Mediation
Since the inception of our mediation practice in 1994, Christine Masters and Alan Ribakoff have successfully resolved thousands of disputes throughout California and the western United States. We recognize and address the diverse needs of counsel, parties, insurance carriers, and others involved in any given dispute. A sophisticated yet practical approach, including the use of pre-mediation and post-mediation conferences with counsel, has earned Masters & Ribakoff a national reputation for quality, creativity and efficiency. During mediation, we encourage candid discussions and thoughtful consideration of each party's arguments and interests to facilitate settlement. As a result of our substantive legal expertise, we are able to assist participants to critically evaluate their positions and adjust their settlement expectations.
Having developed a remarkable sensitivity to the emotional trauma and disruptive effects of legal disputes, we are able to connect with the parties. It is this connection that helps the participants to be receptive to the mediator's input and establish the trust necessary for a successful outcome. Thus, the parties are able to recognize the risks of non-settlement and protracted litigation and are able with the advice of their counsel, to make informed decisions, as to whether, and on what terms, settlement might be achieved. Ultimately, we can offer creative solutions and alternatives that allow the parties and counsel to reach resolution or, at a minimum, streamline the primary issues to be litigated.
