At Ardis, we want to save you the uncertainty and expense of going to trial. With a combined 60+ years of litigation experience, our founders know first-hand the benefits parties realize through effective alternative dispute resolution that puts the control of case resolution where it belongs – in the hands of the parties. Ardis offers an environment where all parties can work collaboratively with skilled neutrals to find cost-effective solutions to their disputes that allow them to get out of the courtroom and back to their businesses and their lives. Our founders’ long-standing engagement in community service is at the heart of Ardis’ commitment as a public benefit corporation to go beyond profit by providing transformative conflict resolution training and services to under-served communities both locally and globally
Michele Stumpe, CEO
OWNER AND FOUNDER
Michele Stumpe is a seasoned litigator with 29 years of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants. She’s a trusted adviser to clients with a wealth of experience in personal injury, premises liability, and dram shop litigation. In addition to serving as a certified and registered mediator in Georgia (U.S.), Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and DR Congo; Stumpe has a unique ability to understand the needs of parties and find creative solutions that lead to the resolution of conflicts. She’s a frequent speaker on early case resolution, negotiation, conflict resolution, and women’s empowerment. Stumpe’s commitment to empowering communities in a way that preserves dignity and culture dates back to 1999 when she started her work in Africa. Stumpe is the co-founder of two 501c3s, Atlanta’s Giving Kitchen and Children of Conservation. She is also the President of the Pan African Sanctuaries Alliance and a Trustee of Uganda-based Chimpanzee Trust. She travels to Africa regularly to work with underserved communities, children, and NGOs fighting for conservation, social justice, and human empowerment.
LeeAnn Jones, CFO
OWNER AND FOUNDER
LeeAnn Jones is a mediator and arbitrator who brings to her dispute resolution practice over 35 years’ experience as a civil litigator and first-chair trial lawyer. She combines a broad and diverse litigation background with strong listening and communication skills, a problem solver’s mindset, patience, and empathy to assist parties in evaluating litigation risks to arrive at mutually advantageous resolutions of their disputes. In her career as a litigator and dispute resolution professional, she has handled a wide range of matters from business and commercial disputes to personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and other complex litigation. As a mediator, her authentic and relatable style allows LeeAnn to communicate effectively with all participants in the mediation process to get to the heart of disputes and help the parties develop creative solutions. Throughout her career, LeeAnn has been active in community service and professional organizations, particularly focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and social justice issues. She has served on the Boards of the Human Rights Campaign and Jerusalem House, which provides housing and services for those affected by HIV and AIDS. She Co-Chairs the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Taylor English Duma, LLP and is active in the Dispute Resolution Sections of the Georgia and Atlanta Bar Associations.