About Mark
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."
Practice areas
- Mediation: 80%
I am a facilitative mediator, meaning that I work to de-escalate conflict, help parties carry out a smooth, open conversation, focus on their interests, and engage in problem solving behavior. Such an approach tends to lead to high-quality outcomes.
30 years
- Family: 15%
I take a facilitative approach to negotiation in that I try to de-escalate conflict and improve the quality of the relationship between the parties. Studies have shown that that couples would be wise to be aided by facilitative professionals.
30 years
- Trusts: 4%
30 years
- Wills and living wills: 1%
30 years
Languages spoken
English
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Contact
Mark B. Baer, Inc., a Professional Law Corporation
301 E. Colorado Boulevard
Suite 514
Pasadena, CA, 91101
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Active | 1991 | 10/27/2020 |
| Legal answers | 538 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Selected Fellow of the American Bar Foundation | American Bar Foundation | 2017 |
| Family Lawyer of the Year - North America | Corporate LiveWire's Global Awards | 2017 |
| Southern California Super Lawyer in ADR | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
| Best Litigation and Dispute Resolution Attorney - Pasadena | Corporate LiveWire's Global Awards | 2016 |
| 2016 Top Family Law Attorney | Pasadena Magazine | 2016 |
| Selected as a Member of the Nation's Top One Percent | The National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Included as a Top 100 Lawyer in California | The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers | 2016 |
| Best of Los Angeles Award 2016 for Mediation | Official Best of Los Angeles | 2016 |
| Southern California Super Lawyer in ADR | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
| Global Awards recipient as best Family Law attorney - Pasadena | Corporate Live Wire | 2015 |
| 2015 Top Family Law Attorney | Pasadena Magazine | 2015 |
| Included as a Top 100 Lawyer in California | The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers | 2015 |
| Best of Los Angeles Award 2015 for Mediation | Official Best of Los Angeles | 2015 |
| Selected as a Member of the Nation's Top One Percent | The National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2015 |
| 2015 Southern California Super Lawyer in the family law category | Super Lawyers | 2015 |
| 2014 Top Family Law Attorney | Pasadena Magazine | 2014 |
| Included as a Top 100 Lawyer in California | The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers | 2014 |
| Best of Los Angeles Award 2014 for Mediation | Best of Los Angeles Award | 2014 |
| 2014 Southern California Super Lawyer in the family law category | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
| 2013 Top Family Law Attorney | Pasadena Magazine | 2013 |
| 2013 Southern California Super Lawyer in the family law category | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
| 2012 Top Family Law Attorney | Pasadena Magazine | 2012 |
| 2012 Southern California Super Lawyer in the family law category | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
| 2011 Top Family Law Attorney | Pasadena Magazine | 2011 |
| 2010 Top Family Law Attorney | Pasadena Magazine | 2010 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | Mark B. Baer, Inc., APLC | 1993 - Present |
| Attorney | Frye & Alberts | 1992 - 1993 |
| Attorney | McKinley & Capleoto | 1991 - 1992 |
| Attorney | Buxbaum & Chakmak | 1990 - 1991 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Beverly Hills Bar Association | N/A | N/A |
| Los Angeles County Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| Pasadena Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association | N/A | N/A |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology Today | Trying to Help People Help Themselves Can Be Challenging | 2017 |
| Psychology Today | Your Biases And Beliefs Are Impacting Your Decision-Making | 2017 |
| Psychology Today | In Mediation, Is Empathy Enough or Even Necessary? | 2017 |
| Psychology Today | Don't Let Emotion Choose You | 2017 |
| Psychology Today | Are Illusory Agreements The New Trend? | 2017 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University | JD - Juris Doctor | 1990 |
| University of California - Los Angeles | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1987 |
| University of California - Los Angeles | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1987 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| RPM Mortgage’s 3-day training for its mortgage brokers | A Comparison of Family Law Litigation, Mediation and Collaborative Law | 2016 |
| Bruin Professionals Lawyers Affinity Group meeting | The power of empathy in our work as lawyers. | 2016 |
| San Gabriel Valley Family Law Study Group | De-Escalating Parental Conflict Through Service Delivery | 2015 |
| Michael Levine’s Monthly “City Talk” | How to Resolve Conflict | 2015 |
| Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein, LLP’s monthly lunch continuing legal education meeting | De-Escalating Conflict Through Service Delivery | 2015 |
| American Bar Association Section of Family Law 2015 Fall CLE Conference | The Ethical Do’s and Don’ts of Knowing When 3’s a Crowd | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| American Bar Association Section of Family Law 2013 Spring CLE Conference | Navigating the Emotional Currents of Collaborative Law | 2013 |
| 2013 California Psychological Association Convention | The Cutting Edge of Psychological Practice: Mental Health Professionals and Dispute Resolution | 2013 |
| The State Bar Family Law Section CDR Standing Committee (South)'s 2012 Spring Symposium | Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something True: Guerilla Marketing- Using new technology and traditional marketing to promote our practices for maximum impact with limited resources | 2012 |
| The Divorce Expo (a program offering resources and information to the Detroit Metro community) | Selecting the Right Attorney | 2012 |
| The Divorce Expo (a program offering resources and information to the Detroit Metro community) | What Mark B. Baer Predicts Family Law Will Look Like in the Future and Why | 2012 |
| San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Bruin Professionals | Industry Trends and My Professional Perspective on the Future of Divorce Practice | 2012 |
| May 2012 meeting for the Financial Planning Association of the San Gabriel Valley | Are Attorneys and the Legal System Facilitation the Creation of Post-Divorce Functional or Dysfunctional Families? | 2012 |
| May 2012 meeting for the Encino Family Law Study Group | (1) Different styles of mediation and what styles are most effective in family law cases; and (2) How to enroll clients in the prospect of mediation when they are initially opposed | 2012 |
| May 2012 meeting for the Collaborative Divorce Professionals of the Inland Empire | Industry Trends and My Perspective on the Future of Divorce Practice | 2012 |
| Gabriel Valley Psychological Association's Monthly Meeting | Facilitating Rational Problem-Solving In An Otherwise Destructive Divorce Process | 2012 |
| 2012 California Psychological Association Convention | What About Family Values? Facilitating Rational Problem-Solving In An Otherwise Destructive Divorce Process | 2012 |
| Pasadena Kiwanis Lunch Meeting | Collaborative Divorce – A Constructive Way of Handling an Emotionally Charged Situation | 2011 |
| Pasadena Host Lions Club Lunch Meeting | Collaborative Divorce – A Constructive Way of Handling an Emotionally Charged Situation | 2011 |
Excellent and Helpful
Posted by anonymous
Sun Sep 29 2019
Really helpful honest lawyer
Posted by Linda
Fri May 18 2018
Excellent Attorney
Posted by Julie
Fri Mar 09 2018
Divorce Mediation
Posted by Sonja
Thu Nov 02 2017
Exactly What is Needed! Outstanding Attorney!
Posted by David
Wed Nov 30 2016
Thank you!
Posted by Steve
Thu Oct 27 2016
Knowledgeable and Supportive Attorney
Posted by Pamela
Wed Apr 15 2015
Mark B. Baer - Attorney
Posted by anonymous
Thu Mar 04 2010
Fabulous Divorce Lawyer
Posted by Donna
Thu Feb 04 2010
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Attorney endorsements
(25)Joel Seidel, Mediation Attorney on Aug 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mark practices mediation with a holistic approach that considers each parties' unique needs. Mark offers the clients the opportunity to fashion a remedy to their conflict unattainable in the context of litigation.
Susanna Litwack, Mediation Attorney on Jan 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jual Reyes, Family Attorney on Jun 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Leslie Howell, Family Attorney on Jun 12, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Mark Baer has a lot of success in his mediation and collaborative divorce practice because he is committed to peacemaking. He tells his clients the reality of the situation rather than just saying what they want to hear. This results in agreements being signed rather than expensive and stressful court appearances.
Anthony McClaren, Family Attorney on Jan 27, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mark always makes himself available for questions I have in his field, and when I have a client who wants a level headed family attorney, I refer them to him.
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on Jun 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Mark. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Rackham Karlsson, Family Attorney on Mar 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I know Mark through his impressive contributions toward advancing mediation and Collaborative Law online, on LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, etc. You would be hard-pressed to find a more tireless and outspoken advocate of alternatives to family law litigation, and his willingness to share his work so publicly is a huge service to the advancement of respectful family law solutions. We are fortunate to have Mark in our community, and I am certain that his clients are equally fortunate to be working with him.
J. Cavers, Family Attorney on Sep 11, 2013
Relationship: Other
Mark is a frequent publisher within the Collaborative Law Community on Linked In. His articles are timely, thought provoking, and I always take away something useful from dialogue with him that I can use to help my own clients in Texas.
Matthew Krupnick, Family Attorney on Sep 9, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mark has proven to truly care about his work and his clients. He is always reaching out and offering great advice and help to others including through social media. He has always treated me with respect and is an attorney I would recommend and be happy to work with.
Lee Thompson, Family Attorney on Aug 6, 2013
Relationship: Other
I do not know Mr. Baer personally but I do know him from another site. There are many things the two of us seem to disagree on but, I do admire his tenacity. I aso read his publications on the Huffington Post and there is no question he does understand family law. Personal differences are one thing, but on a professional level, Mr. Baer is an attorney I can endorse.
Jonathan Franklin, Family Attorney on Jun 8, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Ian Scott, Family Attorney on Jan 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Debra Crawford, Family Attorney on Nov 1, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Howard Roitman, Probate Attorney on Oct 7, 2012
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Apicella, Family Attorney on Aug 3, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mark is ahead of his time. Unlike many other family law lawyers, Mark understands the true underlying relationship issues, often times nuanced and complex, that are involved in many divorce matters, especially custody disputes. Thus, he helps the parties establish a parenting plan that makes sense for all involved. I.e., he fully comprehends the lasting effect on the "family" long after court orders have been established, which are dependent on the arrangement of the parenting plan. Suffice it to say, Mark is not your typical family law lawyer who prods a case along in a mediocre manner just to collect a fee. He cares about his clients at an extraordinary capacity. As such, he is able to steer the case in a direction to achieve the best result for the family. Mark is well respected by those in the family law community that have a high level of expertise and experience with resolving difficult family issues in the best manner possible. He is, in fact, of that same caliber.
Michael Conroy, Family Attorney on Jul 31, 2012
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Rosemary Meagher-Leonard, Family Attorney on May 30, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mark is an outstanding and well respected attorney whose solid reputation in the legal community is well earned. He is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of family law, as well as estate planning. Not only is Mark a strong advocate for his client but he is also an extremely dedicated and caring attorney who considers his clients’ whole family situation when representing them. I strongly endorse Mark.
Hillary Johns, Family Attorney on May 15, 2012
Relationship: Friend
Mark is a fantastic lawyer. He is articulate, kind, and thoroughly thinks through how to proceed in a way that is best for his client. He really believes in what he is doing and it shows as evidenced by the remarkably positive feedback he is receiving from his keynote speech in Detroit. Most people don't know this, but Mark puts a tremendous amount of work into his writing and his representation of his clients. And, he's not afraid to ask for feedback. He actually listens to what people have to say and tries to understand their points of view. I've spoken with Mark about ways to approach difficult cases and was really impressed (which is something I don't usually say) with the creative, thoughtful, and effective ways that he has handled some very difficult cases. The fact that he is so personable and makes a real effort to reach out to lots of people from all walks of life probably has a lot to do with it. The world needs more lawyers like Mark.
Ann Bergen, Family Attorney on Aug 25, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mark is an extremely creative and innovative lawyer. (See for example his article referring to the costs of raising children and how the minimum child support levels don't even come close to meeting those costs.) He also is a true "family" lawyer -- not just a "divorce" lawyer -- in that he strives not to permit tactics that will harm the children and the parents for many years to come.