Brenda Ann Linder

I have lived in the Fresno area since about 1983. I raised my two children here as a single parent, and now enjoy time spent with my granddaughter. I recently started studying the art of bonsai, and have learned a new skill in developing and training trees and plants into beautiful bonsai. Like most things in life, "it is a process, not an event." It helps develop patience and understanding. 

Although I still am excited about being in the courtroom, I have been working as a mediator/settlement officer for about thirteen years. When I first started volunteering services for the local court, I did not think ADR would be something I would be interested in. I was wrong.  Since that time I have not only grown to understand the benefit to most clients of a properly facilitated mediation, but I now love the process, the challenge. I strive to make sure I listen to ALL parties; that they all feel heard. But, I also enjoy the challenege of looking for the potential hidden issues, the unspoken legal issues and emotions underlying the course of litigation wihtin each case.

I believe my upbringing of being raised in a family which owned and operated their own businesses, provides me with an important ability to "see the big picture" in advising my business clients. I use my experience to communicate effectively with my clients so that they receive personal service suited to their particular needs.