Early in his career, Steve recognized how few cases actually go to trial.  The great majority are resolved by a settlement, all too often without the benefit of an opportunity to approach the case with a strategic focus on how to “win” the settlement for the client.  Steve’s objective continues to be finding creative ways to obtain the best possible outcome in all but the very few cases that absolutely must go to trial.

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Steve continues to offer strategic advice to clients.  On a selective basis, he is also willing to help both sides in a dispute find ways to achieve a beneficial resolution.  This role is more expansive than only serving as an advocate or third-party “mediator” and is often most effective when utilized before formal litigation is ever filed.  It includes:

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• acting as a facilitator to help parties identify and evaluate the right resolution process for their particular dispute

• acting as a neutral evaluator or arbitrator to help parties dispose of one or more of the key legal issues that are impediments to resolving their dispute informally

• engaging in direct dispute resolution negotiations with parties and their counsel

• acting as a mediator or assisting in the selection of the right third-party facilitator to resolve a particular dispute

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Steve’s services are not premised on serving in a specific capacity, but rather on determining what role and approach will be most helpful to parties and their counsel.  Steve’s primary focus has been on resolving cases in California, but he has handled matters throughout the U.S. and in a number of foreign countries.  His services generally include a cost-free confidential review of a potential engagement, as well as a meeting with the party or parties interested in obtaining his assistance.  Steve is continuing to work with Catherine Dunbar, an extremely talented senior paralegal and longtime colleague.