After more than 25 years litigating on the central coast, I became passionately focused on mediation and began making the transition to full-time mediator.   Upon completing intensive training at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine University School of Law (ranked the number one dispute resolution program by the 2016 U.S. News and World Report for numerous consecutive years, ahead of Harvard University, University of Missouri-Columbia, and Ohio State), I began settling cases at a high rate.

I am very pleased to announce that as of 2017, I have become associated with mediator R.A. Carrington, Esq. of Mediation Services.  Together we have conducted over 3,000 mediations, 300 arbitrations and have been discovery referees in multiple complex matters. R.A. (an ABOTA Member) has been a full-time mediator since 1999 and I have been mediating since 2011.  Our professional association as of 2017 reflects our jointly held commitment to the values of tenacity, creativity, and the highest ethical standards applied to the resolution of every dispute.

You may be wondering what is different about me. I am told by mediation participants that I have a unique ability to read and understand people, to diffuse tense and emotional situations, and to quickly identify intangibles that might be interfering with settlement. These attributes work well in combination with my penchant for diplomacy and my long history evaluating and resolving my own civil cases. My approach is focused, efficient, cost-effective, and results oriented. I have developed a reputation for persistence and enthusiasm and I will follow up at no additional cost on any matter I have mediated, until it is settled!

 My background gives me credibility and an “ear” with both the defense and plaintiff bar. My legal career began in insurance defense as an associate with Archbald & Spray (1986-1992), progressed to a partnership of mixed plaintiff and defense work at McIvers & Lindenauer (1992-1994), and ultimately led me to a solo practice in plaintiff PI (beginning in 1994).

I mediate many types of personal injury and business matters.  I look forward to working with you to settle your next case!

• Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution (Pepperdine University School of Law) certificate: 2012
• Santa Barbara College of Law, J.D.: 1985
•  UC Santa Barbara, B.A. Law & Society: 1980
• Licensed CA Real Estate Broker (01241686)

• Southern California Mediation Association
• Santa Barbara County Bar Association
• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles

Please call or email for information.