Noah Hanft

Noah Hanft

AcumenADR LLC
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Noah J. Hanft

Arbitrator & Mediator | Commercial, Financial Services, Employment, Intellectual Property and Real Estate | New York City
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Professional Overview

Noah J. Hanft is an independent arbitrator, mediator, and dispute resolution consultant recognized globally for resolving complex disputes efficiently and effectively. With a distinguished career as General Counsel of Mastercard, litigator, transactional attorney, and former President and CEO of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR), he brings a unique combination of legal, business, and executive leadership experience to dispute resolution.

His background includes oversight of global legal and regulatory matters, negotiation of high-stakes commercial transactions, and resolution of complex disputes across multiple industries. Mr. Hanft is known for a pragmatic, business-oriented approach that prioritizes efficient and well-reasoned outcomes.

Mr. Hanft also played a leadership role in transforming Mastercard into a publicly traded company, including managing complex global negotiations related to its IPO.
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Mediation & Arbitration Approach

Mr. Hanft combines legal depth, executive leadership experience, and practical business judgment to guide parties toward efficient, well-reasoned resolutions. His approach emphasizes:
• Strategic problem-solving
• Efficient case management
• Clear evaluation of risk and outcome scenarios
• Business-focused solutions over prolonged conflict

Areas of Mediation & Arbitration Focus

  • Commercial & Business Disputes
  • Contract Disputes
  • Cross Border Disputes
  • Employment & Workplace Matters
  • Financial Services & Securities
  • Intellectual Property
  • Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
  • Insurance
  • Consumer Credit Matters
  • Defamation
  • Construction
  • Bankruptcy
  • Civil Rights
  • Education

Professional Background

  • Former General Counsel, Mastercard (13 years)
  • Former President & CEO, International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR)
  • Former Chief Franchise Officer, Mastercard

Extensive Experience Handling:

  • Commercial and intellectual property disputes
  • Employment matters
  • Trade Secret and Defamation
  • Regulatory and compliance issues
  • Corporate, Partnership and Joint Venture Disputes

ADR Experience

  • Arbitrator and mediator on multiple national and international panels
  • Experience serving as both chair and panelist in arbitration matters
  • Mediated a wide range of disputes across industries and subject matters

Consulting Services include:

  • Settlement strategy
  • Dispute resolution frameworks
  • Executive-level conflict management

Panels & Affiliations

  • CPR Panel of Distinguished Neutrals
  • American Arbitration Association – Commercial & Employment Panels
  • FINRA – Arbitration & Mediation Panels
  • International Centre for Dispute Resolution
  • U.S. District Court Panels (Southern & Eastern District of New York)
  • EEOC Mediation Panel
  • New York State Commercial Division Mediation Panel

Education

  • LL.M., New York University School of Law
  • J.D., Brooklyn Law School
  • B.A., American University

Certifications & Distinctions

  • Certified Mediator – CEDR
  • Fellow – Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
  • Member – National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals

Awards & Recognition

  • General Counsel of the Year – Association of Corporate Counsel
  • ADR Champion – National Law Journal
  • Sidney Lezak Award of Excellence – International Academy of Mediators
  • Multiple recognitions for leadership in dispute resolution, corporate law and Diversity

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