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Civil Litigation,
Law Practice

Mar. 1, 2011

Professional Tools for Litigators: Settlement Conferences

Tips for steering a case toward a settlement.

James P. Gray

ADR Services Inc.

Business and commercial contracts, real estate, construction, employment, PAGA, probate, legal malpractice

19000 MacArthur Blvd #550
Irvine , CA 92612

Phone: (949) 863-9800

Fax: (949) 863-9888

Email: jimpgray@sbcglobal.net

USC Law School

James is a retired judge of the Orange County Superior Court, a private mediator and arbitrator with ADR Services Inc., the author of "Wearing the Robe: the Art and Responsibilities of Judging in Today's Courts" (Square One Press, 2009), and the 2012 Libertarian candidate for vice president, along with Gov. Gary Johnson as the candidate for president.

Back in the Dark Ages when I was trying cases as an attorney, it was considered a sign of weakness to be the first to suggest settlement discussions. Fortunately that day has passed, and most attorneys now realize that they can best serve their clients if they help to resolve their cases expeditiously.

But this begs the question: What is a litigator's job description? In my opinion, it is to provide as good a resolution for the client as we can within the law and ethics of the leg...

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