| 260==Name: | Dean A. Christopherson | ||||||||
| Address: | Dawe & Christopherson LLP | ||||||||
| 1211 Newell Avenue, Suite 230 | |||||||||
| Walnut Creek, CA 94596 | |||||||||
| Telephone: | (925) 256-6677 | Fax: | (925) 256-6678 | ||||||
| Email: | dac@calaw.com | ||||||||
| Website: | www.calaw.com/mediation | ||||||||
| Fees: | $350 per hour | ||||||||
| Other Costs: | No charge for travel time. | ||||||||
| BAR Number: | 0121723 | ||||||||
| Current Status: | Attorney | ||||||||
| Subject Matter: |
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| Mediation Experience: | 20 plus mediations in cases involving banking, commercial/contract disputes, consumer issues and collections |
| Mediation Training: | Steven Rosenberg, 40 hour Mediation Training and Steven Rosenberg 15 hour Advanced Mediation Training, various CLE aimed at mediator training. |
| Arbitration Experience: | None |
| Neutral Evaluation Background: | None |
| Settlement Conference Experience: | None |
| Other Education: |
University of Washington, BA - 1981; University of San Francisco, JD - 1985 |
| Mediation Approach: |
Evaluative - Mr. Christopherson find it more efficient and effective to provide each party feedback on his perception of the strengths and weaknesses of their position in the case (as presented by counsel) so the parties get a glimpse of the issues they may encounter at trial. |
| Arbitration Approach: |
Not applicable |
| Neutral Approach: |
Not applicable |
| Other Information: |
Offering insight into his litigation and trial experience, in September 2016, Mr. Christopherson tried an action in the US District Court in Milwaukee, achieving a $3 million judgment in favor of his client, a well-known international heavy equipment manufacturer, and against his NYSE traded opponent. The judgment was upheld on appeal by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeal. Mr. Christopherson presently serves as the president of the Contra Costa Bar Association Real Estate Section. He has spoken a number of times to bar groups and clients on issues relating to real estate and commercial litigation issues. |
| Brief Thumbnail: |
Drawing on more than thirty years practice in commercial litigation, banking and real estate law, Mr. Christopherson has a very successful track record resolving cases referred to him for mediation. While his approach to mediation is very cordial and attentive, after reviewing briefs, and holding pre-mediation calls with counsel, Mr. Christopherson prefers to focus his discussions in caucus on those few key issues on which the ultimate resolution of the case will likely turn. These discussions often consider how trier of fact might view crucial evidence, questions of credibility, and concerns regarding the costs of litigation (both financial and emotional) and collectability of any potential judgment. And while making clear to all parties that his questions and concerns will have no bearing on how the dispute will ultimately be determined if not resolved at mediation - "what happens in mediation stays in mediation" - it is very often the case that analysis of the case with fresh eyes and a strong background in commercial litigation and trial practice leads the case to a successful resolution. |