James C. Powers



JIM POWERS

Over 30 years of broad experience particularly in real estate law and complex business litigation.



SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY

Jim Powers talks separately with each side and only bring the parties together if they are in basic agreement and want to discuss details of settlement -- or if something occurs that makes it advisable to meet jointly.

Jim Powers will know the facts and the law of your case, give you his honest opinions, and proceed from there to discuss your best settlement options.



IT WORKS

Using his approach to mediation, Jim Powers is very successful in helping parties come to agreement on settlement.

James C. Powers


Attorney at Law
Los Angeles, California

Timely, Successful Alternative Dispute Resolution

TYPES OF CASES

Jim Powers' legal experience includes numerous cases and settlements in civil matters including:

Appellate
Business/Commercial
Class Actions
Condominiums
Condemnation,
    Direct and Inverse
Construction
Contract
Corporations,
    Partnerships and other
    Business entities
Debt Collection
Environmental
Homeowner Associations
Insurance
Land Use
Landlord/Tennant
Legal Malpractice
Mechanics Liens,
    Stop Notices, and
    construction Bonds
Personal Injury
Product Liability
Real Estate
Torts
Trusts/Estates
Securities
Utilities


MEDIATION PROCESS

As a litigator with broad experience in a number of fields, particularly real estate and complex business litigation, Jim Powers attended many settlement conferences and mediations, and found that, almost invariably, the settlement judge or mediation had little interest in either party's theories of recovery or defense. The usual comment was, "you have a bad case, settle it." As a litigant, Mr. Powers found that approach unsatisfactory and not often successful.

Instead, he will understand your case and give you his unvarnished opinions about the issues. Jim Powers reads whatever materials you give him and listens to all of your explanations about claims and defenses. He will know the facts and the law of your case, give you his honest opinions, and proceed from there to discuss settlement. Regardless of how strong or weak one side's case may be, there is almost always a basis for settlement. Less than 2% of the cases filed in Los Angeles Superior Court actually go to trial. Most of the others are settled, and it makes sense to settle sooner instead of later.

Jim Powers calls each of the lawyers before a mediation to learn about the issues and to get to know them. When the mediation starts, he does not waste time describing mediation or his background or the mediation process. The lawyers already understand the process and have explained it to their clients. They do not need to hear self-laudatory comments. Jim starts immediately with the issues.

LOCATION

He conducts mediations in his home office at 860 South Rimpau Blvd., Los Angeles 90005-3843. Telephone 323-936-6726. Fax 323-936-2319. Email jimpowers@ca.rr.com. There is ample free parking in the motor court in front of the house. His office is large, and there are other rooms where parties and their attorneys can confer while he is talking to the other side.