Empowering Attorneys - Resolving Workplace Disputes
As a seasoned civil trial attorney since 2008, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience from both sides of the mediation table. I understand the pressures you and your clients face—tight deadlines, high stakes, and the need for practical, effective solutions. Over the years, I’ve developed the negotiation skills and persistence necessary to break through impasses, even in the most complex or contentious disputes.
When you choose me as your mediator, you gain an ally who appreciates the nuances of litigation and knows how to guide parties toward resolution. Mediation offers your clients a chance to retain control, minimize risk, and achieve closure—without the uncertainty, expense, and emotional toll of trial. Rather than leaving your client’s fate in the hands of a judge or jury, mediation allows you to craft creative, client-centered outcomes.
Let’s work together to resolve your case efficiently and effectively, so you and your clients can move forward with confidence.
Ready to Schedule?
LIVE REALTIME BOOKING
Use our simple online, real-time booking system to reserve your full or half-day mediation. Alternatively, you can also call us at (619) 910-1200, or email us at [email protected], for our availability or to schedule your mediation.
Get to Know Me
Born and raised in Minnesota, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota before relocating to San Diego for law school. Since then, San Diego has become my home. My entire legal career has focused on litigating employment law cases, allowing me to develop extensive knowledge in California employment law. This experience enables me to efficiently resolve even the most complex employment disputes. Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and distance running.
Areas of Focus
- Wrongful Termination
- Harassment
- Discrimination
- Retaliation
- Whistleblower Retaliation
- Breach of Contract
- Unpaid Wages
- Constructive Termination
- Failure to Accommodate
Education
California Western School of Law, Juris Doctor • University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Training
Mediating the Litigated Case – Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
Professional Associations
California State Bar Association • Federal Bar Association • San Diego County Bar Association • Consumer Attorneys of San Diego • Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
Awards & Recognition
2021 – 2025 Super Lawyers San Diego • 2016 – 2018 Super Lawyers San Diego Rising Star • 2015 San Diego Business Journal Best of the Bar
How You Can Work With Me
Mediation is an extremely beneficial alternative dispute resolution process. The skills of the mediator can determine whether or not you are successful in getting your client’s conflict resolved. As an endurance athlete, I know that proper planning and preparation are vital to success on race day. The same is true about your mediation. Your mediation starts before the day of your mediation. I work closely with all sides prior to mediation to make sure that the stage is set for the highest probability of success on mediation day.
Before Mediation
I like to get to know the parties and, importantly, their views of the issues. The only way to resolve conflicts is to understand and address the underlying issues and interests of each party. Traditionally this involves the submission of concise mediation briefs. This may also include a pre-mediation meeting or call to help me prepare for the dynamics of mediation day to increase your chance of success.
During Mediation
I use distributive and integrative mediation processes to help parties collaborate to reach resolutions. Oftentimes mediators lose sight of the fact that there are often mutual interests between the parties. Too many mediations focus on the concept that there is a finite pie available to split at mediation, and that the “winner” at mediation is the side that gets the bigger piece of the pie. I focus on the interests of the parties instead of only the surface-level issues. I understand that resolutions sometimes require creative solutions, and mediation is not a “one size fits all” process. I adapt for each mediation based on the dynamics of the parties and issues.
After Mediation
No matter how hard the parties try, not every case resolves on the day of mediation. Sometimes parties are simply not ready to reach resolution. I am a believer that there is no such thing as an unsuccessful mediation. In mediation, the exchange of information helps us move closer to resolution. For that reason, I am committed to following up with parties after mediation, to ensure that all efforts to reach a resolution and resolve conflict are exhausted.
Benefits of hiring me as your mediator...
Real world legal experience
I have been a civil litigator and trial attorney since 2008. I worked for one of San Diego's top employment law firms and founded my own employment focused law firm in 2014.
Professionally trained mediator
I hold a certificate for the "Mediating the Litigated Case" program through the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
Compassionate and caring
I understand that emotions and relationships can oftentimes create roadblocks to achieving resolution. I make sure that those emotions and relationships are examined, so that we can work through them, instead of ignoring them.
Why Mediation?
The thought of mediation may be intimidating for your clients, especially if they have never participated in one before. This guide will help your clients understand how mediation works, to set them up for success. By being prepared, we can even the power dynamic so that all parties start on the same footing.
What legal professionals are saying
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Have Questions?
If you have any questions, or if you just prefer to schedule with a live person, please call us at (619) 910-1200, email us at [email protected], use our online booking system, or fill out the form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Why they call me the Marathon Mediator
As a passionate distance runner, I dedicate my free time to pounding the pavement when I’m not engaged in conflict resolution. My running achievements include completing the prestigious Boston Marathon four times and securing several top 100 finishes in San Diego’s half marathons. My journey with the Boston Marathon began in 2011 when I participated as a charity runner for The Hoyt Foundation.
In 2013, I played a key role in establishing Team Hoyt San Diego, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to participate in athletic events such as running races and triathlons. I served as the organization’s President from its inception in 2013 until 2021. Currently, I maintain my involvement with Team Hoyt San Diego as a board member and continue to actively participate in local San Diego races.
My commitment to running and community service continues to be a significant part of my life, complementing my professional work in conflict resolution.