ADR Services, Inc.

Grateful for this wonderful feedback about Mayra Fornos, Esq. Her ability to truly understand the case, connect with clients, and guide parties to resolution continues to make a meaningful impact. Learn more about Mayra: https://lnkd.in/g-X7kj8

Hon. David Rosen (Ret.) is joining the Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association for a cutting-edge MCLE on the future of legal ethics in California! In this dynamic presentation, Judge Rosen will break down the rapidly evolving duties facing today’s practitioners — from navigating the ethical implications of generative AI to understanding the reach of California’s “snitch rule” (CRPC 8.3), the push toward mandatory civility standards, and heightened CTAPP trust-account compliance. He’ll also provide real-world guidance on conflicts of interest impacting attorneys, judges, and neutrals, drawing from recent case law and State Bar directives. Attendees will walk away with practical, actionable insights to help them safeguard competence, confidentiality, and integrity in a changing legal landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity! Register here: https://lnkd.in/eipwKdVZ

Ethics in ADR isn’t theoretical — it’s day-to-day decision-making that shapes outcomes. Join Claudia Hagadus Long and Marie Weiner at the ACBA Virtual MCLE Compliance Countdown for a dynamic CLE that dives into the most pressing ethical issues in mediation and arbitration. From confidentiality and client authority to disclosure duties and arbitrator neutrality, this program blends concise presentations with group discussions and hands-on exercises to bring ethics to life in real-world scenarios. Don’t miss this practical, interactive session designed to help you navigate ethical challenges with clarity and confidence. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gMaVeQxM

ADR Services, Inc. is proud to welcome Hon. Daniel Ramirez (Ret.) to our distinguished panel of neutrals. Judge Ramirez joins us as a full-time mediator, bringing more than 26 years of civil and family law judicial experience to his ADR practice. Appointed to the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1994—becoming one of the youngest judges ever appointed—he later served on the Los Angeles Superior Court, where he held key leadership roles including Assistant Presiding Judge and Presiding Judge. Throughout his judicial career, Judge Ramirez was widely regarded as the “go-to” judge for resolving complex disputes. He conducted thousands of settlement conferences involving personal injury, business litigation, and family law, consistently helping parties reach efficient, fair, and durable resolutions. Known for his diligence, preparation, and exceptional settlement acumen, Judge Ramirez is praised by attorneys and litigants alike as fair-minded, patient, and fully engaged. His ability to actively listen, identify core interests, and guide parties toward practical solutions makes him an invaluable addition to our roster. We are honored to welcome Judge Ramirez to ADR Services, Inc., and we look forward to the expertise and leadership he brings to our community. Learn more about Judge Ramirez: https://lnkd.in/epYTHbcv

ADR Services, Inc. is proud to share a new article by Michael Balmages, Mediator, Arbitrator, and Discovery Referee, published in Plaintiff Magazine: “Don’t Bogart That Joint (Session), My Friend: My Theory on Why Joint Opening Sessions Have Become Less Common in Mediation.” Drawing from decades of experience—including more than 600 mediations and 1,000+ MSCs—Mr. Balmages offers a candid, insightful, and often humorous look at the evolution of joint opening sessions. Through memorable anecdotes and hard-earned lessons, he explores why joint sessions have faded from routine practice and when they still might serve a meaningful purpose. For practitioners navigating modern mediation dynamics, this piece offers both perspective and practical wisdom. We encourage you to read the full article for an engaging take on a topic every litigator encounters.

ADR Services, Inc. is excited to announce our 6th Annual MCLE Day: ADR In Practice. Real Tools for Real Cases. Join us for two full days of engaging, practical MCLE programming featuring our distinguished neutrals. Each session is designed to strengthen your everyday practice with concrete tools, strategic insights, and take-home materials you can apply immediately. Register once and build your own custom agenda—attend as many programs as you need to complete your requirements. All credits will be issued before the March 30, 2026 MCLE reporting deadline. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e7WaZPEZ

📚 Upcoming CLE Program: Bringing a Government Tort Action: A Practice Guide Navigating government tort claims isn’t easy—strict deadlines, statutory hurdles, and nuanced distinctions between negligence and dangerous condition cases can challenge even seasoned litigators. Join Hon. Victoria Chaney (Ret.) and Michael Nebenzahl for a comprehensive program designed to demystify the Government Claims Act and provide a clear, practical roadmap for litigating against public entities. Attendees will learn when a government tort claim is required, how to properly present it, and how exceptions, tolling, and late-claim procedures work in real practice. The program will also break down how tort theories—from negligence to dangerous condition of public property—interact with statutory requirements, notice provisions, and immunity defenses. We hope to see you there! Register here: https://lnkd.in/eFGdkZtf

ADR Services, Inc. is proud to share that Hon. Steven Austin (Ret.) will be joining the ADC Annual Meeting as a featured speaker in a highly interactive, participatory program on jury selection. In this dynamic session, Judge Austin will preside over a live mock voir dire using audience volunteers and a detailed fact pattern to illustrate both plaintiff and defense approaches to questioning prospective jurors. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to observe voir dire in action and gain insight from Judge Austin’s extensive judicial experience. Following the demonstration, the panel will break down the exercise—highlighting what worked, what missteps were made, and the key strategies attorneys should keep in mind when searching for the right jury. We’re delighted to support Judge Austin in bringing this valuable, practice-focused program to the ADC community. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gyv2yzq5

Grateful to share this wonderful feedback for Judge Stephen Pulido! Clients consistently commend his steady guidance, respectful approach, and ability to balance diplomacy with firmness when it matters most. We're proud to see his commitment to thoughtful, effective mediation recognized. If you’re looking for a mediator who brings experience, care, and professionalism to every session, Judge Pulido is an excellent choice. Learn more about Judge Pulido: https://lnkd.in/epTz-A5Q

We’re proud to share this insightful Daily Journal profile of mediator and arbitrator Kirk Yake, whose builder’s mindset and decades of construction litigation experience shape his thoughtful, solution-oriented approach to dispute resolution. From his meticulous preparation to his balanced blend of facilitative and evaluative techniques, Kirk is known for creating a space where parties feel heard, informed, and empowered to reach meaningful resolution. Clients and counsel consistently highlight his empathy, thoroughness, and ability to turn even complex, multi-party disputes into productive dialogue. We’re grateful to have Kirk as part of the ADR Services, Inc. panel and congratulate him on this well-deserved feature. Read the full article below.