In 2025, we successfully mediated 181 cases, leading to 156 settlements. This not only demonstrates our effective conflict resolution strategies but also showcases our impressive mediation rates through professional mediation.
Understanding Mediation Rates for Effective Conflict Resolution
MEDIATION RATES
All mediation fees start with a 2-hour minimum, and the fee is typically split between the parties unless otherwise agreed upon. These mediation fees may vary based on the expertise required. Factors influencing the rates include the complexity of mediation briefs, the amount of supporting documents, location and travel involved, the number and availability of parties and decision makers, the level of correspondence, and the need for translators. Rates will be discussed and agreed upon within the mediation agreement prior to the mediation session.
For subrogation mediation, including diminished value cases, the rates are discounted to $450 per side for a two-hour block. For three sides, the rate remains $450 per side for a two-hour block, while the mediation day is priced at $3,600. In personal injury mediation cases, the fee is $750 per hour, split with a two-hour minimum.
Other categories such as product/lemon cases, construction disputes, venture capital/funding disputes, and partnership disputes also attract a rate of $750 per hour, split with a two-hour minimum. Additional cases, including B2B disputes, product issues, landlord/tenant matters, HOA disputes, contracts, latent defects, defamation, estate/probate, and fire insurance claims are charged at $750 per hour.
For day rates, personal injury mediation and auto subrogation mediation are billed at $3,600 per day for handling 4-6 cases. For CA DOI referral cases, mediator rates are fixed within the contract, and the insurance company pays the fee: $700 per day for auto mediation and $1,500 for home, fire, or earthquake cases. The VCSC Pro Per mediation program offers the first three hours pro bono, after which disclosed hourly rates apply. The VCSC Party Pay mediation program requires parties to pay the disclosed hourly rate immediately. In Los Angeles Superior Court and other California courts, the disclosed and agreed-upon hourly rate takes immediate effect. Similar policies apply in Idaho Superior Court and other Idaho courts.
Regarding mediation set-up, follow-ups, and party communication, there are typically no additional charges for actions prior to mediation. Mediation charges only apply during the mediation session. Work that may occur before mediation includes phone calls, document gathering, coordination with law firms, insurance companies, adjusters, and reading mediation briefs.
Payment for mediator services and retainer agreements include fees beyond mediation session time, such as reviewing submitted materials and any post-session continued mediation work, which may be conducted telephonically or electronically. This post-session work is often more extensive than the standard follow-up included at no charge, and any potential additional charges will not be enforced without consent from the parties. Discretionary Refundable Retainers may be charged for anticipated services, including additional mediation time, shared on a pro-rata basis unless modified by mutual consent. Parties must advance all fees to secure reserved dates, with only unused time billed as 'Retainer' or 'Additional Retainer' being refundable.
Lastly, cancellation, continuance, and refund policies require that all requests be in writing and sent to all parties. If a matter scheduled for one day or less is canceled or continued within 3 days of the scheduled mediation date, the mediation fee becomes non-refundable and is due from the requesting party(ies). For multi-day matters, full payment for lost time is non-refundable if canceled or continued within 10 days of the mediation date. No fee will be incurred for any portion of the vacated time filled by the mediator. Multiple continuances by the same party outside the applicable policy will incur an additional fee of $250 ($125 per side) upon rescheduling. Refunds will be considered for cases canceled beyond the applicable policy, minus any preparation time expended prior to cancellation.
Mediation cases
My range of mediations is very extensive and broad. I would be very surprised if I had not settled the type of disagreement or case you bring to me. Please give me a call or email and we can discuss if it is a good fit for everyone!