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David D. Stein

David D. Stein

Liaise Mediated Solutions, LLC
550 California Street
Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94104

Phone: (415) 399-8824  |  Fax: (866) 439-9762
http://www.LiaiseSolutions.com

Contact David D. Stein

Mediation - Better Solutions to Legal Problems

Legal Topic

Family Law

Preferred New Clients

We prefer people who are willing to truly adopt the mindset that ALL decisions and ALL actions must be guided by the principle that whatever is done must be done in the BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN. Liaise encourages couples with children to not think of what they are doing as a "divorce" or "dissolution" but as a Family Reorganization. Please see here for more information.

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Abuse
  • Elder Abuse
Children
  • Child Support
  • Children's Rights
  • Custody
  • Foster Care
  • Paternity
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Civil Unions
  • Common Law Marriage
  • Domestic Partnerships
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
  • Living Together/Cohabitation
  • Marriage
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Education & Schools
  • Student Rights
Elder Law
  • Age Discrimination
  • Competency Hearings
  • Guardianships & Conservatorships
  • Nursing Homes
  • Nursing Home Negligence
Rights
  • Grandparent Rights
  • Termination of Parental Rights

Legal Topic

Divorce

Preferred New Clients

We prefer people who wish to purposefully manage their conflict and achieve the highest quality, lowest cost solutions possible. Please see here for more information.

Sub-Categories

Divorce
  • Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
  • Annulment
  • Child Support
  • Custody/Visitation Rights
  • Division of Property
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • Collaborative Law
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1983
Bar Number: 112074

Other Court Admissions

California and all Federal Courts.

Association Memberships

Alameda County Bar Association.
Association for Dispute Resolution Northern California.

Continuing Education

I always exceed my continuing legal education requirements. I take courses in Family Law, Litigation, and Ethics.

I lecture in the area of dispute resolution for security providers.

Papers and Publications

"Always Leave an Option Open" Feb. 2004 Mediate.com
"Plan in Pencil" Aug. 2009, Mediate.com

Example Cases

Bring Liaise® the hard problems! We recently helped a divorcing couple with children in what is known as a "move-away" situation where one parent had relocated out of state. Instead of a multi-year, hundreds of thousands of dollars custody/visitation dispute, they emerged with a self-constructed visitation/custody plan that was fully and completely crafted in the "best interests of the children." Please visit here for more case examples.

Education

Degree:

B.G.S.

School:

Ohio University

City:

Athens

State:

OH

Year:

1974

Focus and Accomplishments:

Interpersonal Communications.

 

Degree:

J.D.

School:

University of San Francisco

City:

San Francisco

State:

CA

Year:

1980

Number of Attorneys

4

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

Liaise® Mediated Solutions, LLC was formed to provide the highest quality, lowest cost conflict management services in California. There are organizations and mediators that charge more money, but there is no individual or organization that works harder than the professionals at Liaise®, or delivers a better service and results! Everything is a negotiation.

After a 20 plus year successful career as a litigator in the area of intellectual property and entertainment law, I saw a need for the creation of a company that provided high quality mediation services at a reasonable price. After spending over $5,000 for an afternoon with a retired judge in a "mediation" session that was merely a glorified "settlement conference" where the judge ineffectually did "shuttle diplomacy" and tried to "twist arms" to get an agreement, I resolved to create a company offering "true" mediation at an affordable price. My training in interpersonal communications taught that true mediation required a higher degree of emotional intelligence and active listening than I was seeing from the usual practitioners and so I organized Liaise®.

Please see here for more information.

Previous Employment Summary

I was a partner in the boutique entertainment law firm of Simons & Stein. Obtained multi-million dollar judgment in G. P-Orridge v. American Recording/Rick Rubin.

Activities and Awards

  • Judge Pro Tem for Contra Costa Superior Court
  • Volunteer Legal Service Committee - Alameda County
  • Volunteer Mediator Contra Costa County
  • Volunteer Family Law Lawyer Alameda County
  • Volunteer Arbitrator Attorney/Client Fee Disputes - Alameda County
  • Arbitrator - Financial Industry Regulator Authority [FINRA]

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

In point of fact Liaise® fully and completely educates our clients to the process and legal framework that they are navigating. In the Liaise® method it is vitally important that the people engaged be fully vested and educated as to all of their viable options every inch of the journey.  You are invited to view my perspectives on this, and other subjects here.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Happy to oblige! Not only will the review explore the legal efficacy of the documents, but just as importantly together we will make DOUBLE DOG certain that the documents are a true and accurate reflection of the intent of the parties. For other Frequently Asked Questions, please visit our FAQ.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

At Liaise® this is not generally an issue, although we are happy to oblige. At Liaise® we are generally providing a mediation service and so both parties are present in a non-adversarial forum. Liaise® will draft all necessary legal documents at the client's direction to achieve a judgment that incorporates the stipulated agreement. If legal representation is required, it can be done on a limited representation basis. Please visit here for more information.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I became a lawyer because I love justice and I wanted to change the world. Being a lawyer was just great, I made lots of money and I got to positively impact many lives. Being a mediator is even better! Sometimes, after a particularly difficult mediation, where I helped people to manage what they thought was an intractable problem, I can hardly get to sleep I'm so exhilarated. Many times after mediation I have had a client grab my hand with tears in his or her eyes and say "because of you, my kids can go to college" or "I'll still be able to retire." Happens a lot, hard not to cry. Great way to make a living.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I worked my way through law school providing rock and roll concert security for Bill Graham Presents. Within a year I was a supervisor responsible for the safety of thousands. I was never tough, or handy with my fists, but I was quick with my wits. I learned how to diffuse situations, how to give would be combatants an "out" so they could disengage without "losing face." I could step between heavyweights and break up a fight because my emotional intelligence was greater than theirs and I was, for reasons I don?t yet understand, unafraid. I still count the people I worked with back then as some of my closest friends.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I was a pretty good litigator, I made a lot of money and got good results. But I am a GREAT mediator. I love to help people to manage what they think is unmanageable. My success rate for general civil mediation is around the 93rd percentile. My success rate for divorce mediation is 100%.  Please visit here for more on the services we offer.

What do you like best about your career?

I am at heart a people person. To me there is no greater satisfaction than to help people manage problems. Many times the situations I mediate impact the lives of children and it is indescribably gratifying to know that there are children that will have an easier time in life just because I helped their parents choose a path of low conflict.  I go on and on about what I like about my career here.  For people with too much free time.

Tell us about your law firm:

Every professional with whom Liaise® affiliates is an experienced lawyer/mediator with over 100 hours of training. Liaise® professionals subscribe to the highest standards of sound mediation practice and confidentiality. Please visit here for more on this topic.

What are your strengths and style?

I blend laser-like insight and stress-busting humor. My clients tell me that I am a genuine peacemaker. Please check out my Yelp reviews.

Personal Interests:

I have been a husband for over 25 years and a father for the last 13. My wife and I rescued three cats, one dog, one turtle, three tortoises and some birds. I play a game that I call golf, but a real golfer probably wouldn't recognize. I am on my hometown girls' softball board of directors where I also serve as the Commissioner for the upper age-group league. I volunteer at a local animal shelter.

Office Manager/Assistant

N'Nicky.

Fax

(866) 439-9762

Office Hours

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

Evening and weekends by appointment.

Contact Liaise Solutions.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

Yes, Russian.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Liaise® offers fixed-price services which are calculated after an initial consultation.

Nolo clients will receive a two hour credit.

Hourly Rates

$250.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, 30 minute free consultation.

Typical Retainer

$2,000.

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.