Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve a dispute in a mater of hours, rather than languishing in the court system for months or even years. Before a mediation may be successfully concluded by a settlement agreement, it is necessary to understand the needs and interests of all sides. More than thirty years of litigation practice has given me extensive experience as an advocate for a wide variety of causes, which has provided a hands-on basis for the understanding and needs of the parties to a dispute.
As an attorney, I have represented both plaintiffs and defendants. I was a partner at a firm which handled the defense of major injury and complex litigation cases for insured and self-insured clients. Since then, I have represented individuals, small businesses and public entities as plaintiffs in tort and commercial litigation. My litigation experience includes general civil litigation, business and contract disputes, government tort liability, real estate, construction, and personal injury matters of all levels, including serious injury and wrongful death, for both the plaintiff and the defense.
Having represented both sides as an attorney enables me to bring a balanced approach to the negotiation process. My ADR style is based upon a belief that the purpose of mediation is to assist the parties to find a resolution of their respective needs. My background and experience enable me to be either facilitative or evaluative as the circumstances require.
Legal Career and Prior Experience
Active litigation practice for thirty four years. Admitted to practice before all courts of the State of California; United States District Court, Central District, and Southern District of California; United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and United States Supreme Court.
Professional Affiliations and Education
American Board of Trial Advocates
State Bar of California
California Arbitration and Mediations Services, Inc
Southern California Mediation Association
ADR Panel, Riverside Superior Court
Court of Appeal, 2nd District, Mediation Program
Loyola School of Law, Conflict Resolution Training
Pepperdine University, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Adult Resolutions and Mediation Services, Elder Adult Mediation Training
J.D., University of West Los Angeles, School of Law
B.A., Rutgers University
AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell