Mediator Resume

Certified Family Law Specialist with nearly 30 years of California family law experience. Current practice dedicated exclusively to consensual dispute resolution, including mediation and collaborative divorce. Known for empathetic, creative, forward-thinking, and practical approaches that help families in transition achieve tailored, sophisticated, and durable settlements. Recognized by Los Angeles Magazine as a Super Lawyer from 2011 through 2026, and as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2005 through 2010. Recipient of the 2019 Eureka Award from Collaborative Practice California, recognizing outstanding contributions to collaborative divorce practice in California.

Jacobson Family Law and Mediation - Principal

Attorney, Mediator

Principal, Jacobson Family Law and Mediation, 2021-Present; Partner, Jacobson Scully, LLP, 2018-2020; Partner, Jacobson Scully Shebby, LLP, 2010-2018; Principal, Law Offices of Jeffery S. Jacobson, 2003-2010; Executive Director, Director of Legal Services, Staff Attorney, Levitt & Quinn Family Law Center, 1997-2003, Associate Attorney, Mosten & Tuffias, 1996-1997.

Nearly 30 years of California family law experience, including litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce. Founder of Jacobson Family Law and Mediation, a boutique Los Angeles practice dedicated to helping families achieve customized, client-centered out-of-court resolutions. Co-authored Los Angeles County Local Rule 5.26, the most comprehensive collaborative practice court rule in California. Together with Jennifer Winestone, was instrumental in the development and passage of Senate Bill 1427 in 2024, which created a new Joint Petition process for divorcing couples in California. Past Chair of the Family Law Section of the Beverly Hills Bar Association and former President of the Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association. Previously served multiple terms on the Executive Committee of the Family Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Member of A Better Divorce and Los Angeles Westside Collaborative Divorce Professionals, interdisciplinary consensual dispute resolution groups. Served as Minor’s Counsel, Volunteer Mediator and Judge Pro Tem for Los Angeles Superior Court. Served as Executive Director of Levitt & Quinn Family Law Center, a nonprofit organization providing family law services to low-income individuals in Los Angeles; currently serves on its Board of Directors.

Extensive experience mediating a broad range of family law issues, including dissolution of marriage, division of property (including complex high net worth estates), child and spousal support, parenting plans, and pre- and post-marital agreements. Experience includes cases involving both attorney-represented and self-represented parties across a full spectrum of financial complexity. Conducts mediations in either multi-session formats or full-day settlement conferences (with attorneys and other professionals participating).

Begins mediations with a facilitative approach, in order to identify clients’ interests and concerns. Will be directive/evaluative as needed by the parties to achieve a global agreement. Guided by the belief that parties who actively participate in crafting their own agreements are more likely to achieve durable, satisfying outcomes. Focuses on facilitating communication, promoting mutual understanding, and providing information and guidance that enables informed decision-making. Conducts both joint sessions and separate caucuses, and adapts process structure to the needs and dynamics of each case. Highly experienced in both in-person and virtual mediation formats. Often serves as case manager in mediations, drafting agreements and other legal documents to implement settlements.

Highly experienced in doing mediation remotely (Zoom, etc.). Utilizes XSpouse and Family Law Software.

UCLA School of Law (J.D. - 1996); University of California at Berkeley (B.A., Highest Honors; Outstanding Undergraduate in Political Science - 1992).

Admitted to the Bar: California (1996). Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (2008-present).

Beverly Hills Bar Association (Past Chair, Family Law Section); Los Angeles County Bar Association (Former Executive Committee Member, Family Law Section); Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association (Past President); A Better Divorce; Los Angeles Westside Collaborative Divorce Professionals; Family Law Attorney Mediators Engaged in Study (FLAMES).

Delivered presentations and served as panelist in numerous programs on family law mediation, collaborative divorce, and substantive family law topics for the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association, State Bar of California, Association for Family and Conciliation Courts, Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association, UCLA School of Law, USC School of Law, Loyola Law School, and other organizations. Co-authored Los Angeles County Local Rule 5.26 (collaborative practice). Co-author and advocate for Senate Bill 1427 (2024), establishing a new Joint Petition process for divorcing couples in California.

Hourly Rate: Not provided Daily Rate: $7,500.00 Study Rate: Not provided Cancellation: $750.00/Day Cancellation Period: 48 Days Comment: Offers full-day mediations at $7,500/day and half-day mediations at $3,750/day. Available for both in-person and virtual (Zoom) sessions. Full day mediations include up to two hours of preparation time. Half day mediations include up to one hour of preparation time. Half day cancellation fee: $375.

English

United States of America

El Segundo, California