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20 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous
As other reviewers have mentioned, Ms. Brauer charges high fees, but did very little. She is hard to reach. I don't think she needs new clients, or it's a strategy to make her seem important. In any case, when I asked why they are recommending that I withdraw the case at the end of my ordeal, she (or her assistant) told me that it is because they did not expect the other attorney to do so much research and build such a strong case. Really?
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04 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Laurel Brauer and her partner Colleen Hemingway have absolutely no business practicing family law. They present horribly in the courtroom, Ms Brauer stumbles and fails to articulate minor points. Their fees are exorbitant, and they are judgmental, rude, and lazy---they never arrive in the office before 10, and they are never in court either. Ms. Hemingway was buddy buddy with my ex husband, and was blatantly taking his side even though he violated a number of court orders regarding custody. If they had an issue with me, which they did, they should have made their bias known, and I would have sought other counsel, which I did ultimately, but $60,000 later and too late. They refused to represent my interests, and were clearly only experienced in financial issues regarding family law, not custody issues, In a 3 month time frame, they collected over 60k and resolved almost nothing. They were so late in filing emergency orders when my ex husband decided to move against court orders it proved disastrous to my children. They attacked me, my parenting, my personality, my clothes, and my relationships with every person in my life. Ms Hemingway has no children, but dispensed more parenting advice than legal advice, I was mocked and ridiculed by them for taking my kids out for fun weekend events, rescuing and keeping a stray dog, and having big birthday celebrations for the kids. They were supposed to fill adverse interests on the 401k and did not, enabling my ex to move funds and deplete the account. I don't know how they stay in business, but if you are going to pay $500 an hour I suggest you contact an a phenomenal female attorney in Tustin with a great reputation in the courts that actually works to represent your needs. These are two of the most dishonest people I have met in my 2 year divorce nightmare.
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12 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I never received a statement from this attorney (for three months) until I fired her (she claimed to not have email for 50 days). The bill was $9,000 for one filing of a boiler plate document and for a very unprofessional letter she sent on my behalf without my approval. The rest of the bill was padded with redundancies and review after review of what? I don't know! She additionally missed a filing deadline with the Court and expected me to pay for drafts of which should have been filed that I never saw. I cannot understand an attorney who claims to have no email for 50 days and whose website has been "temporarily under repair" for weeks on end. There are some very good attorneys out there and Laurel Brauer is not one of them. I have filed for an arbitration hearing regarding my statement and have filed a complaint against her with the Orange County Bar Association. She won't even respond to my letters regarding disputing her fees. She has her associate do so. She also informed me when I hired her that she had an office in Los Angeles. Apparently she does not and has not for some time. Find another lawyer.
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09 Dec, 2020 by Amanda
He was hired by my old landlord and I guess he didn't do his homework correctly because he sent a letter to both me and my prior ex-boyfriend who stalks me by the way. It took me two years to escape the mess and abuse in California I moved to another state and try to keep my new life hidden from my ex who was physically abusive which was why I left California in the first place but somebody named David K Compton decides to send a letter to both of us giving both of our new addresses and work information in there to where my ex can now see where I live do what I'm doing and where I work and I will sue him for HIPAA violation because I have a restraining order against my ex and now he knows everything about me thank you maybe next time you should do your homework if something happens to me you are responsible .
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What a Mediation Lawyer Can Do for You
A mediation lawyer specializes in resolving disputes outside of the courtroom through a process called mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation lawyers can represent clients in various matters, including divorce, business disputes, employment conflicts, contract issues, personal injury claims, and more.
Unlike litigation, mediation is a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, often leading to faster resolutions and preserving relationships between the parties involved.
When Should I Hire a Mediation Lawyer?
Consider hiring a mediation lawyer when you’re involved in a dispute and want to avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court. Common reasons to hire a mediation lawyer include:
- Divorce or child custody disputes: A mediation lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement on issues like property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements without going to court.
- Business or contract disputes: For disagreements such as contract disputes, partnership conflicts, or intellectual property issues, a mediation lawyer can assist in resolving the matter through negotiation.
- Employment disputes: Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes can be addressed through mediation to find common ground and avoid lawsuits.
- Personal injury cases: Mediation can help both parties agree on compensation in cases like car accidents or slip-and-fall claims without a prolonged court battle.
- Property disputes: Disputes over property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, or boundary disagreements can be settled more amicably through mediation.
- Family or inheritance disputes: Mediation can help resolve conflicts over wills or trusts without further dividing the family.
What Does a Mediation Lawyer Do?
A mediation lawyer provides a range of services to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation and mutual agreement. Their responsibilities often include:
- Representing your interests: Acting as your advocate during mediation to ensure your rights are protected and you understand your legal options.
- Preparing for mediation: Reviewing the facts of the case, gathering necessary documents, and advising you on potential resolutions.
- Facilitating communication: Helping to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between parties to clarify points of contention.
- Negotiating settlements: Assisting in negotiating fair and balanced settlement terms that are in your best interest.
- Drafting mediation agreements: Preparing the official mediation agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement, which is often legally binding.
- Avoiding litigation: Aiming to reach a settlement that eliminates the need for a court trial, saving time and resources for both parties.
- Handling complex legal issues: Explaining the legal implications of various settlement terms in cases with complicated legal matters.
How Are Mediation Lawyers Paid?
Mediation lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on experience and case complexity.
- Flat fee: For simpler mediations, some lawyers may offer a flat fee covering all legal work involved in the process.
- Retainer: In ongoing or complex cases, a retainer may be required as an upfront payment billed against as work progresses.
Discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the cost of mediation services.
How Much Does a Mediation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a mediation lawyer depends on several factors, including the case's complexity, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the dispute. General cost estimates include:
- Hourly rates: Typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
- Flat fees: For simple mediations, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Total mediation costs: Can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases, up to $10,000 to $50,000 or more for complex disputes.
Always request a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand total expenses.
Top Questions to Ask a Mediation Lawyer
Before hiring a mediation lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
-
What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case. -
What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation. -
How long will the mediation process take?
Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required. -
Will you personally handle my case?
Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests. -
Can we pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if necessary?
Ask about other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, if mediation doesn't resolve the conflict.
How to Check the Credibility of a Mediation Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable mediation lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary history.
- Look for mediation experience: Review their website or professional profile for specialization in mediation and successful case histories.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Check platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google for client feedback.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients familiar with their mediation skills.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:
- Relevant documents: Any materials related to the dispute, such as contracts, emails, financial records, or court filings.
- List of key issues: A detailed list of the main points of contention that need resolution.
- Timeline of events: A chronological account of events leading up to the dispute, including prior resolution attempts.
- Goals for the mediation: Be prepared to discuss your desired outcomes and areas where you're willing to compromise.
- Questions for the lawyer: Any queries about the mediation process, fees, or their approach to dispute resolution.
Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide the best possible advice for resolving your dispute through mediation.
