What to look for in a Mediator

Mediators are individuals (often licensed attorneys or judges) who are either retained by the parties or assigned by a court to assist the parties in resolving their dispute. Where the litigation process is often quite formal, and involves very structured and limited communication between the parties and the lawyers, mediation encourages free, open and confidential communication between the parties and the mediator. The mediator can then get to the heart of the dispute, and provide a neutral, calming structure to the communications between the parties and lawyers. In that way, the mediator can work effectively to help the parties resolve their disputes.

Differences between the parties typically involve money, but they also often involve matters of principle, damaged business relationships, or even a need for acknowledgement or apology between the parties.

The expenses and emotional costs of litigation are always draining on the parties, and sometimes the litigation process causes the parties to feel dissatisfied and as though they are not receiving “justice.” In contrast, the goal of mediation is to settle and resolve the dispute; it can provide a finality that allows the parties to move on with their lives.

 Selecting Sean E. Judge TO MEDIATE YOUR CASE

When deciding on a mediator, you should consider numerous factors, among them:

Experience: Sean Judge has been an active practicing attorney since 1989. He has handled cases for plaintiffs and defendants involved in personal injury, construction disputes, business disputes, products litigation, landlord tenant, real estate and entertainment litigation. For the first 11 years of my professional life, I primarily defended people who were sued. Since 2001, I have primarily worked for individuals and small businesses involved in litigation, primarily as plaintiffs. I have been an active mediator since 2002, have mediated approximately 100 cases, and have served as an arbitrator for the Los Angeles Superior Courts and for private parties since 1994. I am active as a volunteer mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Courts, and have served the courts in the in VAST settlement program as a settlement officer for the Judges of the Van Nuys and Chatsworth Superior Courts. I am proud to help litigants resolve their cases and ease the backlog of cases on the judges’ calendars.

Style: I know that different mediations require different styles and approaches to be effective. Sometimes, the case requires a valuation, and the parties look to me as the mediator to help them determine its fair value. Other cases, especially business matters and serious injury / wrongful death matters, may call on my ability to get beyond the dollars and cents, and determine what the parties really want or need in order have a sense of closure and satisfaction, and be able to move on with their lives. Mediation is about people, and they come from all walks of life with different life experiences. Understanding that helps me to be an effective mediator who can be of real assistance and value to the parties.

Training: In 2002, I undertook 42 hours of training at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.

Creativity: Since resolving disputes is primarily about understanding people, one style or method definitely does not fit all. I have found that where there is a will, there is a way, and a committed and diligent mediator can help the parties to find it. I've also found that, where appropriate, a creative solution can remove a roadblock to settlement and allow the parties to resolve their dispute.

For more information about Sean Judge's mediation services, please see Experienced Dispute Resolution Services, on this website.

How to Contact Attorney Sean E. Judge

I make an effort to accommodate urgent matters, and new clients are always welcome. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact me either by:

Telephone: (818) 610-8799

E-mail:

I can be reached by telephone Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You may also use this form to contact me. This form is answered Monday through Friday during the work day. Please remember that for me to become your attorney, we must first have a written attorney-client agreement signed by both of us, so please do not email any confidential information at this point. After I have reached an agreement with you, we can then exchange information freely. I look forward to helping you.

[* California Rule of Professional Conduct 1-400 requires me to inform you that the results obtained on other cases do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.]