Mediation Process Types of Cases Discovery Referee

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.