Better Solutions Mediation & Law Services

Mediation, the Better Solution

This lawyer is licensed to practice in California and has no record of discipline from the California bar association.*

Firm Overview

My practice focuses on family law mediation. I decided to mediate full time after being a litigator and seeing the high cost of litigation, both financially and emotionally. I have been dedicated to helping clients resolve conflict through mediation since 2004, and my practice is 100% mediation. I have over 300 hours of mediation training and over 200 hours of training for crisis counselors. I focus on helping my clients get through very difficult times with their dignity and their wallets intact!

Example cases

Most clients come to mediation feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. I think it is important for people to feel some control over what is happening. In every case, I help my clients by breaking the process down into manageable pieces. Then I help them through the process, step by step.

I recently helped a divorcing couple with three children and a house that was worth less than the current mortgage debt. They decided they wanted to keep the house so the children would have that familiar environment. In mediation, they were able to reach an agreement that would allow them to do that in an equitable way. Mediation is all about creative problem solving, which is something I love doing.

Several years ago I successfully mediated a divorce for a couple who had tried mediation twice before without success. This couple had reached a total impasse and they were unable to communicate effectively. Through my mediation process, they were able to reach full agreement on all of their legal issues, including their parenting plan. With skilled mediation, they also resolved other emotional issues and were able to improve communication with each other so that they completed mediation feeling optimistic about the future, which would include enjoying their children's graduations and weddings together.

I have heard from children of divorce that it is a relief to know that their parents will stand up together at their graduation, or at their wedding, without animosity or blame, to celebrate the occasion and support their child. When I help divorcing parents to reach this goal, I feel truly blessed to be a mediator. It is a very rewarding experience.

Main Office

Main
430 D Street
Davis CA 95616-4131

Phone

(530) 756-2536

Websites

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Free half-hour initial consultation with both parties present.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

None

Hourly Rates

$300

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Office Manager

None

Emergency After Hours

Languages Spoken

Spanish, German

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

I enjoy working with people and creative problem solving. I have a natural ability to empathize and help people understand each other and the law. It is rewarding to help people find solutions to their most difficult problems.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I encourage my clients to educate themselves about mediation and the law. I provide my clients with handouts explaining relevant family law in easy to understand language.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am happy to review documents prepared by clients, as long as there is agreement between both parties that I may do so.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

This does not apply to mediation, where the clients do not go to court. However, I do help my clients prepare for mediation.

Gillian Brady

Immigration Attorney in San Francisco; Volunteer Family Law Attorney in San Francisco; Family Law Associate Attorney at top firm in Solano County; Client Advocate at the UC Davis Family Protection & Legal Assistance Clinic, providing victims of domestic violence with free legal help and advocacy in court ordered mediation; Legal Director for SADVC in Yolo County; Solo Practitioner in private practice since 2004

The hundreds of hours of mediation training I have taken have helped me become an effective mediator. I also learn from every case I mediate. I have been mediating now for seven years and have successfully mediated hundreds of cases. But I do believe that there are some inherent skills a good mediator should possess, and these are harder to describe. One skill is being a good listener; but this skill goes far beyond simply listening, it includes an ability to see what is going on under the surface, and the ability to use that information effectively to help people understand each other.

My work with Sharyn Kaplan, an attorney mediator with over 15 years experience has also improved my mediation skills. She has been my mentor and I co-mediate with her on some cases as well. My pro bono work with people who could not otherwise afford an attorney also makes me a better attorney mediator. I am not judgmental because I look beyond appearances.

I have the ability to help clients reach agreements even when they thought it was not possible. I create an environment that encourages mutual respect and consideration. I am able to explain the law in a way that is understandable to everyone.

I am thoughtful and down-to-earth. I aim to put people at ease. I explain the law in a clear and concise manner. I tailor the mediation to fit my clients needs. I promote respect and understanding.

Personal interests:

Swimming, water polo, nature, art, music, cooking, gardening, international relations and much more.

License

Bar Number: 201239
California , 1999

Education

American University, Washington College of Law
Juris Doctor , 1998
Washington, DC
International Human Rights, Alternative Dispute Resolution
University of California, Davis
B.A. , 1991
Davis, CA
Linguistics and German, M.V.P. Varsity Crew team

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.