Mediation and arbitration sessions are typically scheduled in half-day (4 hour) or full-day (8 hour) blocks at the rate of $400 per hour - usually split equally between the parties. An additional 2-hour charge is applied to arbitration settings for the preparation of the award. There are no additional fees charged for administration, preparation, or telephone calls. Reduced time allotments are available for limited-jurisdiction and smaller cases.
Mediation fees are fully refunded if notice of the cancellation is given at least 2 weeks prior to the hearing. There are no charges for continuing or changing a hearing date. Arbitration fees are due at the time the hearing is calendared, and are not refundable.
Briefs are important to me, and I read them in advance. Briefs should be RECEIVED by me 2 business days before the hearing, and may be designated as confidential, or shared with opposing counsel. Briefs should not exceed five pages unless the matter is extremely complex. Briefs should be informative rather than persuasive, and should include succinct sections addressing the following: 1) Factual Background; 2) Legal Theories of Recovery/Defense; 3) Evidence Supporting Recovery/Defenses; 4) Nature and Extent of Claimed Damages; 5) Details of Any Prior Settlement Negotiations; 6) Names and titles of all individuals who will participate in the mediation.
Relevant documentary exhibits and/or case law should be retained by counsel and made available at the time of the hearing. All materials are treated as confidential unless otherwise designated by the parties. Briefs are preferred via E-mail, but are accepted by courier or regular mail.
Persons with authority for a final, binding resolution should participate in the hearing pursuant to the requirements of CRC Rule 1634.
Automotive Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
Product Liability
Premises Liability
Legal Malpractice
Medical Malpractice
Municipal Tort Liability
Insurance/Coverage
Business/Commercial
Elder Abuse/Institutional Liability
Construction
Contract
Torts (Varied)
Landlord/Tenant
Probate