I have practiced for over 30 years in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., specializing in all aspects of environmental, land use, and natural resources law, including robust transactional, commercial, and pro bono practices, working in private practice, public interest, and government. In that time, I have negotiated settlements and closed transactions in scores of complicated and multi-party cases.
Over the years I have developed a general philosophy on how to successfully negotiate and reach consensus. The first principle is to have a clear understanding of where the other party or parties are coming from, what is driving their position, and what they need at the end of the day. The second principle is being realistic and forthright—understanding and acknowledging what is practically achievable. I attribute this to my New York upbringing—if the other side knows you are a straight shooter and can trust what you are telling them, including conveying hard truths, getting to yes becomes much easier. That holds for both mediation and arbitration.
I appreciate the benefits of maintaining professionalism, respect for others, and prioritizing those things that matter most, and I comport myself accordingly. Additionally, I have taught legal ethics for many years, to both new and seasoned lawyers. As a practicing attorney for over thirty years, it became apparent to me long ago, with rare exceptions, that full-throttled litigation does not often achieve the goals of the parties. Whether mediation or arbitration, I will employ those principles and my experience to assist those who have genuine and difficult disputes, but are at the same time motivated to resolve those disputes in a cost effective and less stressful environment.
Completed 40 hour training at the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution
Volunteer Mediator, Alameda Superior Court
Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
