Trusted Authority in Low-Trust Environments
Some situations fail because no one trusts the other side. Negotiations stall. Agreements break down. Advisors pull in different directions. Even aligned parties begin to hedge. In these environments, progress requires more than advocacy. It requires a trusted, independent actor who can hold the structure together.
Independent counsel in negotiations or disputes. Neutral advisor in complex or sensitive transactions. Designated decision-maker or tie-breaker where appropriate.
Snyder is engaged to provide stability, clarity, and enforcement of the process.
Parties are willing to transact but lack sufficient trust. Negotiations are stalled or repeatedly breaking down. Complex deals require a central coordinating authority.
Disputes require resolution without escalation to litigation. Principals need a single, credible intermediary.
Snyder operates across three functions:
In low-trust environments, the absence of a credible neutral authority is often the binding constraint. Not the law. Not the terms. Not the willingness of the parties.
Snyder’s alignment with the integrity of the process — rather than with any single party — allows transactions to proceed where they otherwise would fail.
Trusted authority in situations where the absence of trust would otherwise prevent resolution.
Engagements are selective and require alignment from all principal parties.
Initial discussions focus on the structure of the situation, the points of friction, and whether a neutral authority can restore momentum.
25+ years of federal trial practice. Former Proskauer Rose litigator. Federal judicial clerk. Brown University (Phi Beta Kappa), Harvard Law School.
Founder of Agnes Intelligence, which placed 4th of 1,000+ entries in the 2018 IBM Watson Build competition. Co-Managing Principal of Junto Opportunity Fund I LP, a Manhattan distressed multifamily real estate fund. Founder and Chairman of Junto Club USA LLC.