Dan van der Burg

Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Coordinator / The “Reasonable Dan”

Dan van der Burg brings a diverse and accomplished background to his role as Shawn’s collaborative ODR Coordinator at Patey Mediations. With over 15 years of experience in public service and policy development, Dan has cultivated a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement and administrative processes.​ With his breath of experience, Dan serves as the “Reasonable Dan” at Patey Mediations, reflecting the objective legal measure of how a reasonable person would act.

As a thoughtful non-lawyer when needed, he can offer grounded, real-world insight that often helps Shawn bridge entrenched positions between parties. His perspective brings balance and clarity to the mediation process, especially in emotionally charged or high-conflict disputes.

His professional career began in 2005 with the Regional Municipality of Halton, where he dedicated a decade to supervisory roles focused on housing and employment support for elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. Dan then transitioned to the Ontario College of Trades, serving as a Trade Analyst and later as Manager of Policy and Research. In 2018, he assumed a managerial position at the Ministry of Labour, followed by a secondment in 2019 to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

In 2020, Dan earned a Certificate in Online Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, enhancing his capabilities in facilitating virtual legal mediations.

He is currently expanding his knowledge by studying Astronomy and Planetary Sciences at Arizona State University.​

At Patey Mediations, Dan is instrumental in coordinating mediation sessions, managing scheduling logistics, overseeing Zoom invitations, and handling accounts. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to client service ensures a seamless mediation experience.​

Fluent in German, Dan is also a proud father of two and grandfather of five.