Pfaffenbach Resolutions
Expert mediation and arbitration services for complex disputes. Resolving conflicts with integrity, efficiency, and fairness.
About Gertrude Pfaffenbach
Gertrude Pfaffenbach brings a deep interdisciplinary background to her work as a mediator and arbitrator, combining a lifelong career in law, science, and public service. With a Ph.D. in immunology and decades of experience in molecular biology, patent litigation, and securities law, she has built a reputation for thorough, intellectually rigorous analysis and clear communication. Her transition into mediation and arbitration stems from a passion for constructive problem-solving and a belief that many disputes can be resolved more effectively outside of court. Having worked in labs, courtrooms, boardrooms, and classrooms, Gertrude offers an unusually broad and thoughtful perspective to every matter she handles.
Mediation Experience
Gertrude’s mediation journey began through formal training in New York State's Part 146 mediation programs, including both basic and advanced commercial mediation. She has significant experience observing and participating in alternative dispute resolutions, with significant practical insight that prepared her to join New York’s Commercial Division mediation panels. Her deep listening skills, analytical training, and appreciation for nuance make her a promising and reflective presence in this field. Her goal is to help parties find common ground and reach resolutions that litigation might never allow.
Arbitration Experience
Since retiring from full-time legal practice, Gertrude has served as a volunteer arbitrator in the New Rochelle City Small Claims Court, where she has adjudicated a variety of cases — from contractor disputes to neighborhood disagreements. Her work in this setting demonstrates her ability to weigh evidence, apply relevant law, and make decisive, fair rulings. Whether resolving commercial claims or emotionally charged community matters, she has shown both independence of judgment and sensitivity to the needs of everyday litigants.
Subject Matter Expertise
Gertrude's subject matter expertise spans scientific innovation, intellectual property, and complex litigation. She has served as a scientific advisor and litigator on cases involving biotechnology, product liability, securities fraud, and antitrust. Her scientific credentials are unmatched — she helped pioneer DNA sequencing methods at Mt. Sinai, developed diagnostic tests still used today, and contributed to significant discoveries in platelet immunology. As an attorney, she worked on patent and biotech litigation at firms including Kaye Scholer and Kenyon & Kenyon, and led litigation teams at Labaton Sucharow in securities and antitrust class actions. She is particularly well-positioned to handle cases with technical, medical, or scientific complexity.
Contact Us
Get in touch to discuss your dispute resolution needs