With more than 30 years of experience resolving high-stakes international disputes, Giselle Leonardo stands at the intersection of technical precision and legal acumen. A Civil Engineer and Dual Board-Certified Attorney in both Construction Law and International Litigation and Arbitration, Giselle has built a career mediating and arbitrating complex construction, commercial, energy, and infrastructure cases around the globe. Her unique blend of expertise—spanning civil engineering, finance, and law—makes her a sought-after neutral for multi-jurisdictional matters, with projects ranging from $120 million to $700 million in value across six continents. A Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and a member of panels such as the AAA® and the ICDR®, Giselle brings a culturally attuned, multilingual approach to every case she handles.
Learn more about her path to becoming a full-time neutral, her approach to complex international matters, and the insights she’s gathered from a career at the forefront of global dispute resolution.
Q: Tell us about your professional background – what led you to mediation and what areas of law or types of disputes have you worked with most frequently?
Giselle: My experience as a problem solver, particularly in my former role as In-house Counsel, has shaped my practical, bottom-line approach with a strong emphasis on risk analysis. This perspective naturally led me to mediation, where I focus on adding value by helping parties find workable solutions to complex challenges. I bring to the process an analytical mindset, strengthened by technical expertise and a balanced combination of quantitative and qualitative skills.
Q: What inspired you to become a mediator, and how did you come to join the AAA® mediation panel?
Giselle: I was inspired by the opportunity to add value to the parties through an independent and unique perspective, offering fresh, innovative ideas and thinking “outside the box” to uncover practical, workable solutions. This approach led to my invitation to join the mediation panel of the AAA.
Q: What do you find most meaningful or rewarding about your work as a mediator with the AAA?
Giselle: The challenges presented—and the opportunity to uncover novel and meaningful possibilities for parties to explore in resolving their issues—are deeply rewarding.
Q: How do your previous experiences in legal practice, public service, or another area inform your approach to facilitating resolution between the parties?
Giselle: My prior experience as In-house Counsel for three publicly traded companies gives me a distinct perspective, allowing me to view issues beyond the immediate dispute and consider underlying factors that may be influencing the conflict.
Q: What advice would you offer to parties or their counsel to help them prepare effectively for meditation?
Giselle: My advice is to thoroughly prepare for mediation in advance—through planning, research, investigation, and analysis. This includes preparing the client for possible outcomes, exploring potential solutions, and equipping the mediator with relevant information. Such preparation supports all parties, internal teams, and the mediator in working collaboratively toward a resolution.
Resume
For more information on Giselle Leonardo’s professional background, view her resume.