balancing both, I’m able to bridge theory and practice, ensuring fair, well-reasoned judgments in arbitration.
Experienced. Fair. Knowledgeable.
30 years of experience
I have 30 years of experience as a law professor and arbitrator, with a focus on labor and employment disputes. My guiding principles are to listen intently to both sides, keep an open mind, and respect all participants.
Teacher. Arbitrator. Writer.
Faculty Member
I am a faculty member at Ohio Northern University Law School, where I teach a wide variety of labor/employment and ADR courses. I have published more than 100 scholarly articles and authored or co-authored 10 books on a variety of topics related to labor/employment/ADR. I just finished a book about the Federal Arbitration Act, and now am working on a book about arbitration in China.
As a neutral, I provide dispute resolution services primarily through arbitration and fact-finding, and I conduct ADR training both in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Hearings
Available for both online and in-person hearings
Online Hearings
I have run literally hundreds of classes and hearings online, and am proficient at moving participants in and out of breakout rooms and sharing documents, videos, and other material during the hearing. I’m happy to set up and run the hearing and do not charge extra for it. Advocates do not need to worry about handling documents during the hearing because I will do that for them if they wish. I prefer Zoom but will use other platforms if agreed by the parties.
In-Person Hearings
I am available for in-person hearings and am willing to travel anywhere for the convenience of the parties. My offices are in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Travel time and expenses are calculated from my nearest office.
30
+
Years Experience as Neutral
10
Books
110
+
Scholarly Articles & Book Chapters
100
+
arbitration awards
contact
Arbitration Offices of Richard Bales
Though offices are centered in the Midwest and Texas, online hearings and a willingness to travel create a national arbitration practice.
our process
What to Expect
Guiding You Through a Seamless Arbitration Process
01
Before the Hearing:
I will communicate with the advocates by email to set the date and location of the hearing. I typically respond to emails within a few hours.
02
At the hearing:
The advocates lead the case presentation while I facilitate the process, ensuring a smooth hearing, whether online or in-person.
03
After the Hearing
I focus on the facts and language of the agreement, typically delivering a clear and timely award within a week of receiving briefs.
04
Employment, Commercial, and Consumer Cases:
Although most of my cases are traditional labor cases, I also arbitrate a significant number of employment, commercial, and consumer cases. Procedures in these cases may vary according to the applicable rules and expectations of the parties.
Affiliations
