A.D.R.

MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION SERVICES IN EUREKA, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, AND ALL OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Including:  Humboldt, Del Norte, Siskiyou, Shasta, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Tehema and Butte Counties

After practicing with The Mitchell Law Firm for over 40 years, primarily engaged in civil litigation matters, partner Paul Brisso has withdrawn from the active handling of litigation matters and concentrates on providing mediation services through the firm in an “of counsel” status.  He is also available to serve as an arbitrator in binding and non-binding arbitration matters.

Over his career, he handled hundreds of civil litigation cases in the state courts of various Northern California counties and in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Eastern District of California, including over 100 jury trials.  In 2009, he completed a 30 hour mediation training program sponsored by the Humboldt County Superior Court in conjunction with the Humboldt State University extended education program.  Since that time, he served as a mediator in numerous cases prior to withdrawing from active litigation management.

 He is now focusing on using his unique experience in litigation, case evaluation, knowledge of local courts and jury pools, and settlement negotiation using direct negotiation, mediation, and court mandated settlement conferences to assist parties in reaching mutually agreeable and beneficial resolution to disputes. His experience in representing clients with insurance coverage, and dealing with insurance carrier representatives in litigation and the settlement process, provides a valuable background in mediating cases when settlement by one or more of the parties is controlled by an insurance carrier.

BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

Some of his essential background and qualifications to serve as a mediator include the following:

• Graduated from Humboldt State University in 1973 magna cum laude with a B.A. in journalism and worked for the Times-Standard in Eureka as a reporter 1973-1975;

• Graduated from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law “with great distinction” (highest honors) in 1978, ranked No. 4 in a day division class of over 200 students and lifetime member of the school’s Traynor Legal Honor Society;

• Admitted to the California State Bar and federal district courts for Northern and Eastern Districts of California;

• Served as a judicial staff attorney to Justice George N. Zenovich, California Fifth District Court of Appeal (Fresno) 1978-1979;

• Practiced first as an associate, and most years as a partner, with the firm, (initially Mitchell, Dedekam & Angell; later for many years Mitchell, Brisso, Delaney & Vrieze, and recently changed to The Mitchell Law Firm) 1979 through 2018, primarily in areas of civil litigation and general public entity representation;

• Handled hundreds of civil litigation cases and tried over 100 jury trials, including personal injury/wrongful death; dangerous condition of property; civil rights/harassment/discrimination claims; real estate disputes; contracts; employment disputes; and some medical malpractice in many counties of Northern California (trials primarily in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties and Federal District Court for Northern  District of California); 

• Represented parties in scores of mediations and arbitrations, and has served as a mediator and arbitrator in numerous cases.  Completed a 30 hour mediator course sponsored by the Humboldt County Superior Court in conjunction with Humboldt State University in 2009.  Mediation experience includes serving as a mediator for real estate matters in which mediation is mandated pursuant to California Association of Realtors form contracts;

• Rated by Martindale-Hubbel as “AV” “preeminent” for over 25 years and named by San Francisco magazine as one of Northern California’s “Super Lawyers” each year 2005 through 2020; and

• One of only two current Humboldt County attorneys elected as a fellow in American College of Trial Lawyers (and one of only four in Humboldt County history so honored), also former longtime member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

BASIC MEDIATION TERMS

The basic terms for mediation services include:

No initial administrative or “set up fee”;

Flat fee of $300 per hour for actual preparation and mediation services, regardless of number of parties.  (Fees are generally equally shared by parties but of course parties can agree to any allocation of fee responsibility.);

At time of scheduling, fees for preparation and mediation (and travel if applicable) will be estimated.  All parties must deposit their pro-rata share of the estimate at least 10 days prior to the mediation session.  The deposits will be placed in The Mitchell Law Firm Client Trust Account.  Following the mediation and any other additional services, the balance of the deposit, if any, will be refunded to the parties.  If additional amounts are owed, they will be billed and due within 30 days; 

Pre-mediation briefs and any key documents etc. will be provided as agreed by the parties, preferably at least two business days prior to the  mediation; 

For services outside of Humboldt County, actual travel time is charged at the reduced rate of $100 per hour.  Prior to travel, a typical travel time is computed and the charge will be the actual travel time or typical travel time, whichever is less. No “portal to portal” hourly billing.  Mileage is charged at then-current IRS and actual reasonable meals and lodging expenses, if applicable, are charged with no mark up;

SCHEDULING

Scheduling or further information can be obtained by contacting The Mitchell Law Firm, LLP at 707-443-5643 or pbrisso@mitchelllawfirm.com.

REFERENCES

References of attorneys who have utilized mediation services by him (both plaintiffs’ attorneys and defense attorneys), other mediators who are familiar with his background and skills, and retired judges are available upon request.