David D. Stein, Esq. Liaise Mediated Solutions, LLC Email Us Visit Our Divorce Mediation Solutions Blog 550 California Street San Francisco, California 94104 Phone: 415-399-8824 Fax: 866-439-9762

Firm Focus and History

Liaise® Mediated Solutions, LLC was formed to provide the highest quality, lowest cost conflict management services in California. There are organizations and mediators that charge more money, but there is no individual or organization that works harder than the professionals at Liaise®, or delivers a better service and results! Everything is a negotiation.

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After a 20-plus years of a successful career as a litigator in the area of intellectual property and entertainment law, I saw a need for the creation of a company that provided high quality mediation services at a reasonable price. After spending over $5,000 for an afternoon with a retired judge in a "mediation" session that was merely a glorified "settlement conference" where the judge ineffectually did "shuttle diplomacy" and tried to "twist arms" to get an agreement, I resolved to create a company offering "true" mediation at an affordable price. My training in interpersonal communications taught me that true mediation required a higher degree of emotional intelligence and active listening than I was seeing from the usual practitioners, which led me to organize Liaise®.

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About David D. Stein, Attorney and Mediator

Previous Employment Summary

I was a partner in the boutique entertainment law firm of Simons & Stein. Obtained multi-million dollar judgment in G. P-Orridge v. American Recording/Rick Rubin.

Activities and Awards

• Judge Pro Tem for Contra Costa Superior Court
• Volunteer Legal Service Committee, Alameda County
• Volunteer Mediator, Contra Costa County
• Volunteer Family Lawyer, Alameda County
• Volunteer Arbitrator Attorney/Client Fee Disputes, Alameda County
• Arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulator Authority [FINRA]

Personal Interests

I have been a husband for over 25 years and a father for the last 13. My wife and I rescued three cats, one dog, one turtle, three tortoises, and some birds. I play a game that I call golf, but a real golfer probably wouldn't recognize it. I am on my hometown girls' softball board of directors, where I also serve as the Commissioner for the upper age-group league. I volunteer at a local animal shelter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

In point of fact, Liaise® fully and completely educates our clients to the process and legal framework that they are navigating. In the Liaise® method, it is vitally important that the people engaged be fully vested and educated as to all of their viable options every inch of the journey. You are invited to view my perspectives on this and other subjects by clicking here.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Happy to oblige! Not only will the review explore the legal efficacy of the documents, but just as importantly, together we will make DOUBLE DOG certain that the documents are a true and accurate reflection of the intent of the parties.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

At Liaise® this is not generally an issue, although we are happy to oblige. At Liaise® we are generally providing a mediation service, so both parties are present in a non-adversarial forum. Liaise® will draft all necessary legal documents at the client's direction to achieve a judgment that incorporates the stipulated agreement. If legal representation is required, it can be done on a limited representation basis. Please click here for more information.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I became a lawyer because I love justice and I wanted to change the world. Being a lawyer was just great, as I made lots of money and I got to positively impact many lives. Being a mediator is even better! Sometimes, after a particularly difficult mediation, where I helped people to manage what they thought was an intractable problem, I can hardly get to sleep I'm so exhilarated. Many times after mediation I have had a client grab my hand with tears in his or her eyes and say "because of you, my kids can go to college" or "I'll still be able to retire." Happens a lot, hard not to cry. Great way to make a living.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I worked my way through law school providing rock and roll concert security for Bill Graham Presents. Within a year I was a supervisor responsible for the safety of thousands. I was never tough, or handy with my fists, but I was quick with my wits. I learned how to diffuse situations, how to give would be combatants an "out" so they could disengage without "losing face." I could step between heavyweights and break up a fight because my emotional intelligence was greater than theirs and I was, for reasons I don't yet understand, unafraid. I still count the people I worked with back then as some of my closest friends.

How did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I was a pretty good litigator -- I made a lot of money and got good results. But I am a GREAT mediator. I love to help people manage what they think is unmanageable. My success rate for general civil mediation is around the 93rd percentile. My success rate for divorce mediation is 100%. Please visit here for more on the services we offer.

What do you like best about your career?

I am at heart a people person. To me there is no greater satisfaction than to help people manage problems. Many times the situations I mediate impact the lives of children and it is indescribably gratifying to know that there are children that will have an easier time in life just because I helped their parents choose a path of low conflict. I go on and on about what I like about my career here (for people with too much free time).

Tell us about your mediation practice.

Every professional with whom Liaise® affiliates is an experienced lawyer/mediator with over 100 hours of training. Liaise® professionals subscribe to the highest standards of sound mediation practice and confidentiality. Please visit here for more on this topic.

What are your strengths and style?

I blend laser-like insight and stress-busting humor. My clients tell me that I am a genuine peacemaker. 

For other Frequently Asked Questions, please visit our FAQ page.

Testimonials

10/23/2009

Fred W.: I went to this company for help with an issue that I had no idea how to deal with. David took charge of the situation for us and advised myself, my partner, and the individuals that had issues with my company. He cooled everybody down and allowed us all to communicate in a way that helped overcome our differences and come to a great resolution to our problems. If I find myself in a similar situation, I will use Liaise Mediated Solutions again.

10/21/2009

Daniel M.: I have known David for over 5 years professionally as a fellow lawyer, and he has served as a mediator for my clients. I can say without hesitation that David is a fine, professional person with the highest of moral and ethical standards. I have been impressed with his dogged pursuit of the parties, to get them to the table so that their dispute could be resolved. David is not about lining his own pockets. He is about helping people resolve what appear to them to be impossible problems, as quickly and economically as possible. Your first response in dealing with “legal” conflict should be to turn to David.

9/8/2009

Trish R.: Conflicts and problems are inevitable. In terms of money, time, and ulcers, courtrooms are a costly way to get them resolved. I found a company that helped me through a legal mess through mediation. My adversary and I agreed on only one thing: to first try an objective person with a legal (litigation) background to look at both sides of our situation. We did and he made a face-saving, non-nuclear, meet-in-the-middle suggestion that gave us both a way to settle the dispute and get on with our lives. You need to know who got this done – David D. Stein (Liaise Mediated Solutions).

8/26/2009

Vito L.: I got married after dating Anne for just about one year. We didn’t have much at the time, but both of us had a bright future. Well, about one year later it was clear that the marriage was not working. Neither of us had money for a lawyer and we were both concerned about future income and retirement funds. That’s when we meet David Stein of Liaise Mediated Solutions. He showed us a great alternative. He explained that we didn’t have to go through an expensive long drawn out ordeal, with courts and lawyers. We could mediate a fair settlement for each of us. It worked perfectly. He brought us together in a reasonable manner and kept moving the process forward. Everything was done in just several months and for thousands less then we would have spent otherwise! I’m now very successful and don’t have to worry about any claims from my ex! David is the greatest! A fair, genuine, peacemaker!

8/6/2009

Alix Z.: To provide the complete picture of the review by Eric Z., I am the other half of that divorce. If you can get your other half to agree to mediation, then you want to work with Liaise Mediated Solutions. You have heard horror stories about lawyers that don’t return calls, divorces that drag on for years, etc. You won’t have to worry about that with Liaise. Your calls and emails are always answered promptly. He keeps things civilized, progress happening. I couldn’t ask for anything else.

7/15/2009

Eric Z.: If you are getting a divorce, do yourself a favor and go talk to Liaise (David Stein). Not only did he save us a ton of money and grief, but he actually made the experience, dare I say it, pleasant. He is reasonable, he knows his stuff, he get things done, he is honest, he is helpful, he encourages finding the common ground, and he is timely. His rates are very reasonable. I can’t recommend him highly enough. Whether it is a divorce situation or some other matter that calls for mediation, put David on the short list to interview. I hired a consulting attorney to go over the proposed marital settlement agreement, but there really was not much for them to do. David had already helped us hammer out an agreement that met our needs and was legally sound. His office also serves a mean cup of complimentary coffee and has a wonderful view. What more do you want?

8/11/2009

Jim Y.: David is an excellent mediator. He had an in-depth understanding of the law (I had a personal injury case), kept track of all the facts that mattered, and understood the unique nuances and challenges of the case (from the perspective of both sides). Even though the case did not settle at the mediation session, he followed up and got it settled, making calls to both sides while he was on vacation. He is dedicated and easy to work with. Plus, his rates are very reasonable.

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Articles by Liaise Mediated Solutions, LLC:

• When Is the Best Time for Mediation?