Attorneys
Attorneys (Los Angeles Area)
Peace Talks Mediation Services, Inc. maintains a good referral list of mediation friendly attorneys and can make a recommendation based on what you need. Please give us a call at (310) 301-2100 so that we may be able to provide this information to you.
Using an Attorney to Help You Through the Mediation Process
Mediation participants use supporting attorneys in different ways – some not at all, some a little, and some every step of the way. We think it’s a good idea to meet with someone at the beginning of the process so you get an idea of your rights and to establish a relationship with them so when you have questions, you have someone who you trust who you can call.
All of the attorneys on this list support the mediation process and will work on an hourly basis to help you with all of your questions, discuss your rights, help you formulate proposals, prepare your financial disclosures, and go over your final agreement – as much or as little as you wish. They will even attend mediation sessions with you’d like.
Of course, you’re free to use any attorney you’d like – not just someone from this list. But how can you be sure that a lawyer is truly “ediation friendly”? We think that these are some of the questions to ask and answers to look for:
- Will the attorney frankly discuss with you both the best case scenario and the worst case scenario at the first or second meeting? A mediation friendly attorney will give you a range of outcomes and options, not just one solution. If a litigation-oriented attorney talks only about the best case scenario, get that guarantee in writing before you pay your retainer.
- Is the attorney patient with you about listening and explaining the pros and cons of each position and in helping you to develop settlement options? Does he or she have some good suggestions and alternatives?
- Does the attorney trust you to understand your rights and options? Will he or she work with you in the way that you feel most comfortable (whether it’s behind the scenes, or coming to the mediation session), or does he or she insist on representing you in a particular way without being clear about why?
- Will the attorney support your view of fairness even if it differs from theirs? Are they committed to helping you make an educated, informed decision, even if they think it is an unconventional decision?
- Has he or she attended a mediation training or are there mediation books or materials in the office?
Attorney Referral Organizations
Los Angeles County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Panel: (213) 627-2727
Beverly Hills Bar Association: (310) 553-4022
Low Income Divorce Services
Levitt and Quinn Family Law Center, LLC: (213) 482-1800
Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law: (213) 388-7515
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles: (323) 801-7989
Attorney Associations
American Bar Association Family Law Section : This website is for the national organization for family lawyers.
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers: This website is a good source for finding the most experienced litigation attorneys.
The Divorce Directory
DivorceDirectory.com
This information is presented as public service and is a broad overview of California law. Applicability to your individual circumstances may or may not be appropriate.It is not intended as legal advice, and is no substitute for individual legal counseling from a qualified professional. We take no responsibility for your reliance on the legal information posted on this web site.