Mark Brian Baer

I believe that people typically contact attorneys and mediators because they are involved in conflicts and disputes and are seeking help solving them. The beginning impacts the end. The "beginning," in this regard, is not that which led to your current situation; rather, it is the "beginning" of how you choose to handle your conflicts and disputes. Your first moves and decisions greatly impact whether the level of conflict increases or decreases, among many other things. I assist people in bridging the gap between them, regardless of the size. I help de-escalate conflicts and facilitate problem-solving. As angry as you may be, keep in mind that fighting and "winning" don't solve problems and that mediators, peacemakers and bridge builders are not needed in times of peace and absence of conflict. Working together, people understand each other's perspectives and reach agreements quickly and efficiently, saving time, money and stress. Rather than merely helping broker a deal, I strive to facilitate mutually acceptable, achievable and durable solutions to problems that take into account the interests and needs of all involved. Before completing college, I had several experiences with different fields of our legal system. On each occasion, I failed to see how anyone could refer to it as a "justice system" with a straight face. When I decided to apply to law school, I never intended on practicing law. Instead, I thought that if I better understood the law and the inner workings of our legal system, I could use my knowledge to help steer people away from getting involved with the system in the first place. Had I known about mediation then, there's no question I would have pursued a career in mediation at that time. My background and life experiences led me to pursue a career in mediation and motivate me to spend the time I spend doing the research and writing I do, using the social media, and otherwise trying to constantly gain more knowledge and improve my skills, while also working tirelessly to try and educate people about the realities of our legal system and the available alternatives. Thomas Trent Lewis, Supervising Judge for the Los Angeles County Family Law Division, has said the following: (1) "Family Court is supposed to be a last resort for family resolution;" (2) "Parental education on the effects upon children in the midst of a family law dispute advances the goal of 'mediate when you can, and litigate only when you must;'" and (3) "When personal safety is not at issue or compromised, mediated and collaborative negotiated resolution of disputes can achieve favorable and more durable outcomes for parents and children." "Mediation" requires a "mediator." Lawyer to lawyer negotiation is not "mediation" because it doesn't involve a "mediator."