Are you a lawyer?

No, I am not a practicing attorney. I graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 2001, but chose not to enter the adversarial world of legal practice. Instead, I have spent the last nine years as a teacher, tutor, writer, family documentarian, educational game designer, and mediator. Some of the best mediators are lawyers, ex-lawyers, or ex-judges, but some of the best mediators are also non-lawyers. My legal education combined with my career experience in more collaborative fields provides me with an ideal mix of skills and perspectives to be an effective mediator. I am an expert in the two most essential elements of mediation—communication and problem-solving—and my goal is to seek consensus, not victory.

Does mediation cost a lot?

My hourly rate is $175, and successful mediations typically require between 4 and 8 hours (2-4 sessions). A typical lawyer charges in excess of $200 or $300 per hour, and legal battles can drag on for months or years.

How do we pay?

You may pay in cash, by check (at least one week prior to our first scheduled session), or by credit card.

Where will we meet?

I have several meeting spaces at my disposal in San Francisco. The one we choose for our mediation will depend on what is most convenient for you and the other parties involved.