Pacific Mediation Center
2082 Union St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 921-7919 | Fax: (415) 921-6949
Family Law
I prefer to work with parties willing to work through a collaborative, structured process to resolve conflicts.
Divorce
I prefer to work with parties willing to work through a collaborative, structured process to resolve conflicts.
CA, Jul 1985
Bar Number: 118972
All California State Courts; Federal & District Courts; State Appellate Courts; Federal Appellate Courts
California State Bar
In addition to the continuing education requirements of the State Bar, 12 hours/year, primarily in the area of Family Law, I have more than 200 hours of conflict resolution training. I also have training in collaborative law.
I have represented both husbands and wives in dissolution cases, some of which were intensely litigated. That litigation experience lead me to family law mediation which has been the focus of my practice since 1993.
Bachelor of Arts
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale
CA
1978
Summa Cum Laude
Emphasis on Sociology and Spanish
J.D.
Golden Gate University School of Law
San Francisco
CA
1984
1
California
Since 1993 I have been a sole practitioner focusing on family law mediation.
1989-1992: Schapiro-Thorn, Inc.; 1988-1989: Morse & Associates; 1985-1988: Contract work for various civil litigation firms
I am a volunteer settlement attorney in the Family Law Court of the San Francisco Superior Court. I also volunteer with the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, a community mediation center.
I believe that when clients educate themselves about the legal issues, they feel empowered and more confident in making decisions.
I am willing to review documents prepared by clients.
I am willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves.
Initially, I wanted to help people by representing them in court proceedings. Over the years, I have learned that mediation is a more effective and efficient way to resolve conflicts.
My years of litigation experience and many hours of conflict resolution training help me to be a better mediator.
My primary area of expertise is Family Law. Litigation can lead to "winners" and "losers", which can be particularly problematic when children are involved and parties need to communicate in order to co-parent. In mediation, people can find resolutions which honor all parties.
I like best helping parties reach a resolution that they feel is workable and acceptable.
I am a sole practitioner, and the client will always talk to me.
I have strong communication and analytical skills and more than 20 years in family law and mediation.
Using a structured process, I help parties to better hear and understand each other. As a result, there is a greater sense of confidence, fairness and commitment to resolutions.
I enjoy my family, yoga, and hiking.
(415) 921-6949
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
No
I only work on an hourly basis.
$275
I offer couples a half hour free consultation.
I do not collect retainers. Payment is due at the end of our session.
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.