How We Do It
Our Approach:
There’s a process…and a time-line…for a mediation. After all, certainty and speed are key.
We’ve outlined the steps below.
When the mediation process is broken down in smaller pieces, each is easy to do and finish.
All (well, most, anyway) of our real estate mediations are conducted online, via a Zoom Conference.
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1
The Introduction
Any selection of a mediator (or any professional) is preceded by an introduction, a review, a check, to see if the mediator and the case are appropriate for each other. It's no different with us. Our Website contains a host of information about us, the process and our availability.
Once we receive an inquiry, or a scheduling request, we reach out to the parties to be sure we’re a good for what you need.
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2
Executing the Mediation Agreement
The Paperwork stage is - we hope - simple and easy. We talk about what’s expected, and what it will cost. There are no secrets and we’re as transparent as we can be as we begin the mediation relationship.
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3
Scheduling the Mediation
We’re at your disposal, as much as time allows anyway. We know time is of the essence in most cases, so we allow you to pick the date for your mediation.
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4
Pre-Mediation Teleconference
At the outset, the Mediator will set up a telephone conference with the attorneys (or parties) to the Mediation. This is when we review the general characteristics of the case, who should be present at the mediation, how it will be held (generally by Zoom conference, although special alternate arrangements can sometimes be made). We answer as many questions as we can in this initial meeting, so as to make the mediation flow as easily as possible when it occurs.
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5
Submission of Confidential Mediation Statements
A week of so before the scheduled Mediation, the parties and their lawyers can (and often do) submit a Confidential Mediation Statement. This is a document that is not shared among the other parties to the Mediation and contains special insights to the case the one side or the other wants to bring to the Mediator’s attention.
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6
Submission of NON-Confidential Mediation Briefs and Documents
Three days before the Mediation itself, all parties MUST submit a Non-Confidential Mediation Brief, which is shared among all the participants in the Mediation. The Mediation Agreement sets forth all the details to be included in the Mediation Brief. Any documents or reports to be used in the Mediation are also submitted (even if not shared) at this time. This includes a template Settlement Agreement to be used when (I prefer that, and not ‘if’) the Mediation is concluded.
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7
Final Pre-Mediation Teleconference
Just before the Mediation, the Mediator will check in with the Mediation participants (or their attorneys) to check in any “last minute” issued or concerns. We remind everyone of some Tips and Traps relating to a successful mediation and make sure (as best we can) everyone is ready to go on Mediation day.
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8
The Mediation
On the day of the Mediation, we get everyone checked in and situated, touch on any 11th hour issues, and begin the process.
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9
Post-Mediation Follow Up
In the event the Mediation is unsuccessful, we will touch base with each side afterward, to see if any further roadblock might be overcome, or to render whatever additional assistance we can to help the parties come to settlement.
Bedtime Reading
Common Competing Concerns Between Experts and Lawyers.(And how to avoid them.) It all starts out nicely enough. The Lawyer has called a fellow attorney, or looked on SEEK or Experts.com and read though a Bio and CV, or two, of potential Experts for her case. She picks one, and makes the call. The Lawyer and
What Others Say
Christopher is a good atty. to consult with on property matters as well as some other legal issues I’ve had to deal with. He’s also a pretty good guy for a Lawyer, just don’t tell him I said so.
I hired Hanson for education purposes and for what we’re doing right or wrong. It was great – it may have kept us out of trouble. They’re pretty focused on what they do & don’t do. From Christopher you get a problem solving approach. As a broker, his perspective is better than someone who’s only been a real estate lawyer and never worn the hat of broker. I have confidence in him – he’s doing the right thing – competent in the technical aspects of his job and I can trust him. I love the mini law reviews and share them at my sales meetings – they’re different and valuable.
I would refer people to Christopher because he’s competent and sincere.
As a real estate agent, having a list of professional and knowledgeable vendors that I can rely on, from Stagers to Plumbers, is a MUST for my own success. Christopher Hanson, Attorney at Law, is the only name on my vendor list for a recommended real estate attorney and firm. His expertise is second to none!
I am an attorney myself but have used Christopher Hanson as my “go to” attorney for my real estate litigation needs. He has a lot of knowledge and creativity when it comes to problem solving, plus he has great presentation skills in court. Christopher thinks outside the box. I would definitely recommend him.
I have worked with Christopher Hansen in the field of real estate development, and consider him an outstanding talent in the real estate profession. His legal practice has always provided wise business and transaction counsel, his experience with real estate direct sales and marketing, both in the commercial and residential sectors, uniquely positions him with a complete and through understanding of all aspects of the business. Christopher is also a creative problem-solver, while always pressing to ensure his client’s best interests are served.
Christopher Hanson is very smart and very good at what he does – he understands the complexity of cases and can negotiate a settlement.
Christopher’s experience and expertise would serve any prospective client well. Hanson has an excellent and dedicated staff.
When Chris agreed to represent us I was relieved.He was recommended to us with high regard and has lived up to every bit of that.If your case can be won than Chris is the one to represent you. I think he’s the best in the business.
Christopher is a good litigant and has taken on almost impossible things…and resolved them. He’s so well rounded – your back is covered. If someone hired Hanson against me, I’d be up against a stone wall.
Christopher was invited to our real estate office to present a risk managment talk. His presentation demonstrated a profound understanding of the legal issues facing Realtors and an ability to distill complex information in a lively and informative manner.
As a colleague on the Board of Directors at ENCINAL YACHT CLUB I have gotten to know Christopher Hanson as an extremely capable and results oriented attorney, representing the legal interest of our club in a wide variety of matters. What has struck me most with Christopher is his uncanny ability to quickly come to the essence of the issue at hand.
Mr. Hanson is a very personable and experienced attorney who is always ready to help with questions about real estate law. He has considerable working knowledge of real estate development and investment issues as well as realtor buy/sell issues. He has helped my clients with real estate and fraud issues and they were always quite satisfied with the results. Hanson is the first one I turn to for real estate advice
Christopher has on several occasions kept my plans on the straight and narrow, fixed potential situations before the materialized and advised us in a manner consistent with being trusted Counsel. I will work with him again.
Christopher produced terrific results for me and my insured in two cases filed by a plaintiff’s attorney known for his filing frivolous and costly lawsuits. His negotiation posture is what won the day in these two suits. I would work with him again.
When you need someone in YOUR corner, Christopher Hanson is the guy. His thoughtful, creative and intelligent style not only gets results but it gives you great peace of mind through difficult circumstances. Christopher makes it happen. He brings his best to every transaction and makes winning for his clients a personal thing. He’s the best.
Christopher is a dedicated attorney who works tirelessly to represent every client. His competitive spirit and drive are paramount. He is a dynamic and tenacious negotiator, incorporating modern technology into his arsenal of tools to effectively represent his clients. I can give no higher personal recommendation than to Christopher Hanson.
Christopher has demonstrated his Exceptional expertise in Real Estate law. He helped me in two separate situations with unique and very effective interpretations of the law. Far more important and helpful to me however, Christopher developed specific detailed strategy options. He has many years of experience as an attorney, broker and a CCIM. That all came together for for me with sound advice and timely service.
Christopher was very available, intelligent and took care of a very uncomfortable and difficult situation with finese. I recommend him highly.
Christopher is a cut above due to his aggressiveness & willingness to do with such vigor what we asked and wanted. The first case that Christopher Hanson handled for us was a lawsuit that we wanted him to fight – we wanted to win and to have this plaintiff go away. We got exactly what we wanted and we were happy with that. I enjoy that Hanson is willing to teach me what I don’t know. He is terribly patient with me. I don’t know honestly if I would get that from other lawyers.
Hanson Law Firm successfully litigated an action for return of my purchase deposit from a builder. With years of experience, Christopher was easily able to forge a solution that was amenable to all parties involved.
Christopher helped my business partner and I work through some issues that could have torn our business apart. Christopher’s tough questions and valuable insights caused us both to stop and reevaluate what we were doing and where we were headed. Thanxs Chris!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome … you did everything but “walk on water” during the trial.
Chris is a strategic thinker who also has an ability to organize the detail. His arguments are articulate and comprehensive. His knowledge of real estate, law and practice, is extensive. Chris is one of the best I have met in this field; he is my attorney of choice.
Christopher has provided my company with expert legal advice on several occasions. Christopher is very knowleageable and clearly communicates the available options. My questions were answered promptly and thoroughly at each step of the process. I look forward to working with Christopher in the future.
Christopher has extensive experience with real estate legal matters and having referred clients, I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback. Christopher is extremely articulate AND understandable about legal matters involving real estate and his extraordinary experience shows
Chris and his firm have a solid reputation for settling many complex cases, saving his clients a lot of money. That’s not where he stops, however. For those cases in which an agreement cannot be reached, he also knows how to (successfully) try a case. He brings in the best experts and uses the latest technology for trial (which is where I fit in, having provided trial technology), fully utilizing every available resource in the interest of representing his clients in the best possible manner. I would highly recommend him, and would not hesitate to retain him, were I to have the need.
Christopher is a brilliant individual – smart, experienced, quick witted and direct. His honesty is refreshing – as he advises on the best recourse for his clients rather that what will help to line his pockets. I recommend him often and am grateful for the information he’s provided in the past
Mr. Hanson has handled a number of legal issues and negotiations for us. Always professional and diligent, glad he is our guy, and not theirs.
Chris Hanson is a stickler for detail, presenting his thoughts in carefully crafted statements that engage everyone around him.
Tenacious and zealous–and a wonderful strategist–you want Christopher on your side!
Having sat in the Alameda Courthouse for two and one half weeks during this trial, a few unsolicited comments/observations are in order: Bottom Line: Christopher Hanson … rewrote the “How To” text book for trial lawyers. The presentation [during trial, and the] support services were “state of the art” and had the court staff standing in amazement with their mouths wide open.
Christopher Hanson understands real estate law and practice. His insight and problem solving are extremely helpful to real estate agents and real estate brokerage.
Hanson is very good because he has special knowledge of the cases. I trust him… he has deep background in real estate as a broker/agent… he knows the business well.
Christopher has practical experience in Real Estate as a Real Estate Broker and Attorney. Christopher is very knowledgeable and I highly recommend him to resolve your real estate issues.
Christopher is in the same field as I am, that of a securities lawyer. he is bright, up on the current information and a tireless worker for his clients.
Christopher is the kind of attorney we all want to hire when we have the need. He has the highest standards for his own performance and professionalism, and cares deeply about the quality of the work produced by his firm. As a person, I truly enjoy working with him, he’s got a great sense of humor, and I know he will live up to his commitments.
A good lawyer, like Christopher, specializes and has a background in real estate; he understands more, in-depth, on the practical side.
What keeps me coming back? His quality of work and the personal relationship.
Chris Hanson handled my situation in a prompt and precise manner. From start to finish, he kept me aprised of the situation until the case was settled. His confidence to win the case, much to my relief, was completely on target. Chris has a way with people, all the while being completely up front about what to expect. What more can you ask for?
I’m not going to work with any other attorney other than him. He allows you to do what you do best, which is to go out there and sell real estate. He really watches our back. He’s proactive about it, and he doesn’t sit back and wait for something to happen, he actually prevents it from happening. I’ve worked with many attorneys in the past. But, Christopher Hanson, he’s here to stay!
I feel that we’ve explored all paths before we come to a final conclusion on what we should do. Thoroughness … confidence that he utilized all his potential and expertise to work on my case. A good lawyer, like Christopher, is someone who specializes and has a background in real estate; he understands more, in-depth, on the practical side.
Christopher is the rare attorney who understands business as well as the law. While he’s an extremely talented attorney, he also understands and can articulate the business advantages of specific legal strategies. I’ve always enjoyed working with Christopher, and have gotten consistently great results. I highly recommend his work
Christopher Hanson and his crew of top notch Real Estate Attorney’s have EXTENSIVE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE. I highly recommend Christopher Hanson to those who want their real deals and/or real estate problems represented properly ,the first time.
Christopher has a creative and tenacious mind. He is very good at getting to the heart of an issue, and then addressing it directly. He is a professional who vigorously represents the best interest of his clients; I recommend him highly.
Christopher is a consummate professional. He is detail-oriented and is able to keep his eye on the overall objective. He is a good team player and keeps his keen sense of humor in its proper place. Christopher is loyal and true to his group. He is a hard worker to boot!
Having Chris advise or represent you will give you a feeling of immediate confidence. Even though I’ve known Chris for almost 20-years, he continues to impress me with his vast and total knowledge of his profession. He is honest, and straight-forward with his comments and opinions. He doesn’t dilly-dally, but gets things done, and done well. On more than one occasion, when Chris had obtained a winning court decision for his client, the client being represented by the other side would tell Chris that he wished that Chris had represented him. Because I’ve known Chris for so long, I can honestly say that he has always and will always be my first choice as an attorney and, most importantly, as a friend.
Hanson has exceptional knowledge, a good sense of humor, and is willing to admit when he’s wrong (a big thing!). We had many go rounds during the DRE sessions and I respected his ability.