Mediation

Since the inception of her mediation practice in 1994, Christine Masters has successfully resolved thousands of disputes throughout California and the western United States. Recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of counsel, parties, insurance carriers, and others involved in any given dispute, Ms. Masters offers a sophisticated yet practical approach, including the use of pre-mediation conferences and post-mediation aftercare. She is known for her tenaciousness, creativity, and efficiency in mediation.

During the mediation process, which begins they day she is selected, she encourages and facilitates candid discussions and thoughtful consideration of each party’s arguments and interests. With her substantive legal expertise, she is able to assist participants in critically evaluating their positions, and adjusting their expectations. Having developed a remarkable sensitivity to the emotional trauma and disruptive effects of employment disputes, Ms. Masters truly connects with all parties. It is this connection that helps the participants to be receptive to her input and establish the trust necessary for a successful mediation outcome. The parties are empowered to assess and to recognize the risks of pursuing the dispute and, with the advice of their counsel, to make informed decisions as to whether and on what terms settlement might be achieved. Ultimately, she assists in developing creative solutions and alternatives to litigation or arbitration that allow for resolution or, at a minimum, streamline the primary issues to be determined.

Ms. Masters works closely with her Mediation Manager, Sonia Patel Dalton, to convene a mediation. Since the COVID pandemic in 2020, she has successfully mediated many disputes using the Zoom platform. As science indicates, she will consider in person mediations and will work with counsel to determine the best process for each mediation.