Achieving Resolution.
For over 25 years, I have guided hard-fought and complex cases toward resolution. I leverage my extensive background as a former insurance claims adjuster and battle-tested litigator to resolve disputes efficiently and fairly.
ABOUT
For over 25 years I have represented clients in cases involving business, real estate, employment, and personal injury disputes. I have consistently guided hard-fought and very complex cases toward resolution, often bringing together very emotional and combative parties, including bitterly divided family members. Most often these settlements were achieved outside the courtroom through the art of negotiation.
My passion for negotiation emerged well before I became an attorney. As a claims adjuster with 20th Century and Farmers Insurance, I negotiated and settled over one thousand claims. This fast-paced work developed the uncanny negotiation skills that translate perfectly to my mediation career.
As a civil litigator I found myself enjoying mediations more than anything else. It is in this setting where the most significant progress is made toward resolution. I always minded the process and particularly the mediator’s role as a neutral party — their ability to objectively identify the strengths and weaknesses of a case while presenting them in a way that was empathetic, yet candid.
Transitioning from battle-tested litigator to mediator, my approach is characterized by a commitment to creating a relaxed and collaborative environment. I take great pride in my ability to steer both sides toward resolution, fostering collaboration even in the most challenging situations.
PRACTICE AREAS
My mission as a mediator is clear: to help
parties navigate conflict and achieve
resolutions that are not only legally sound,
but also practical and sustainable.
Business
Disputes
Real Estate
Matters
Personal
Injury
Employment
Disputes
MY APPROACH
My style strikes a balance between being assertive and approachable, encouraging open dialogue while keeping all parties grounded in practical realities.
Preparation sets the stage for a successful mediation. I invest significant time reviewing briefs, pertinent documents, familiarizing myself with the legal and emotional dimensions of the dispute, and anticipating the potential concerns of all parties involved.
I cultivate an atmosphere where participants can speak openly. I am candid about my observations and evaluations of the parties’ respective positions. When I share my insights it allows the parties to confront difficult truths and reassess their strategies.
Every party deserves to feel heard. By listening to each participant I get insights into their interests, and importantly their emotions, which often transcend the legal issues involved. This “people-minded” approach fosters trust and encourages candid dialogue.
Persistence is crucial. I remain engaged when discussions become challenging, and I encourage the parties to remain engaged. In the event a case does not settle during the session, my role does not end there. I actively follow up with a steadfast focus on the objective: to resolve each and every case.
MY MISSION
During mediation sessions, I employ a range of techniques to facilitate open discussions and progress. Even when immediate agreements are elusive, I remain dedicated and continue to engage with all parties to bridge gaps and finalize settlement terms.
Creating pathways to resolution through flexible, creative proposals that adapt to each party’s needs.
Narrowing gaps systematically by establishing acceptable ranges that bring parties closer together.
Moving beyond positions to uncover the underlying interests that unlock meaningful and lasting agreements.
CREDENTIALS
Education, admissions,
and recognition.
Whittier College School of Law
Oxford University
Cal State LA
GET IN TOUCH
I am always looking forward to the next deal. Whether you’re facing a complex
business dispute or need an experienced neutral, let’s discuss how I can help.
THE MEDIATOR’S CREED
