Simone K. Lelchuk is a mediator and settlement fund administrator who specializes in the creative resolution of complex civil disputes – her work focuses on both mediations and the design and allocation of settlement funds. Simone is known for her tenacity, commitment to process, and methodical approach to each case. She thoroughly examines the unique qualities of each matter and uses that information to design a thoughtful and thorough process. This same process is applied to her creative design of a claims resolution program for administering a settlement fund that has been established to compensate victim-survivors. Her experience and expertise are enhanced by her natural ability to relate to people and her respect for the nuances of each case.

Simone received a Trauma Informed Certification from the National Center for Equity & Agency. She is recognized and sought after for her trauma-informed approach in her mediation and settlement fund design and allocation work.

Simone recently mediated a class action lawsuit brought by the sexual abuse victim-survivors of Jeffrey Epstein against Deutsche Bank; this case settled for $75 million. Judge Jed Rakoff (S.D.N.Y.) appointed Simone to be the Claims Administrator for both the fund that was created as a result of this settlement as well as the JPMorgan Chase $290 million settlement fund also created for the benefit of the Epstein survivors and to be separately administered.

Simone served as the independent Claims Examiner to allocate the Sexual Misconduct Claims Fund, a fund established to compensate the victim-survivors of Harvey Weinstein and to resolve sexual abuse claims against Harvey Weinstein and two of the companies with which he was affiliated (Disney/Miramax and The Weinstein Company). Simone was selected to mediate the sexual assault claims against the Albany New York Catholic Diocese.

Simone’s work focuses on mass torts, sexual harassment and assault, sexual discrimination, and Title IX. She also has experience mediating the following types of claims: litigation funding, coverage litigation (EPL, professional liability, D&O), antitrust, bankruptcy, consumer class actions, fee disputes, and securities class actions and related derivatives. Regardless of the type of work, Simone brings the same level of determination, sensitivity, and objectivity.

Simone received her Juris Doctorate from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City and her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Ohio University. Prior to practicing law, Simone was a consultant at KPMG LLP. During college Simone played Division I lacrosse for Ohio University and was captain of the team during her senior year. She also earned Academic All-American each of her four years at Ohio University.