Mediator Resume

Led a distinguished career defined by a caring approach and a commitment to justice. From tenure as a deputy attorney general, Municipal Court Judge and Superior Court Judge to appointment as a Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, has gained a reputation throughout California for ability to authentically connect with people. During tenure on the Court of Appeal, authored approximately 1,300 cases and was on the panel for approximately 4,000 cases.

Arbitration, Mediation, Referee, Appellate Consultant

Independent Neutral, 2021-Present; Presiding Justice, Second District Court of Appeal Division Eight, 2011-2021; Associate Justice, Second District Court of Appeal Division Eight, 2008-2011; Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court, 1998-2008; Judge, Los Angeles Municipal Court, 1995-1998.

During time on the bench, presided over complex cases involving high-profile companies and public figures. Has authored three books on California law and procedure and lectured extensively on judicial ethics and fairness, civil motions and trials, and other topics. Chaired the Los Angeles Superior Court Civil Education Committee and served on the CACI jury instruction committee, which creates standardized jury instruction for the state’s judges. From 2006 to 2008, was the Dean of the Bernard E. Witkin California Judicial College, overseeing the education of all new judges in the state of California. After 35 years as an attorney and judge, is more than a legal expert; is also a calming force who uses people skills to resolve even the most hostile disputes. Has presided over complex cases involving high-profile companies and public figures, and managed cases involving Business/Commercial (A.D.A., Banking/Finance, Contractual, Fraud/Misrepresentation), Construction, Education, Employment (Discrimination, Hostile Environment, Labor Code, Sexual Harassment, Wage and Hour, Wrongful Termination), Insurance (Coverage, Subrogation), Entertainment, Healthcare, Insurance, Probate (Estates/Trusts), Professional Malpractice (Medical Mal Dental, Medical Malpractice, Professional Malpractice Legal), Real Estate (Buy/Sell, Home Owners Association, Landlord/Tenant, Neighbor Dispute, Property Damage, Real Property, Transaction, Warranty of Habitability), Technology, Tort (Catastrophic Injury, Defamation, Discrimination, General Negligence, Personal Injury, PI Assault and Battery, PI Auto, PI Sexual Assault, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death), Transportation. BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL Aghaian v. Minassian II (5/24/2021 64 Cal.App.5th 603) Holistic Supplements, LLC v. Stark (3/2/2021 61 Cal.App.5th 530) CIVIL RIGHTS Boermeester v. Carry (5/28/2020 263 Cal.Rptr.3d 261) Saheli v. White Memorial Medical Center (3/14/2018 21 Cal.App.5th 308) EMPLOYMENT Foroudi v. Aerospace Corporation (2020) 57 Cal.App.5th 992 Saheli v. White Memorial Medical Center (2018) 21 Cal.App.5th 308 INSURANCE COVERAGE United Farmers Agents Assn., Inc. v. Farmers Group, Inc. (2019) 32 Cal.App.5th 478 Alexander v. Farmers Ins. Co., Inc. (2013) 219 Cal.App.4th 1183 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Coast Hematology-Oncology Associates Medical Group, Inc. v. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (2020) 58 Cal.App.5th 748 Brighton Collectibles, LLC v. AIF Corporation (2020) 2020 WL 1283149 PROF. LIABILITY/MALPRACTICE Grafilo v. Cohanshohet (2019) 32 Cal.App.5th 428 Nemecek & Cole v. Horn (2012) 208 Cal.App.4th REAL ESTATE Aghaian v. Minassian II (2021) 64 Cal.App.5th 603 Starview Property, LLC v. Lee (2019) 41 Cal.App.5th 203 SEXUAL ASSAULT Safechuck v. MJJ Productions (2020) 43 Cal.App.5th 1094 Dickinson v. Cosby (2019) 37 Cal.App.5th 1138 TORT Pasternack v. McCullough (2021) 65 Cal.App.5th 1050

As a mediator, takes the time to get to know each party’s story and provides fair, empathetic decisions that help parties avoid a jury trial. After 35 years as an attorney and judge, is more than a legal expert—is a calming force who uses people skills to resolve even the most hostile disputes. With remarkable proficiency, effortlessly resolves an average case, showcasing exceptional skills in mediation. Talent truly shines when dealing with disputes involving challenging parties and intricate facts that have proven insurmountable for other mediators. Thorough preparation and in-depth understanding of the law and underlying facts of each case set apart as a highly capable and gifted mediator.

Pepperdine University School of Law (JD - 1986); California State University Fullerton (BA - 1982).

Admitted to the Bar: California (1986).

Association of Business Trial Lawyers; Association of Southern California Defense Counsel; Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles; California Judges Association; Southern California Mediators Association; Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. Alumna of the Year by Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, 2018. The Bernard S. Jefferson Judicial Education Award or Judicial Excellence from the California Judge’s Association, 2015. The Ronald M. George Award for Judicial Excellence by the California Judicial Council, 2014.

Has authored three books on California law and procedure and lectured extensively on judicial ethics and fairness, civil motions and trials, and other topics. Recent Speaking Engagements: How to Mediate, The Rutter Group Writing Effective Mediation Briefs, Pepperdine Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution The Snitch Rule: California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 8.3, various law firms Effective Oral Argument, Horovitz and Levy

Hourly Rate: Not provided Daily Rate: $15,000.00 Study Rate: $1,500.00/hr Cancellation: $15,000.00/Day Cancellation Period: 45 Days Comment: For out-of-town matters, will charge $2,500.00 for airfare, meals, hotel accommodation, etc. Any unused portion would be reimbursed.

English

United States of America

Los Angeles, California