Expert Witness ~ Mediator ~ Arbitrator

Robert W. Berliner, Jr.

BerlinerGroup LLC | Principal | 1997 – Present

Expert witness in cases involving legal malpractice or real estate or both. Testimony at trial and in depositions.
Active arbitrator of various disputes, including American Arbitration Association, FINRA and other
private cases.
Active mediator of various disputes, both pre-litigation and during litigation. Mediated cases involving numerous types of disputes, including the following: intra-family business disputes; partnership conflict; employment/trade secrets; probate and inheritance; breach of fiduciary duty; conversion of personal property; contract interpretation and breach; construction defects; title to real property; insurance subrogation; property line and encroachment disputes; landlord/tenant; nuisance; chattel lien; debtor/creditor.
Engaged in private practice of law, representing entrepreneurial clients in a variety of business matters, with emphasis on real estate transactions and family business disputes. Also handle much of the legal work for the real estate business entities described below.

The Principal Post | Consulting Editor, Editorial Board Member | 2020 – Present

Vexidus Corporation | Board Member, Secretary | 2020 – 2021

Various Related Real Estate LLCs & Partnerships | 1984 – 2016

Principal of various affiliated entities which have bought, developed, managed, operated and sold various properties in Chicago, Illinois, and elsewhere, including in the aggregate over 1,000 dwelling units and over 400,000 square feet of commercial space and having a value of over $200 million.

Illinois Institute of Technology | Adjunct Professor | 2003-2008

Law Seminars International | Faculty | 2007

Northwestern University | Lecturer & Panelist | 1989 – 2011

“Legal Issues in Real Estate” in the Kellogg School of Management:

- Lecturer, “Purchase and Sale of Real Estate” | 1996-2011
- Panelist, “Selection and Use of Lawyers” | 1996-2011
- Lecturer, “Management of Real Estate”| 1989-1995

Jupiter Industries, Inc & Jupiter Realty Corporation | 1989 – 1996

Secretary and General Counsel of Jupiter Industries | 1991-1996
Associate General Counsel of Jupiter Industries | 1989-1991
Shareholder, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Jupiter Realty Corporation | 1991 – 1996
Associate General Counsel of Jupiter Realty Corporation | 1989-1991
Responsible for all legal affairs of Jupiter Industries, Inc. (including subsidiaries), a diversified conglomerate (estimated $1 billion in revenues) with interests in construction and engineering, transportation, retailing, insurance, manufacturing and real estate, founded by the late Jerrold Wexler, and Jupiter Realty Corporation, a full-service real estate development and investment firm, and related real estate and other investment ventures. Sole employed lawyer at both companies.

Attorney | Private Practice | 1984 – 2016

Levy and Erens | 1974-1984

U.S. Navy | Lieutenant, Supply Corps, USNR | 1968 – 1971

Steve Brusche Award, Association of Attorney-Mediators
Association of Attorney-Mediators: Member, Board of Directors 2015-2021; Co-Founder, Illinois Chapter; President, Illinois Chapter, 2016-2022
2018-2019 John C. McAndrews Award for Pro Bono Service from the Illinois State Bar Association
Illinois Super Lawyer (Alternative Dispute Resolution) 2013-2025
Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, Marquis Who’s Who (2018)
Charter Member and Member of Executive Committee, Illinois Chapter, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (invitation only selective organization)
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Member, National Roster of Arbitrators, American Arbitration Association: Commercial, Construction, Large Complex Case, and Expedited panels
Member, Panel of Mediators, American Arbitration Association: Commercial and Construction panels
Member, Roster of Arbitrators, FINRA Dispute Resolution
Court-certified mediator, Law Division Major Civil Case Mediation Program, and Chancery Division’s Mediation Program, Circuit Court of Cook County
Court-certified mediator, Civil Division, 12th Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois
Member, American, Illinois and Chicago Bar Association

Harvard Law School | J.D. Magna Cum Laude

Harvard College | A.B. Magna Cum Laude