Following a stellar career as a trial lawyer, during the course of his mediation career at ADR Services, Inc., Eric Ivary has resolved more than 1,000 cases across a variety of substantive areas, including the ones involved in this episode, demonstrating his familiarity with personal injury, products liability, insurance, and other areas.

In this episode, Eric Ivary tells the story of the aftermath of the death of a 9-year-old boy. The adults in his life had failed him, and the retailer and distributor who put the toy on the market had failed to include any instructions relating to the use of the toy, a ball on a tether. That combination resulted in his death, leaving only his parents to seek compensation. His father had gone to prison early in the boy’s life and had not sought contact after his release but nevertheless sought to share in any settlement and threatened to jeopardize any settlement that did not include a substantial recovery for himself. How did master mediator Eric Ivary guide the parties to a resolution? Listen and learn.

Since his admission to the California Bar in 1972, Eric Ivary has demonstrated his commitment not only to the practice of law, before becoming a full-time mediator, but also to his community and social justice. As a mediator, that commitment has continued. Before, during, and – when a case does not settle after the mediation session, he works toward resolution because he believes the outcome matters. That persistence is not just professional dedication; it is a commitment to making the civil justice system work for real people.

The State Bar of California honored him with a Commendation for Outstanding contributions to Pro Bono and Voluntary Legal Services — formal recognition of his willingness to give his time to those who cannot afford it.

He has co-founded a law firm that has become one of the Bay Area’s most respected plaintiff’s firms, serving as Managing Partner from 1988 to 2000, guiding the firm while also personally trying personal injury, employment, and medical and hospital negligence cases. In 1989, he was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He also received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for thirty consecutive years. He has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 attorney, among other honors.

Eric Ivary can be reached at [email protected] or through his Case Manager, Kathleen Emma, at [email protected] or (415)772-0900.