Endorsements: Mediation

Mediation | Arbitration | Referee/Master | Pro Tem Superior Court Judge

Michael Zarro – Law Office of Michael T. Zarro, Attorney-Mediator, Los Angeles, CA
Jim Anwyl – Anwyl Scoffield & Stepp, Sacramento, CA
Robert Arns – The Arns Law Firm, San Francisco, CA
John F. Baum – Curiale Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP
Brad Benbrook – DLA Piper, Sacramento, CA.
Dick Bolling – Bolling & Gawthrop, Sacramento, CA
Ron Brown – Cook Brown, Sacramento, CA
Robert Buccola – Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood, LLP, Sacramento, CA
Larry Buckley – Law Offices of Larry Buckley, Chico, CA
Ed Corey – Weintraub Genshlea Chediak Tobin & Tobin, Sacramento, CA
Darryl Doke – Lead Supervising Deputy Attorney General (Ret.), Sisters, OR
Roger Dreyer – Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood, LLP, Sacramento, CA
David Frenznick – Wilke Fleury Hoffelt Gould & Birney, Sacramento, CA
Noel Ferris – Law Offices of Noel M. Ferris, Sacramento, CA
Joe Genshlea – Weintraub Genshlea Chediak Tobin & Tobin, & Sacramento, CA
Steve Goff – DLA Piper, Sacramento, CA.
Steve Gurnee – Gurnee & Daniels, Roseville, CA
Don Heller – Law Offices of Donald H. Heller, Sacramento, CA
Bruce Kilday – Angelo Kilday & Kilduff, Sacramento, CA
Gigi Knudtson – Knudtson & Nutter LLP, Roseville, CA
Cary McDougal – Baron & Budd, Dallas, TX
Richard Molin – Stewart Humphreys Burchett & Molin, Chico, CA
John O’Brien – John M. O’Brien & Associates, Elk Grove, CA
Rob Peterson – Carlson Calladine & Peterson, San Francisco, CA
Tom Redmon – Wilke Fleury Hoffelt Gould & Birney, Sacramento, CA
Reg Reilly – Gordon & Rees, LLP, San Francisco, CA
Bob Simpson – Reiner Simpson & Slaughter LLP, Redding, CA
Dan Spector – Spector Weir, LLP, Sacramento, CA
Ben Webster – Littler Mendelson, Sacramento, CA

Michael Zarro – Law Office of Michael T. Zarro, Attorney-Mediator, Los Angeles, CA [top]

“In a particularly difficult matter, we challenged Joe’s ability to find ways to appeal to difficult parties, and he responded remarkably well. . . . In a multi-million dollar water contamination case involving a number of major oil companies, reasonable offers were on the table, reasonable lawyers were on all sides, informed discussions ensued for months, yet no progress was made towards settlement. The defendants and their attorneys had concluded that the plaintiff involved was simply impossible and trial was inevitable. On the day before trial, Joe pursued an all-day effort wherein he quickly developed a sense of the “hot-button” issues, developed an effective working relationship with the plaintiff’s management, and found a path to settlement none of the 20 defense lawyers thought could be blazed. It was evident to me that Joe effectively brings to the mediation not only his significant legal background but his vast experience in relationship building. However difficult the parties are, they immediately recognize that Joe is sincere, informed, a seasoned veteran of litigation wars, and that they can take his word on the options and likely outcomes. Bottom line – they trust him – and that is the essential ingredient to effective mediation.”

Jim Anwyl – Anwyl Scoffield & Stepp, Sacramento, CA [top]

“It has been a distinct honor to know and work with Joe Ramsey for a period of time now in excess of 30 years. I have defended cases with and against Joe and found at a very early stage of my career that he was one of the foremost attorneys in California. In the past 15 years, I have had the opportunity of presenting cases to him as a mediator and have in every instance, come away from the experience with the belief that both sides of the dispute were provided the highest level of service that a mediator could offer. From the outset, Joe instills a calming influence and confidence in the parties that their interests will be listened to and given the appropriate level of attention during the mediation process. Joe also has the ability, and does not hesitate, to have “heart to heart” discussions with the attorneys and provide them an insight which I think in many instances they would not be willing to accept from a less seasoned mediator.”

“I am unaware of any other mediator in this region with Joe’s years of experience as a civil litigator handling the most complex of cases representing the interests of both plaintiffs as well as defendants. The mediation process works best when the mediator commands the respect of the litigants. Few individuals “fill that role” as well as Joe Ramsey. He will be the first to tell you that the mediation process does not in every instance guarantee a successful outcome, but those who have appeared in front of him will tell you that Joe’s efforts in every instance will guarantee the highest probability of success.”

Robert Arns – The Arns Law Firm, San Francisco, CA [top]

“The qualities needed to be a successful mediator are numerous: Vast experience; total preparation of each case; an uncanny ability to know what a jury will do; an instantaneous ability to spot the strong and weak links on all sides; and an ability to keep negotiations moving forward when a side becomes recalcitrant. Joe Ramsey not only has all of these qualities, he is without question one of the top five mediators in Northern California. It is a benefit for both plaintiffs and defendants to use his great skills to arrive at closure.”

John F. Baum – Curiale Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP [top]

Joe Ramsey has successfully mediated two employment cases involving my clients and has brought a wealth of experience and confident professionalism to the process. His empathetic approach and excellent listening skills immediately put my clients at ease. He does not attempt to impose his personality on the parties in an overbearing way, as do some mediators. His relatively low-key approach allows him to hear the plaintiff's side of the story and satisfy that "day in court" need of many plaintiffs in employment disputes. In addition, he enters the process well prepared and he is flexible in his approach, which is often critical during a long day of mediation. Further, he works hard to bring a matter to resolution; he does not shy away from working late and continuing to push the parties when their energy may lag in the late afternoon. Joe does all of this in a respectful manner that is valued by all. Both clients commented positively about Joe's demeanor, his investment in the process and his value in a achieving a successful resolution of the respective disputes. It should be clear by now that I highly recommend Joe as a mediator in employment disputes.

Brad Benbrook – DLA Piper, Sacramento, CA. [top]

“Joe is the rare mediator who can grasp complex factual and legal issues and at the same develop a strong rapport with the parties. This latter talent allows him to diffuse the intense emotions that often accompany litigation. Joe’s ability to relate to litigants was probably the single greatest factor in settling a very contentious dispute we handled involving family members arguing over ownership of a family business. Joe had the patience to move the parties to a successful resolution.”

Dick Bolling - Bolling & Gawthrop, Sacramento, CA [top]

“I have never encountered a more effective mediator than Joe Ramsey. Apart from his keen intelligence and ready grasp of complex issues spanning a wide variety of subjects, Joe is always prepared, always willing to go the distance, and always displays unfailing patience throughout the process. His uniform appeal to advocates for plaintiffs and defendants is a testament to his skill, diplomacy, and unmatched ability to read people. It is a rare case that will not resolve through his efforts, however intractable the parties may be at the outset.”

Ron Brown – Cook Brown, Sacramento, CA [top]

“We limit our practice to the representation of companies – both large and small – in labor and employment matters. Discrimination and harassment cases are typically the most difficult to litigate and settle because they invariably involve highly charged emotions on the part of management as well as plaintiff employees. Joe Ramsey has a great knack for lowering the emotional barriers to settlement by first validating the parties’ emotions and then getting them to agree that it is in everyone’s best interest to resolve the issues and move on with their lives. The case may not settle on the first go around, but his calm persistence with the parties has resulted in a satisfactory settlement in every case of ours that he has worked on. He clearly has the respect of both the plaintiffs and defendants Labor and Employment Bar in Sacramento, and I unhesitatingly recommend him to all who inquire as to who are the most accomplished mediators in Sacramento for employment cases.”

Robert Buccola – Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood, LLP, Sacramento, CA [top]

“Joe’s years of litigation expertise and intellect allow him, in often times subtle ways, to lead the proverbial horse to water. And I’ve been that horse! He operates through persuasion rather than by force or threat, and has a way of always moving the attorney and client toward the right result. In fact, I’ve brought cases to Joe to mediate where I have been heavily conflicted over a legal or factual issue, and I can always rely on Joe’s analysis to shed meaningful light on an issue.”

“I recall many years ago, a very challenging catastrophic injury case for a minor, concluding that defendant’s deep seven figure offer (excluding defendant’s coverage) was insufficient, and that we’d go to trial leaving the defendant with an insurance bad faith claim. Joe calmly called me a few days after the mediation ended (by which time I had demanded several million dollars above the policy limit offer), and he told me that he wanted to come and see me in person at no charge to discuss the case. We met and he agreed that I’d probably beat defendant’s liability arguments and that my client’s damage award would likely exceed the offer. But he then reminded me of the risks and that the money offered would take care of my 15 year old client, with certainty, for the rest of her life. He advised that he would be “very concerned,” if I took the case to trial given the risks. After a couple days of additional thought, I took defendant’s settlement offer. It really was the right thing to do, but hard to appreciate, given . . . the emotions of the case.”

“Although I believe that Joe is monetarily conservative by nature, he listens to plaintiffs’ stories and empathizes with them in an honest way that always elicits trust. There’s not a fact pattern or legal issue that’s above Joe. He’s an A+ mediator and a fine person.”

Larry Buckley – Law Offices of Larry Buckley, Chico, CA [top]

“I would highly recommend Joe Ramsey to anyone looking for a mediator to help resolve their case. Joe Ramsey has deservedly earned the reputation, by both the plaintiff and defense bar, as the top mediator in Northern California. With over 35 years of experience as a respected trial attorney, trying cases to verdict in virtually all of the northern California counties, he has the intelligence, experience, and expertise to quickly assess and evaluate any case–a necessary function for any mediator. With this knowledge, Joe is able to settle disputes by helping the parties understand their respective risks. During the past ten years, I have personally used Joe to help us resolve disputes in everything from motor vehicle accident cases to complex product liability and medical malpractice cases. Each and every time, he has done an incredible job helping us resolve cases quickly and efficiently–with recoveries totaling in the millions of dollars.”

Ed Corey – Weintraub Genshlea Chediak Tobin & Tobin, Sacramento, CA [top]

“I have known Joe Ramsey for approximately 7 years. He has mediated a number of high profile and at times highly acrimonious trust, estate, and elder abuse cases for me. Without exception, Joe is unfailingly professional, diligent, good natured, exceptionally flexible in his thinking, and always quickly grasps all the legal, factual, and practical issues involved. Joe pursues each case with a "never say die" attitude. He is persistent in his efforts and resistant to failure. These traits, along with his sense of humor and ability to build an easy rapport with a wide variety of people, in what many times tend to be highly volatile family disputes, has enabled him to successfully facilitate my disputes. I am greatly impressed with Joe's abilities and give him the highest of ratings.”

Darryl Doke – Lead Supervising Deputy Attorney General (Ret.), Sisters, OR [top]

“I have learned in my experience that not all attorneys have the mediation ‘gene’. Many successful and highly accomplished lawyers who have tried their hand at being mediators simply do not have the skill set or personality needed to be successful at the craft. A good mediator has to have patience, perseverance, and, above, all a willingness and ability to get into the heads of the parties who come before him or her. By this I mean that a good mediator must be able to understand the motivations and interest of all the parties to the litigation so that he or she knows the areas in which compromise is possible and the areas where it is not. This of course takes preparation and a complete understanding of the facts of the case and of the law that is applicable to those facts. But more than this, understanding the art of the possible takes a certain intuition, a sixth sense of where a deal is probably going to be struck and where it should be struck. This sixth sense can only come from years and years of experience. This experience leads to the final attribute of a good mediator, which is gravitas. To be successful in dispute resolution a mediator must be able to command the respect of the parties. An attorney must be able to trust the mediator both to speak to the needs of his/her clients and to give them an unvarnished opinion of the merits of their case. In the end, the commodity a mediator sells is his/her judgment; attorneys and their clients must have confidence in that judgment, otherwise the mediation likely will be futile.”

“I have known Joe Ramsey for over twenty years, in the course of mediating perhaps a score of cases. He has all the qualities listed above, in spades. Joe comes to a case fully prepared, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of all the competing interests in a dispute. His style is deceptively low key and rational. Unlike some mediators, he has no need to be the ‘star’. There is a refreshing absence of detours into melodrama, chest pounding, or hoary, well rehearsed war stories. Instead Joe keeps the dialogue going in a structured and constructive way without being overbearing. He can be direct, sometimes blunt, without being rude. Parties are led to confront the unpleasant aspects of their cases without being made to feel that they are having their noses rubbed in them. Attorneys and clients are respected. Even when temperatures rise, care is taken to preserve an aura of civility and decorum throughout the mediation.”

“I don't know if any statistics are kept on the success rate a mediator has in resolving disputes, but I imagine if there is such a stat, Joe Ramsey would be among the very highest rank. In a word, he is very good at what he does. I have often recommended him to my colleagues in the past and it is a pleasure to do so now.”

Roger Dreyer – Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood, LLP, Sacramento, CA [top]

“In today’s litigation world in which alternative dispute resolution has become a critical component of handling matters for one’s clients, the decision what mediator to use is one of the most important decisions an attorney will make. There is an enormous number of mediators out there who . . . (appear to be able to) facilitate a fair resolution for the parties. (But) . . . there are precious few who bring to the table a genuine wealth of experience, grace under pressure, and the real ability to educate all sides of a dispute so that the mediation results in a fair resolution to everyone. Joe Ramsey is precisely such an individual. Mediation only works when all sides respect the person in that important middle position, and I can count on one hand the professionals that I know who enjoy the level of ability and respect that Joe does. He does not tell me what I want to hear, but what I need to hear. Because of who he is and what he has accomplished in his career, I pay attention to what he says.”

David Frenznick – Wilke Fleury Hoffelt Gould & Birney, Sacramento, CA [top]

“As a mediator, Joe Ramsey’s many years of experience as a trial lawyer imbue him with a certain mantle of authority. He is highly respected by both the plaintiff and defense bars, which gives him a unique ability to settle cases. I have seen him achieve settlement in complex cases where others have failed. My clients consistently give him high marks, even after he has convinced them to compromise.”

Noel Ferris – Law Offices of Noel M. Ferris, Sacramento, CA [top]

“Joe is the mediator’s mediator. His strong background in the defense industry affords him tremendous credibility with the defense side of the case. His calm and caring demeanor is equally reassuring to the plaintiff. He does not waste time, but he takes the time necessary to explain the process to the lay person. Joe has resolved cases where I was convinced settlement was hopeless.”

Joe Genshlea – Weintraub Genshlea Chediak Tobin & Tobin, Sacramento, CA [top]

“Both my law firm and I have used Joe Ramsey to mediate many disputes for us going back to when he first began mediating. We have brought to him a range of cases from significant personal injury cases to very complex business matters. Joe is a highly skilled mediator and has been successful in settling our cases almost without exception. He’s one of a handful of mediators that I would recommend not just in Sacramento but throughout Northern California. Obviously I would recommend him to mediate any matter you might have.”

Steve Goff – DLA Piper, Sacramento, CA. [top]

“The focus of my practice today is business litigation in the healthcare field. The cases can be very complex and, for that reason, difficult to settle. I have worked with many mediators over the years in a variety of cases. Joe Ramsey is one of the best. In my experience, Joe is easily able to handle complex legal and factual issues, and to understand special "industry" issues/concerns. He is also extremely tenacious, and will not let a case go, even if the parties are willing to give up on a mediation. Joe is also a student of the ADR process. He attempts to use his own experience as an attorney and as a mediator to develop a process that is specifically suited to each case. This has worked well for me in several instances, and I view it as critical to the settlement process. I like a mediator who is willing to grind through the tough issues with counsel and the parties, and does not just rely on advising that "litigation is expensive and risky". In the cases I have worked on with Joe, we have spent all our time on the tough issues. He let me worry about advising my clients about litigation risks. I favor this approach, as it shows respect for counsel and it allows the dialogue to focus on what matters most: the key issues and the arguments and evidence that will be brought to bear on them.”

Steve Gurnee – Gurnee & Daniels, Roseville, CA [top]

“Joe Ramsey is an outstanding mediator who has the ability and perception to quickly cut to the chase even in very complicated matters. As a result, mediations are done efficiently and, often, successfully to the benefit of all concerned. I have known Joe as a civil trial lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator for nearly 30 years. He is, most deservedly, a highly respected and sought-after neutral with a wide array of experience that is particularly helpful in complex cases.”

Don Heller – Law Offices of Donald H. Heller, Sacramento, CA [top]

“I have mediated more than a half-dozen complex civil cases before Joe Ramsey, including such divergent matters as personal injury, legal malpractice, breach of contract, federal securities fraud, and breach of fiduciary duties. He is simply an extraordinary mediator and has settled cases for me as a lawyer representing both defendants and plaintiffs. He is my mediator of choice because of his skill set in analyzing and quickly developing a grasp of multifaceted factual and legal issues, dealing with multiple . . . parties and lawyers with divergent positions . . . (and) finding acceptable resolutions. He is exceptionally well qualified by his years of trial experience, experience as a mediator, and an ability to speak with the parties directly (whether a horribly injured plaintiff with little formal schooling or a sophisticated excess limits claims representative in a multi-million dollar claim), with understanding, compassion and as assessment of the underlying case, which is right on the money.”

Bruce Kilday – Angelo Kilday & Kilduff, Sacramento, CA [top]

“Joe has a unique ability to establish a trust relationship with opposing (even warring) parties, and uses this to help them reach common ground. Combined with his broad experience as a trial lawyer, his personality makes him uncommonly effective as a Mediator.”

Gigi Knudtson – Knudtson & Nutter LLP, Roseville, CA [top]

“Since I have a litigation based practice, I often use the services of a mediator to assist in resolution of the case before trial. Over the years, Joe Ramsey has served as the mediator in many of my cases involving complex legal issues. He has a talent for establishing rapport with the parties, calming the emotionalism, and reaching a resolution. He has settled every case he has mediated for our firm, even ones which I doubted could be resolved before trial. I would highly recommend him as an excellent mediator.”

Cary McDougal – Baron & Budd, Dallas, TX [top]

“My firm represented a private water company in Northern California which suffered contamination of its water system from a gasoline additive known as MTBE. This contamination resulted in closing a number of wells, contamination of others, and needed clean-up of these water wells or replacement altogether at significant cost to the water provider. As a result of this contamination, we initiated suit on behalf of this water company against . . . members of the oil and gas industry . . . . This multi-party case was litigated for many years at significant cost to the parties. The science related to this contaminant was extraordinarily complex. There were numerous experts on issues of liability, damages, and the many defenses asserted.”

“After many years of litigation, we were ordered to mediation before Joe Ramsey. As a firm based in Texas, prior to this time, we were unfamiliar with him. Our experience with him revealed a sophisticated, insightful, resourceful, objective and, best of all, tenacious third party who effectively resolved a complex and difficult case. There were not only complex legal issues but difficult personalities to manage. Joe quickly assessed the personalities and used his unique insight and skill in effectively managing them. A marathon settlement dialogue continued long after the formal mediation session ended. Joe followed-up on every detail. As a direct result of these efforts, Joe was able to bring about a resolution for the largest portion of the case. He has the rare combination of level temperament with strong resolve that can bring about results even with the most challenging of cases.”

“I would highly recommend Joe as a mediator, arbitrator or third-party negotiator in any case needing hard work, insight, and strength. Those qualities aside, Joe is a genuine professional and a pleasure to work with. I am happy to answer any other questions you might have.”

Richard Molin – Stewart Humphreys Burchett & Molin, Chico, CA [top]

“I wanted to thank you again for helping to resolve an extraordinarily emotionally charged and complex case. As in the past, I can always count on you to resolve cases that are difficult either because of unique facts, difficult questions of law, or the polarized positions of the parties.”

John O’Brien – John M. O’Brien & Associates, Elk Grove, CA [top]

“I have known Joe Ramsey for more than fourteen years. I worked with him as co-counsel in defending cases and have been against him as an adversary before he began his mediation practice full time. As a mediator and neutral, I have used Joe for numerous mediations and even a few binding arbitrations. I continue to use him whenever I can because Joe is one of those rare individuals who is respected by both sides for his honesty and integrity and remains extremely likable even when he doesn't agree with your position. He has an amiable rapport with clients and his experience gives him instant credibility. He reads every word of every record submitted to him and works the facts and law of the case tirelessly until it settles. If the case doesn't settle that day, he continues to follow up and looks for creative solutions to help the parties bridge their differences. I recommend Joe Ramsey without hesitation as one of the best mediators in the state.”

Rob Peterson – Carlson Calladine & Peterson, San Francisco, CA [top]

“Every lawyer knows Joe Ramsey's well-deserved reputation as an ace trial lawyer with the highest standards of professionalism. As a mediator, he brings all of his considerable knowledge and breadth of experience to the mediation table. But what really sets him apart from other mediators are his intuition and patience. He knows the right time to settle your client's case and he will take whatever time the case needs to help the parties accomplish settlement. He grasps the legal and factual nuances of the case and understands your client's objectives and motivation, not only because he prepares methodically, but because he listens patiently and carefully, treating all parties and counsel with dignity, respect, and even kindness. If you prefer mediators who seem to be conducting two or three mediations at once and wish you . . . good luck at trial when the case doesn't settle at five o'clock, don't hire Joe Ramsey. If you prefer a mediator who will devote all the time in the world without wasting a minute of yours, he's the mediator for you.”

Tom Redmon – Wilke Fleury Hoffelt Gould & Birney, Sacramento, CA [top]

“Joe Ramsey is one of the few mediators in Sacramento that I will recommend unqualifiedly. If he gets an inkling that a case is capable of settlement, he will not quit, even when the clients and attorneys are less than optimistic. He has settled cases on terms that I thought either my client or the opposing party would never accept. When I believe it is in my client’s best interest to settle a matter, Mr. Ramsey is always at the top of my list.”

Reg Reilly – Gordon & Rees, LLP, San Francisco, CA [top]

“I recently completed my first mediation with Joe Ramsey. My client and I were impressed with his attention to detail, dedication to the task, and consistent effort to move the ball forward for a successful mediation. I look forward to working with him again in the future.”

Bob Simpson – Reiner Simpson & Slaughter LLP, Redding, CA [top]

“The mediation world is very lucky to have Joe Ramsey as a member. A highly skilled trial lawyer, Joe brings a world of knowledge and a 'never say die' attitude to mediation. His ability to quickly grasp not only the essence of the case but also the nuances that will allow him to successfully conclude the matter are . . . (what) set Joe apart from the run of the mill mediator. Perhaps more important is his humanity. Clients simply love and respect the man and that brings credibility to his words that skill and knowledge alone cannot impart. I have been fortunate to work with Joe on many cases, ranging from the simple to the highest degree of complexity. His success rate is phenomenal and I would highly recommend him to plaintiffs and defendants alike.”

Dan Spector – Spector Weir, LLP, Sacramento, CA [top]

“My practice is limited to trust and probate litigation. These cases usually pit family members battling against each other or, on occasion, against ‘an outsider.’ The participants often struggle to cope with a complex combination of emotions, including grief, anger, fear, and a sense of betrayal. There are relatively few mediators who have the litigation acumen, the life experience, and the ability to earnestly convey empathy to litigants that Joe Ramsey has. Joe has repeatedly shown that he can effectively listen to people tossing in the choppy and deep waters of painful litigation and underlying dysfunctional relationships, and help steer them to calmer banks of settlement. In short, Joe Ramsey is a winning selection as a mediator for my cases, and I am comfortable recommending him as a mediator to my peers.”

Ben Webster – Littler Mendelson, Sacramento, CA [top]

“Joe did an outstanding job of mediating a messy employment case where emotions were running high on the plaintiff's side of the table. Joe did his homework to prepare in advance of the mediation and then presided over the session with an effective blend of firmness and flexibility. His listening skills are superb, and by making the participants feel like they are "having their day in court" he is able to put the parties in a frame of mind where settlement is possible and desirable. Joe is persistent without being pushy; always a gentleman and a scholar. I would strongly recommend him to plaintiffs and defendants alike.”

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