Areas of Practice

Mediation

 

Trials are rare. Over ninety percent of cases settle eventually. The fees and resources that each party spends litigating a case are substantial. Thus, the parties can greatly reduce the costs of litigation by mediating their disputes.

I assist parties seeking to resolve their disputes through mediation. I have mediated over one hundred cases, and bring over thirty years of litigation experience to my role as a mediator.

I facilitate dialogue between parties to a dispute to assist them in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. Through mediation, parties can avoid courts completely, or dramatically reduce the time and expense of litigation.

Unlike in court where a judge or jury decides the case and tells the parties what their rights and responsibilities are, in mediation the parties are the decision makers. Parties are not forced to do anything they do not agree to do.

The benefits of mediation include:

  • it is an opportunity to talk in depth about your dispute, and to have your side of the story heard;

  • it is an opportunity to brainstorm all the possible solutions to your dispute;

  • it is an opportunity to negotiate the most mutually beneficial solution;

  • it is confidential; and

  • a successful mediation will substantially reduce litigation costs, and free up time, energy and resources for more productive pursuits.

I follow the Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators prepared and approved by the American Arbitration Association, the American Bar Association and the Association for Conflict Resolution.

Arbitration

 

As an arbitrator, I resolve disputes fairly and efficiently. I serve as a Panel Member of the American Arbitration Association (AAA), on the Independent Administrator’s roster of arbitrators for Kaiser Permanente arbitrations, and as a Public Arbitrator through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

I work to meet the parties' expectations by providing a fair, efficient, economical and well-managed arbitration. I establish and enforce an efficient schedule for the completion of the parties' pre-hearing preparation, the hearing itself, and the issuance of an award. I thoroughly review all written materials submitted by the parties, and pay careful attention to the testimony and statements made by witnesses, parties and their counsel. I am fully engaged and diligently and objectively execute my duties and responsibilities.

I employ a principled decision making process that produces decisions of the highest quality in terms of fairness, impartiality, reason and timeliness. I treat all those who participate in the arbitration with courtesy and respect, and ensure a fair, evenhanded process.

I adhere to the Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes established by the American Arbitration Association and the American Bar Association.