| Legal Background:
During the 29 years that I was a Federal Estate and Gift Tax Attorney, ending in 1998, I examined literally thousands of cases involving trusts, estates, probates, gifts, and complex tax situations. I have seen all manner of problems - legal and interpersonal - and a multitude of creative, and not so creative, attempts to resolve not only legal issues, but also inter-family and intra-family disputes. My experience also provides me with a very deep and broad background re fees, practices, and standards of practice for professionals - attorneys, trustees, accountants, financial planners - as they relate to trusts, estates, and probates. For the last ten years I have also served, and continue to serve, as an arbitrator for Santa Barbara County Courts. These cases have involved the entire gamut of legal issues except criminal law: e.g., contracts, torts, real property, malpractice, insurance claims, warranties, and landlord/tenant disputes. Some case have required legal research, for which I am well qualified. Member of the California State Bar - #43426 |
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| Mediation Background and Approach:
Since retiring from the Federal government, I have been studying and practicing mediation. My formal education in mediation includes instruction at: Strauss Institute of Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine School of Law - 32 hours University of California at Santa Barbara - 32 hours Conflict Management Institute -30 hours These disparate institutions have exposed me to a large spectrum of mediation philosophies and methods. I have adopted a pragmatic, activist approach, using whatever methods seem most appropriate to the particular issues and parties, with my primary goal being to help the parties reach resolution of their dispute. Relationships are important per se, as well as often being critical to arriving at an agreement. Whenever appropriate, relationships and emotions are addressed. I am open to discussing with counsel the methodology most likely to be appropriate in any particular case both before and during mediation. Counsel and other professionals are encouraged to participate in my mediations and/or to act as resources for their clients. They are valued assets. |
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| Formal Education:
B.A. - California State University at Long Beach |
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| Miscellaneous Professional Experience:
Superior Court Clerk |