Effective California Mediator
About
California Mediator, Arbitrator
Susan G Feder, ESQ.
Susan brings a strategic, results-driven approach to every mediation. She listens intently, prepares thoroughly, and digs deep to uncover the root causes of conflict. Her optimism, tenacity, and unwavering focus before, during, and after mediation consistently lead to successful, lasting outcomes.
Neutral Experience
Full time neutral with Judicate West; 2015 – present. Resolved hundreds of cases with 85% success rate.
Settlement Conference Officer and Judge Pro Tem; San Francisco and Marin Superior Courts; 2010-2020
Principal; Susan Feder Mediation; 2010-2015
Lecturer in Mediation, USF Law School, San Francisco; 2013-2017
Legal Experience
Litigation Attorney; Office of the General Counsel, Bank of America, San Francisco; 1981-1986
Commercial Litigation Attorney; Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker, Los Angeles; 1979-1981
Education
JD, Hastings College of the Law; 1979
BA, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, UCLA ; 1976
University of Paris, Sorbonne ; 1975-1976
Professional Accomplishments and Affiliations
President, Marin County Bar Association (MCBA); 2020
Secretary, MCBA; 2019
Board of Directors/Officer, MCBA; 2016-2021
ADR Section Chair, MCBA, 2017-2019
Board of Directors, The Mediation Society; 2018-2022
Board of Directors, Youth In Arts, Marin County Arts’ Nonprofit; 2005-2017
Member, Richard Sangster Inn of Court; 2014-2020
Member, San Francisco Bar Association; 2014-Present
Member, Women Lawyers of Los Angeles; 2023-Present
Member, California Women Lawyers; 2012-2020
Philosophy
Prepare exhaustively for each case.
Strategize with all parties prior to each mediation via a Pre-Mediation Conference Call.
Listen empathetically to the parties.
Develop rapport and foster trust with the litigants.
Uncover any hidden issues driving the parties’ positions.
Utilize both facilitative and directive approaches as needed.
Guide counsel towards a successful resolution that all parties can accept.
Follow Up relentlessly if settlement is not reached at the session.
Languages
Proficiency in both Spanish and French
Outside Interests
Cycling, hiking, water and snow skiing, boating, pickleball and babysitting grandchildren!
Availability
In person throughout California as well as remotely nationwide via Zoom.