Y-ADR Spotlight Series - Interview Questions with Andrew L. Edelman

Andrew L. Edelman
Senior Counsel – Disputes, LyondellBasell (LYB)

1. What do you find to be a beneficial aspect of CPR?
I found two things particularly beneficial about CPR: the learning and networking opportunities.
There are frequently CLE’s on interesting topics.  Regarding networking, I have met many other in-house counsel through participation in the Y-ADR steering committee and the CPR Awards Dinner Committee. I am looking forward to participating in the Corporate Counsel Connection and the Annual Meeting in February 2025 in Miami.

2. What inspired you to steer your career toward ADR, and what steps did you take to make it to where you are today?
My dad was a Texas state court appellate judge, and he inspired me to go into trial and appellate work.  I went to law school at the University of Texas, passed the bar exam, and worked for 12 years at law firms.  I have been in my role managing litigation and disputes at LyondellBasell since 2021.

3. What is an issue that you see within the field of ADR and how can that issue be combated?
I see a lot of mediations where parties are going through the motions and seem to be there to check a box instead of having a good faith interest in resolving the case.  Hourly fee agreements give law firms a financial incentive to not settle, which can impact the advice they give their clients.  I think alternative fee arrangements can help cut against that.

4. What personal characteristics are most beneficial to you in your career?
I strive to be calm when things get chaotic, to have good judgment, to treat others with respect, to maintain humility, to have courage, to foster trust, and to have integrity, and to clearly communicate.  I can always improve in all of these areas.  In litigation and disputes, I think one can take aggressive positions but that it should be done respectfully.

5. What is your favorite ADR process to practice?
I manage litigation and disputes for LyondellBasell.  I frequently use mediation to resolve my matters.  This year, we were able to settle a 5-party, 8-figure, complex insurance dispute using mediation.

6. What ADR process do you believe is most effective?
I find mediation to be effective, particularly in person mediation, because it gets the parties together and focused on the task of settling the dispute in an environment geared towards good faith dispute resolution.  It’s also helpful to a have a neutral person (the mediator) tell each side why it has risk in the dispute.

7. (Fun one!) Describe your perfect Friday night in 5 words or less.
Family movie night!