You stay in control
The parties shape the outcome instead of leaving it to a judge or jury.
When a deal goes sideways — a breach, a payment that never came, a disagreement over what the contract actually means — going to court is usually the slowest and most expensive way to fix it. Mediation gets you to a resolution privately, quickly, and at a fraction of the cost.
At Trials & Tech, Chris Waters serves as a neutral mediator — he doesn't represent either side. He helps both parties understand their positions and reach an agreement that works. With 25 years of legal experience and real trial work, he can pressure-test each side's argument against how it would likely play out in front of a judge.
Rather than litigating, the parties meet — in person or over Zoom — with an impartial mediator who guides the conversation toward a resolution. The mediator doesn't decide who's right; the parties craft their own agreement. The process is confidential, so your business dealings stay private.
The parties shape the outcome instead of leaving it to a judge or jury.
A contested contract case can take one to three years to reach trial; mediation often resolves in a session or a few.
Litigation routinely runs into tens of thousands per side. Mediation is $250/hour, typically shared by the parties, with the first 30-minute consultation free.
No public filings, no exposure of your terms or finances.
Vendors, clients, and partners can often keep doing business after a mediated resolution.
Sessions by Zoom, phone, or in person, anywhere in Southern California.
Many contracts require arbitration. Chris can serve as the neutral arbitrator — hearing each side's evidence and making the final determination, binding or non-binding depending on what the contract provides. In California, arbitration generally follows California discovery rules, with the scope set at the outset. Arbitration hearing days are $2,000/day, with preparation at $250/hour.
We talk through the dispute and whether mediation fits.
If it's a fit, we begin.
In person, by Zoom, or by phone, as many as the matter needs.
The terms are documented in a written settlement agreement.
Because the mediator is neutral, each party is encouraged to have the agreement reviewed by their own attorney before signing.
A neutral who knows the courtroom — 25 years of experience and real trial work. Transparent pricing and online booking. Online or in person, anywhere in Southern California. Mediation or arbitration, including under your contract's clause.
Nothing is binding until the parties sign an agreement — then it is. If you arbitrate instead, the arbitrator makes the final determination; binding or non-binding is set by the contract.
The mediator is neutral and doesn't advise either side. You're welcome to have your own counsel involved or review the agreement before signing — it still costs far less than litigating.
Common — and still valuable. Every issue you resolve saves time and money, and anything unresolved can still go to court or arbitration.
Mediation is $250/hour (typically shared); arbitration hearing days are $2,000/day plus $250/hour for preparation; the first 30-minute consultation is free.
Yes. Mediation and private arbitration keep your dispute and your terms out of the public record.
Related: Business & Partnership Disputes · Construction Disputes · Divorce & Family Mediation · All Mediation & Arbitration Services
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