Richard Fincher: A Lifelong Advocate for Peaceful Resolutions

From the suburbs of Rochester, NY, to Saigon, Vietnam, and beyond, Scheinman Institute Board of Advisors member Richard (Dick) Fincher’s career has been a testament to his deep commitment to advancing conflict resolution and labor relations on a global scale. An alumnus of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), Fincher has dedicated his professional journey to fostering workplace harmony and mentoring the next generation of conflict resolution professionals. His work spans multiple continents, cultures, and industries, leaving an indelible impact on the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

The Inspiration Behind a Distinguished Career

Fincher’s path to becoming a workplace neutral was shaped early in his life by his experiences at ILR. As a senior, he was invited by faculty members to observe mediations and arbitrations, which ignited his passion for the field. Mentorship played a pivotal role, particularly from (his former Professor, and former ILR Dean), David Lipsky, who encouraged him to transition from a career in labor law to full-time work as a neutral. This decision aligned seamlessly with his personality, interests, and skills–  a move that was a calling and a “perfect fit”. 

Navigating Complex Cases

Throughout his career, Fincher has tackled numerous challenging cases. One particularly complex arbitration involved an elementary school teacher accused of physically harming a third-grade student. The case was emotionally charged, requiring careful handling of a reluctant student. Fincher notes that mediations and arbitrations involving allegations of sexual harassment or assault are among the most difficult, demanding exceptional sensitivity and skill. These cases have underscored the critical role of neutrals in maintaining fairness and dignity for all parties.

Global Engagement and the Scheinman Institute

Fincher’s connection with ILR has only deepened over the years, especially through his work with the Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution. His contributions began with the Alliance for Education in Dispute Resolution in 2001, a predecessor to the Institute, where he trained employment arbitrators. Over time, Fincher expanded his role to include founding and leading several international programs.

In 2015, during his Fulbright Teaching Scholarship in Ho Chi Minh City, he established the Vietnam Engaged Learning Program, which explores international labor law and dispute resolution within the global garment supply chain. Students in the program gain firsthand experience living on campus, interacting with local students, and delving into the cultural context of labor relations. Similarly, the Cambodia Engaged Learning Program, developed through Cornell’s Office of Global Learning (OGL), focuses on international labor law, the garment sector, and Cambodian history. For many years, he has also trained mediators working for the Ministry of Labour, and arbitrators on the roster of the Arbitration Council. 

Fincher’s interest in culturally aligned dispute resolution extends to domestic contexts as well. Working with ILR International Programs (IP), he spearheaded a program exploring Native American ADR practices, partnering with Hopi and Navajo mediators to compare indigenous methods with mainstream approaches. “To our knowledge, this is the only stand-alone academic course on Native American ADR in the country,” Fincher says proudly.

A Global Perspective on Labor Relations

Teaching ADR in countries such as Vietnam, China, and Cambodia has profoundly shaped Fincher’s perspective on international conflict resolution. In these contexts, he has observed how cultural frameworks influence dispute resolution strategies. His work as a Visiting Fellow at Wuhan and Anhui Universities in China, supported by the International Labor Rights Forum, has furthered his understanding of these nuances. “Culture is a crucial dimension in how parties view and practice conflict resolution,” Fincher explains. His fascination with multicultural negotiations has become a central passion, enriching both his professional expertise and his teaching.

Mentorship Matters 

Fincher’s success didn’t happen in a vacuum– mentorship played a critical role, and now he’s paying it forward. As a mentor in ILR’s Labor Arbitrator Development Program, Fincher is committed to passing on his knowledge to aspiring neutrals. His advice to students? “Be trained at Scheinman, find a mentor, and gain as much experience as possible. Consider law school along the way.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Fincher envisions a more internationally focused ADR landscape. He believes the profession must continue adapting to global trends, including multicultural negotiations and the increasing prevalence of virtual hearings, which have transformed his own practice since the pandemic. 

Through his work, Fincher has left a lasting legacy at Cornell and in the field of ADR. His endowment of funding for international education at the Scheinman Institute and ILR’s International Programs ensures that future students will have access to the same transformative opportunities he has championed. “It has been a great pleasure working with ILR students,” he says. “They are focused, curious, hardworking, and amazing individuals.”

For Richard Fincher, ADR is not merely a profession, but a lifelong commitment. His dedication to fostering understanding and resolution in the workplace and beyond continues to inspire those fortunate enough to learn from him.