E.L.D. Mediation Services and Law Practice in Irvine California

Fee Schedule
(Fees quoted are subject to change.)

(All fees are negotiable)

ARBITRATION: ($450/hr.)

Standard fees are shared equally (split) by the parties accordingly, (unless the parties otherwise agree):

Half day hearing rate (9 am-1 pm or 1 pm to 5 pm): $1,800/four hours blocked time ($225/hr. each party). That would include the review of the pre-arb briefs (5 pages or less inclusive of exhibits attached thereto), plus rendering the decision/award, provided the evidence is a small binder (not more than 25 pages).

Full day hearing rate (9 am - 5 pm): $3,600 ($225/hr. each party). Same review of evidence and issuance of decision/award).

If there is substantial evidence (environmental/home inspection reports, loan documents, easement, title, survey review, etc.) my hourly fee, in addition to the daily hearing rate, is $300/hr. (to be shared/split by the parties) to review such evidence and render the decision/award.

While my standard fees usually apply, depending on the type of matter being heard, all fees are negotiable.

Cancellation: Fees are due prior to the hearing date (upon booking), and there is a 10% cancellation fee anytime up to the week (7 days) prior to the hearing (unless I have reviewed evidence, in which case the $300/hr. rate would apply). There is a 40% cancellation fee 6 days prior to the hearing. The day of the hearing, the fee is forfeited unless extreme circumstances exist (usually, the hearing is rescheduled, or if the parties settle just before the hearing, then only a 25% cancellation fee is charged, to cover mediators lost time and hearing room costs). While rarely done, I will, under certain circumstance, waive the cancellation fee (on a case by case basis) entirely.

MEDIATION: (375/hr.)

The fee is $375 /hour ($187.50/hr. each party) and booked for a three (3) hour minimum (two hours may be booked, in mediator's discretion based upon the case matter, or if court ordered then by the hour). A full day session is 9 am to 5 pm, including a forty-five (45) minute lunch break is $1,800 ($112.50/each party). Fees are paid in advance. Any additional time is billed $300/hr. (shared/split by the parties), and due within 10-days of the hearing.

Administrative (Contact) Fee: For Private mediations, there is an administrative fee of $35 for contacting the other party by telephone and/or letter/email which is nonrefundable once contact is made, but which will be credited towards the fees owed to the Mediator.

If Med/Arb is desired, (i.e., the parties do not reach settlement and request an opinion based on the documents presented-binding or non-binding per the parties instruction), then time for review of documents (evidence), and rendering a decision/award is charged at the $300/hr rate. While these fees are fairly set, they are negotiable.

Cancellation: Estimated fees are due before the hearing date (upon booking). If settlement occurs between the parties any time up to a week (7 days) prior to the hearing date, without the services of the mediator, then all fees are fully refundable. If settlement occurs within the last 6 days prior to hearing and/or on the hearing date prior to the mediator commencing the proceeding, then a 5% cancellation fee is due to cover expenses. If settlement does not occur and the proceeding is canceled by either party, there is a 10% cancellation fee anytime up to the week (7 days) prior to the hearing. Further, there is a 40% cancellation fee for the 6 days prior to the hearing. If canceled the day of the proceeding, the fee is forfeited unless extreme circumstances exist (usually, the hearing is rescheduled, in which the fee applies thereto). While rarely done, I will, under certain circumstance, waive the cancellation fee (on a case by case basis) entirely.

All hearings are based on mutual availability of the parties and the mediator, taking into account, any court orders, if applicable.

I have a conference room in Newport Beach (across from the Harbor Justice Center on Birch at Jamboree) at which to conduct the proceeding for small mediations involving two parties and their counsel, or one of the parties may offer to use their offices if that is more convenient for all involved.

If you have any questions, you may contact me at my direct telephone number listed herein above. I look forward to assisting in the arbitration, mediation or both of this matter in an efficient and expedited manner.