Irene Takahashi is widely recognized as one of the Bay Area’s leading mediators, and, since 2017, has been a member of the ADR Services, Inc. panel of neutrals. Building on a solid foundation of trial experience, she adds the insights gained while serving as a trial judge. She has tried scores of criminal and civil cases both bench and jury. She has wide experience in a range of civil disputes, involving, among others, personal injury, employment, landlord-tenant, and public and private entity liability. Beyond her widely acknowledged legal acumen, she has a deserved reputation for being able to identify and facilitate the resolution of the complex personal concerns that often form the most formidable barriers to settlements. In this episode, Irene and Len discuss the mediation of a wrongful death case arising out of a collision between a car and a motorcycle. The widowed plaintiff’s continued anger at the defendant and the widow’s desire that the defendant suffer posed a substantial impediment to resolution. What did Irene do to overcome this deeply emotional situation and make settlement possible? Listen to this episode to find out.
Rather than practicing a set pattern of mediation, she has a style that allows her to shift gears as conditions develop and as unforeseen difficulties arise. Her adaptability gives the parties the maximum opportunity for resolution. As one attorney put it, “Irene’s perceptive instincts made the difference.”
Mediation can be costly and stressful. Ms. Takahashi is known to work to minimize both those issues. She knows most cases resolve. She is persistent and works with the parties before, during, and with follow-up to provide a successful resolution tailored to the individual case.
Ms. Takahashi, as reported by many attorneys, is a wise, empathetic, approachable, and hard-working mediator. Both litigants and litigators agree that she listens carefully, demonstrates human concern with a dignity that inspires confidence, and provides legal and practical guidance of substantial value. As a result, many counsel have sought her help on multiple cases. Consistently she facilitates prompt, fair, and lasting resolutions in the most difficult mediations.
Irene Takahashi has expertise in a variety of areas, including personal injury, pedestrian accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, sexual misconduct, PTSD, product liability, employment, landlord-tenant (both commercial and residential), property liability, errors & omissions, public entity liability, business litigation, and eminent domain.
Ms. Takahashi’s career has included partnership in various firms, including as the managing partner in Santochi Gable Dwyer & Takahashi, and from 1989-1991 she served as a Judge for the Contra Costa County Superior Court, where she presided over civil and criminal cases, law and motion, and settlement conferences, as well as case management, community forums, and educational outreach to youth, women, and people of color. She has also been an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California and a Deputy District Attorney.
Irene Takahashi may be reached through her Case Manager Kathleen Emma at 415-772-0900 or by email at kathleenteam@adrservices.com.
