For over 27 years, Lee Mendelson, Esq. has been at the forefront of civil litigation, advocating for clients in high-stakes disputes across a broad spectrum of legal matters. His expertise spans insurance coverage, personal injury, subrogation, workers’ compensation, product liability, debtor/creditor disputes, real estate conflicts, and employment. Throughout his distinguished career as a litigator, Mr. Mendelson consistently found himself drawn to the moments when resolution was achieved outside the courtroom—not through contentious trials, but through the art of negotiation. Today, Mr. Mendelson is a full-time mediator, leveraging his extensive litigation background to help parties resolve disputes with efficiency, fairness, and pragmatism. In this episode, Lee and Len discuss mediation of a dispute between a property owner and the property manager she employed over his alleged responsibility for damage to property the owner had inherited from her mother. Overcoming seemingly intractable positions was key to reaching a resolution. How was Lee able to help the parties not only resolve the litigated matter but also achieve something even more satisfying? This story carries valuable lessons about what a mediator might achieve by asking the right questions, identifying and acknowledging emotions, and having a deep understanding of the mediation process.
In 2006, Mr. Mendelson took a pivotal step in his career by founding the Mendelson Law Group. What began as a solo practice soon expanded into a thriving firm with a team of more than 20 attorneys and legal professionals. Under his leadership, the firm became a trusted resource for insurance-related litigation, managing a high volume of cases with a steadfast commitment to quality and results. As lead counsel, he handled complex, multi-party lawsuits, frequently negotiating resolutions that saved clients significant time and expense. Even as he excelled in the adversarial world of litigation, his passion for dispute resolution never wavered. He remained guided by the principle that the best outcomes are not always dictated by a courtroom verdict, but by solutions that allow all parties to move forward with confidence.
Transitioning from advocate to neutral, Mr. Mendelson now applies his skills as a strategist, problem-solver, and consensus builder in mediation. His approach is pragmatic and results-driven, grounded in the belief that the real “client” in mediation is the settlement itself. He meticulously prepares for each case, thoroughly reviewing briefs and conducting pre-mediation calls to identify potential roadblocks before they arise. During mediation, he fosters a solutions-oriented atmosphere, employing a range of techniques—including informal mediator proposals, bracketed negotiations, and interest-based bargaining—to drive meaningful discussions. His commitment to resolution extends beyond the mediation session; if an agreement is not reached immediately, he continues working behind the scenes, persistently engaging with parties to bridge gaps and finalize settlements.
Mr. Mendelson is widely respected for his intelligence, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the mediation process. His style is neither aggressive nor passive, striking a balance that encourages open dialogue while keeping parties grounded in practical realities. He understands that creating a relaxed and collaborative environment is essential for productive negotiations. By fostering an atmosphere of trust, he helps parties consider new perspectives and reach settlements that are not only legally sound but also sustainable.
Guided by the philosophy that persistence is often the key to resolution, Mr. Mendelson believes that the difference between impasse and settlement is frequently just one more conversation, one additional effort toward compromise. As a mediator, his mission remains clear: to help people navigate conflict, identify common ground, and achieve resolutions that work—not just in theory, but in real life.
Lee Mendelson may be reached through his Case Manager, Haward Cho at ADR Services, Inc. at [email protected], or 213-683-1600, his website at www.mendelsonmediation.com, or on LinkedIn.
