Top San Francisco, CA Mediation Lawyers Near You

Should I Use Mediation?

When a dispute arises between neighbors, landlords and tenants, business partners, or other parties who do not need or want a drawn out legal battle, mediation is a good way to handle the issue. In mediation, the parties choose to work together to find a viable solution satisfactory to everyone.

Will I Need a Mediation Lawyer?

It is not necessary to be represented by a lawyer when entering mediation. However, consulting with a San Francisco lawyer who believes in the mediation process can be beneficial by serving as your mediation coach, avoid legal issues from cropping up later, and by protecting your rights.

Best Time to Seek Legal Help

No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.

What to Expect from an Initial Consultation

• Seek to determine whether the attorney can represent you. There is no one-size-fits-all legal solution and it may turn out your needs are better served by an attorney in a different specialization.
• It’s important to find a legal ally who is both competent in the law and someone you can trust to protect your interests.
• Discuss how the practice’s billing works and discuss possible additional charges or fees that may arise during or after the resolution of your case.

An attorney consultation should provide you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with legal help.

Does firm size matter?

For most consumer legal issues, the size of the practice is much less important than the experience, competence, and reputation of the attorney(s) handling your case. Among the most important factors when choosing an attorney are your comfort level with the attorney or practice and the attorney’s track record in bringing about quick, successful resolutions to cases similar to yours.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.