SternLaw

Every young trial lawyer starting out needs mentors. Not just the lawyers he or she works with, but those whose example and whose work speak to the young lawyer. And so it was that in the early 1980's, I listened carefully to the veterans, the legends. Now, 40 years later, very few are left. Another one left this Earth this past week, Harold "Hal" Hunter, a partner at Kirtland & Packard when I first met him and listened to him at continuing education seminars. Over the years, I never heard one bad word about Hal Hunter. And that legacy is perhaps his most important contribution to this and other formerly young lawyers.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: The Los Angeles County Superior Court has just announced that is it suspending all Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSC's) due to concerns arising from the COVID-10 (Corona) Virus and the consensus opinions of health officials that any gathering of people poses unreasonable risks. As you know, I am an independent mediator with my main office in Woodland Hills. I manage my own calendar and scheduling of mediation sessions. This means I can tailor a f...orm of alternative dispute resolution to meet your needs. During this time of heightened concern about COVID-19 and the very real need for "social distancing," I believe that with a bit of effort and creativity, civil litigation attorneys who want to move their cases toward resolution, can find a way to fashion a mediation session that will allow all participants to feel comfortable and assured as to their health and safety. I invite you to learn more about me at my web site: www.sternlaw.org. If you go to the tab that says "Mediation" you will be able to contact me to arrange a date, time and location that makes sense for you and your clients. You will also be able to download my mediation agreement form and a letter of guidance and instruction. Cost: My standard rate is $2500.00 for a half day (4 hours) or $5,000.00 for a full day. But in these difficult times for everyone, including lawyers, I am always willing to discuss other arrangements as the needs of your case may require.

PLEASE REGISTER TO VOTE. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU.

Vacation is over. The Grandson is now a few days shy of his 3 month birthday, so plans being made for first college campus visit. His parents are tanned, rested (ok, perhaps not) and fabulous; the spouse is nearly ready to return to the slopes, the daughter and her beau are settled in their Redondo flat; the denizens of RB are prepared for them. As for me: returning to my work helping the Superior Court settle cases, mediating a variety of cases, moving my own cases to successful conclusions; completing a ghost written family autobiography for a good friend, two legal articles and an outline for a planned presentation to high school seniors preparing for their first votes. SternLaw is also tanned, rested and ready for whatever 2020 has in store for us all.