I am an attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area who is committed to mediation as a way to resolve disagreements fairly. I have many years of coaching and advising experience, and I respect the expertise that people have about their own conflicts. Connecting with people, asking the right questions to get to the heart of the issue, and thinking creatively about how to move forward are what I love to do.
In addition to mediating and conflict coaching, I am a trainer with the Center for Understanding in Conflict, a non-profit that teaches mediation skills to people working in conflict engagement, including mediators, human resources professionals, mental health workers, and others. I also train individuals and groups on effective communication in conflict situations and on creating inclusive environments, particularly around gender, sexual orientation, and disability.
For several years of my career as an attorney, I litigated civil rights cases, including marriage equality, employment discrimination, issues involving transgender and gender non-conforming youth and their families, and issues facing LGBTQI elders, at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Before that, I worked in business litigation at Latham & Watkins LLP. These experiences informed my interest in helping people to resolve disputes and to develop their communication and understanding of each other.
Services
I offer mediation and conflict coaching services. Currently I meet with clients online using the Zoom platform, and my availability includes evenings and weekends.
If mediation is the right fit for the situation, I will meet with everyone involved to understand the background of the problem, discuss each client's perspective, and help come up with and evaluate potential solutions. I will not provide legal advice, but as needed, I will work with clients' individual attorneys, with therapists, or with other experts to make sure everyone has all the relevant information. When we have found a solution that the clients are satisfied with, I can create a written agreement for clients to review with their individual attorneys if needed.
If you would like conflict coaching on addressing an issue with someone else, I will meet with you to think through the problem together, consider it from different perspectives, identify possible solutions, and design your approach to resolving it with the other person. I can also help you prepare for conversations with the other person, including exploring and practicing listening and communication techniques to help you understand each other better.
To find out whether mediation or conflict coaching with me is a fit for your situation, I am available for free consultations of up to 45 minutes. (Consultations for mediation services are with all potential clients together.)