Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Welcome to Merced Superior Court's Case Management Conference (or “CMC”) Program. CMCs are public hearings between the parties and the Court, usually taken in an office setting, designed to monitor the status of a case in order to ensure adequate progress is being made by all parties. Generally, parties at CMCs report on whether all Complaints and Answers have been filed, the status of discovery, including written discovery requests and depositions, and the possibility of the parties engaging in Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) procedures such as arbitration, mediation or neutral case evaluation. The final purpose of a CMC is to determine the parties’ readiness for trial and to assign reasonable mandatory settlement conference and trial dates. After each CMC hearing, the Court issues and serves on all parties a CMC Findings & Order (“CMC F&O”) reflecting the findings made at the CMC and any instructions on how the parties are to proceed.

The information being provided here is designed to take you through the CMC process and answer the most commonly asked questions. This information is broken down into logical steps, namely, what you generally need to know and do (1) before the CMC, (2) at the CMC, and (3) after you achieve resolution of your case.

Additional information is available from the California Rules of Court, the California Code of Civil Procedure, and the Merced Superior Court's Local Rules.

Plaintiff is to serve the Complaint within 60 days per California Rules of Court, Rule 3.110, and bring the case at issue (Complaint answered) thereafter, absent the filing of a Demurrer. Extensions to respond to the Complaint may only extend 15 days beyond the 30 days allotted without leave of Court; open-ended extensions are not valid.

Before the first CMC, Parties are obliged to Meet and Confer, file and serve a CMC Statement, and participate in the Court’s Early Mediation Program.

Early Mediation Program

All Unlimited Civil cases are assigned to the Court’s Early Mediation Program (“EMP”). As part of their duties to meet and confer, parties are to review the Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) Information Guide and discuss what types of ADR procedures, in addition to or in place of Early Mediation, appear beneficial to achieving resolution. To that end, attorneys are to obtain their client’s consent to any ADR procedures contemplated before the hearing on the CMC. Where a case appears amenable to Judicial Arbitration and the parties: (1) opt out of Early Mediation, and (2) do not stipulate to another form of ADR, the case will generally be ordered to Judicial Arbitration within 60 days (or within 90 days, if good cause is shown). Parties are to comply with all assigned and/or stipulated ADR completion dates.

When a case is to undertake Early Mediation, Plaintiff collects the $300 EMP fee, submits it to the Civil Clerk’s Office, and the parties then select a Mediator from the Court’s ADR Neutral Panel, listed on this page.  Early Mediation must be completed before the first CMC, unless an Opt-Out Form is filed within the first 120 days the Complaint has been pending. Further details on the Court’s EMP may be found in the ADR Guide, also available on the Court’s website.

Parties’ Meet and Confer

At least 30 days prior to the CMC, parties are to meet and confer per Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 3.724, and discuss:

• Discovery disputes/schedules
• Facts and issues that are uncontested and those in dispute
• Motions pending or anticipated
• Settlement of the case
• Trial scheduling

CMC Statement

No later than 15 days before the CMC, parties are to COMPLETELY fill out and file a CMC Statement (Form CM-110) available online at California Courts - Home | Judicial Branch of California. The CMC Statement must also be served on all parties.

Case Designation and Status

Commensurate with the Trial Court Delay Reduction Act, cases are automatically presumed to be Category I type cases (12 month duration). Upon an appropriate showing at the CMC Hearing, cases may be designated Category II (18-month duration) or Category III (24 month duration). Trial dates will be set accordingly absent any stays or other constraints.

PARTIES ARE TO TAKE EVERY REASONABLE EFFORT TO ENSURE THEIR CASE IS “AT ISSUE” BY THE FIRST CMC HEARING, WHICH IS SET APPROXIMATELY 150 DAYS FROM THE FILING OF THE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT. “AT ISSUE” MEANS THAT THE COMPLAINT HAS BEEN PROPERLY SERVED ON ALL DEFENDANTS, ALL PROOFS OF SERVICE HAVE BEEN FILED WITH THE COURT, AND EACH DEFENDANT HAS FILED A RESPONSIVE PLEADING (e.g. AN ANSWER OR DEMURRER). FAILURE TO BRING A CASE AT ISSUE BY THE FIRST CMC MAY RESULT IN THE CASE BEING REFERRED FOR AN ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE (“OSC”) RE DISMISSAL AS TO ANY UNSERVED PARTIES.

All Parties must appear at scheduled CMC hearings (either telephonically or in person). Only trial counsel or counsel thoroughly prepared to discuss the case and authorized to commit to discovery, ADR and trial issues should appear at CMC hearings. FAILURE TO APPEAR AT A SCHEDULED CMC HEARING MAY RESULT IN WAIVER OF A PARTY’S RIGHTS (such as the right to a jury trial), SANCTIONS, AND POSSIBLE DISMISSAL OF THE ENTIRE ACTION.

Appearing in Person

Parties may appear in person for Case Management Conferences by reporting to Courtroom 8 at 627 W. 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340. All CMC's are scheduled on Thursdays at 9:30 am.

Appearing by Telephone

Parties are also welcome to appear telephonically by complying with Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 3.670, Merced Superior Court Local Rules, Rule 4, and by making timely arrangements with CourtCall, LLC. CourtCall, LLC may be reached at: (888) 882-6878. Parties may give notice of their intent to appear by telephone by indicating “TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE REQUESTED” on their CMC Statements filed at least 15 days before the CMC, or by independently filing with the Court a Request for Telephonic Appearance, NOT LESS THAN THREE (3) COURT DAYS, before the Case Management Conference. The initial Notice of Telephonic Appearance will be deemed valid as to any continued CMC Hearings scheduled thereafter. Parties are to inform CourtCall of the specific Judge, Commissioner, or Temporary Judge assigned to hear the CMCs in your case. All parties dialing into courtcall will be placed on hold and connected to the courtroom once the case is called for hearing.

Consolidated Matters

Once a case is ordered consolidated by the trial court, Parties are relieved from appearing at scheduled CMC hearings in non-lead matters. All further CMCs in non-lead matters are taken off calendar automatically by the Court.

Assignment of Temporary Judge

CMCs are typically heard by Temporary Judges who are qualified members of the California State Bar. Pursuant to Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 2.816, all parties have the right to have their CMCs heard by a Judge or Commissioner, if requested. Unless one or more of the parties make their request for a Judge or Commissioner known at the time of the hearing or before, THE CMC WILL LIKELY BE HEARD BY A TEMPORARY JUDGE.

Rescheduling CMCs is generally disfavored because:

• Parties and Counsel may conveniently appear telephonically and make any needed request at that time;
• Continued CMCs are generally scheduled with the Party’s and Counsel's availability in mind; and
• Rescheduling a CMC may benefit one party, but can be detrimental to other parties, and therefore requires proper notice and/or a stipulation.

In no case will CMCs be rescheduled based on the written or telephonic request from a single party. PARTIES ARE NOT TO MAKE SUCH EX PARTE REQUESTS. Parties desiring to reschedule a CMC, notwithstanding the above, are to either:

1. File and serve a stipulation executed by all parties and appear ex parte in the trial court; or
2. File a fully-noticed motion with the trial court requesting that the CMC be rescheduled.

A continued CMC will be ordered up and until a matter is finally disposed of by dismissal of the entire action or by entry of final judgment as to all parties (including Doe Defendants). Even where cases are near resolution, a further, continued CMC is generally ordered to make certain final disposition of the matter is properly undertaken. Appearing at the continued CMC is important because, (1) initial settlement accords do not always result in final disposition of the matter, and (2) after achieving resolution, the parties may fail to file the required papers to confirm final disposition of the matter. Accordingly, the mere reporting of a settlement is not sufficient to take a CMC off calendar.

However, where the Parties, at least five (5) Court days before a scheduled CMC, file an Unconditional Notice of Settlement per Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 3.1385, requiring dismissal of the entire action within 45 days, the Court will automatically continue the CMC on its own motion, without the need for the Parties to appear, to a date after the 45-day period. Failure to have disposed of the entire matter by the time required will result in the matter being set for an Order to Show Cause re Dismissal, given the mandatory language of Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 3.1385. Any other filing indicating settlement requires the appearance of the Parties at any previously scheduled CMC.

Did you know that most of all civil cases filed in court are resolved without going to trial? Many people use processes other than trial to resolve their disputes. These alternative processes, known as Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR, are typically less formal and adversarial than a trial, and many use a problem-solving approach to help the parties reach an agreement. Because of these potential advantages, it is worth considering using ADR early in a lawsuit, or even before you file a lawsuit.

Here are some potential advantages of using ADR:

• Saves Time and Money: A dispute often can be settled or resolved much sooner with ADR, allowing parties to save money on attorney fees, court costs, and experts’ fees. An ADR fee of $300 to be shared by the Parties is charged by the Court for its Judicial Arbitration and Early Mediation Programs – this fee is not waived in cases involving successful Fee Waiver Applications.
• Increases Control Over the Process and the Outcome: In ADR, parties typically play a greater role in shaping both the process and its outcome. In ADR, parties have the opportunity to tell their side of the story just as they do at trial. Some ADR processes, such as mediation, allow the parties to fashion creative resolutions that may not be available in a trial. Other ADR processes, such as arbitration, allow the parties to choose a qualified person or expert in a particular field to decide the dispute.
• Preserves Ongoing Relationships: ADR can be a less adversarial way to resolve a dispute. For example, an experienced mediator can help the parties effectively communicate their needs and point of view to the other side. This can be an important advantage where the parties have a relationship to preserve. For example, in cases involving business partners, family members, or customer-vendor relationships.
• Increases Satisfaction: In a trial, there is typically a winner and a loser. ADR can help the parties find win-win solutions and achieve their respective goals. This, along with other potential advantages of ADR, may increase the parties’ overall satisfaction with both the dispute resolution process and the outcome.
• Fosters Attorney-Client Relationships: Parties and Attorneys may also benefit from ADR by exploring their roles as problem-solvers and counselors rather than merely acting as adversaries. Quick, cost-effective, and satisfying resolutions are likely to produce happier parties and stronger relationships with their attorneys.

The most commonly used ADR processes are Mediation, Arbitration, Neutral Case Evaluation, and Settlement Conferences.

Private Mediation

In mediation, an impartial person called a “mediator” helps the parties try to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute. The mediator does not decide the dispute but remains helps the parties communicate so they can settle the dispute themselves. Mediation leaves control of the outcome with the parties.

Cases for Which Mediation May Be Appropriate: Mediation may be particularly useful when parties have a relationship they want to preserve. So when family members, neighbors, or business partners have a dispute, mediation may be the ADR process to use. Mediation is also effective when emotions are getting in the way of resolution. An effective mediator can listen to the parties and help them communicate in an effective and non-confrontational manner.

Private Arbitration

In arbitration, a neutral person called an “arbitrator” hears arguments and evidence from each side and then decides the outcome of the dispute. Arbitration is typically less formal than a trial, and the rules of evidence may be relaxed.

Arbitration may be either “binding” or “non-binding.” Binding arbitration means that the parties waive their right to a trial and agree to accept the arbitrator’s decision as final. Non-binding arbitration means that the parties are free to request a trial if they reject the arbitrator’s decision. Arbitrations may be structured to set maximum and minimum awards, known as “High-Low Arbitrations”. This allows the plaintiff to have a guaranteed minimum recovery and the defendant to rely on a guaranteed absolute maximum exposure, regardless of how the arbitration unfolds.

Cases for Which Arbitration May Be Appropriate: Arbitration is best for cases where the parties want another person to decide the outcome of their dispute for them but would like to avoid the formality, time, and expense of a trial. It may also be appropriate for complex matters where the parties want a decision-maker who has training or experience in the subject matter of the dispute.

Neutral Case Evaluation

In Neutral Case Evaluation, each party gets a chance to present the case to a neutral person called an “evaluator.” The evaluator then gives an opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s evidence and arguments, and about how the dispute could be resolved. Although the evaluator’s opinion is not binding, the [M-ADR1] [Rev. 03/08] MERCED SUPERIOR COURT ADR INFORMATION GUIDE Page 4 of 5 parties typically use it as a basis for trying to negotiate a resolution of the dispute. Even if not successful in resolving the case, Neutral Case Evaluation can lead to the use of other ADR procedures, such as arbitration or mediation, especially when undertaken early in the litigation.

Cases for Which Neutral Case Evaluation May Be Appropriate: Neutral Case Evaluation is appropriate for most cases, and may be most useful in cases that involve technical issues that require special expertise to resolve, or in cases where the only significant issue is the amount of damages.

Settlement Conferences

In Settlement Conferences, the parties and their attorneys meet with the judge or a neutral person called a “settlement officer” to discuss possible settlement of their dispute. The judge or settlement officer does not make a decision in the case but assists the parties in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the case and in negotiating a settlement. Settlement Conferences are appropriate in any case where settlement is an option. Mandatory Settlement Conferences, ordered by the Court, are often held near the date a case is set for trial.

Merced Superior Court provides two forms of ADR programs through its Early Mediation Program (EMP) and its Judicial Arbitration Program, described below.

Merced Superior Court’s Early Mediation Program (EMP)

Civil unlimited cases are generally assigned to the Early Mediation Program.  Merced Superior Court provides parties with an opportunity to mediate cases before extensive fees and costs are spent (see “Private Mediation” below for a description of how Mediation works).  The EMP allows parties the opportunity to obtain the services of a mediator for only a $300 fee, to be shared by the parties.  Because the parties have not generally committed extensive resources and time to a case at this early stage, resolution can be achieved at a lower cost and possibly with more satisfying results. Early Mediation Program Forms are available on the Court's ADR page.  Here’s how the EMP works:

• Civil Unlimited Cases are generally assigned to the Early Mediation Program, unless an opt-out form is filed by any party within 120 days from the filing of the Complaint. Timely service of the Complaint (within 60 days of filing) is essential to comply with the Early Mediation Program requirements.
• The $300 EMP fee must be paid to the Civil Clerk’s Office within 120 days of filing the lawsuit, and the Parties are to schedule Early Mediation before the first CMC (set approximately 150 days from the filing of the Complaint).  Plaintiff is to collect the EMP fee, to be shared equally by the Parties or as the Parties agree, and timely submit the entire amount to the Civil Clerk’s Office.
• Parties then select a Mediator from Merced Superior Court’s ADR Neutral List available on the Court’s website. Parties must notify the ADR Office immediately if a mediator cannot be agreed upon. The ADR Office will then provide the parties with a mediator short list where each party may de-select a mediator and report back to the ADR Coordinator within 5 days.
• In preparation for the Early Mediation, Parties are to draft a Mediation Statement of no more than 5 pages outlining the Party’s position, including agreed to and disputed facts. The Mediation Statement is to be sent to the mediator one (1) week before the Early Mediation (do not file with the Court).
• After the Early Mediation, Parties are to fill out a confidential Mediation Survey and send it to the ADR Office of the Court.

Merced Superior Court’s Judicial Arbitration Program

Merced Superior Court provides parties with an opportunity to arbitrate their cases for a $300 fee before extensive fees and costs are spent. This program is generally ordered in cases where the amount in controversy is equal to or less than $50,000. The Parties may agree to waive this cap and allow the possibility of a larger award. The Parties may also agree to make the Arbitration Award binding, thereby eliminating the need of further litigation. Otherwise, after Judicial Arbitration, the Parties receive an Award that they may accept or reject.

The ADR Information Packet, which is provided to all Plaintiffs initiating a lawsuit, consists of:

• The ADR Information Guide
• The ADR Stipulation Form

The Plaintiff must serve a copy of the ADR Packet on each Defendant with the Complaint. Cross-Complainants must serve a copy of the ADR Packet on all new Cross-Defendants with the Cross-Complaint. The ADR Information Packet is available in the Civil Clerk’s Office or online at the Court's ADR page.

For additional information, please contact the following:

• State Bar of California, (415) 538-2000
• Calif. Dept. of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Info. Center, (800) 952-5210
• Merced Superior Court, ADR Office, (209) 725-4249
• Merced County Bar Association, (209) 722-8129
• California Courts Self Help Information online

LEGEND:
“Areas of Practice” is not meant as a limitation, but rather, to highlight key areas of practice.
“Date Admitted” refers to the date the attorney was admitted to the California Bar.
“Languages Avail.” refers to languages known to the attorney or known to at least one member of the attorney’s generally available staff.
“ADA Facilities” refers to whether the Attorney’s office accommodates disabled patrons.

Alonso, George
Arbitrator

Firm: Alonso Law Firm

Address:
1777 G Street, Suite #9
Merced, CA 95340

Telephone: (209) 384-0359
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury; Criminal; Civil Litigation; Family Law
Date Admitted: 1982
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities

Beaver, Lawrence C.
Arbitrator / Mediator

Firm: Law Office of Lawrence C. Beaver

Address:
1309 “I” Street
Modesto, CA 95354

Telephone: (209) 524-5145
E-Mail: lbc-2@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Trans. Real Estate; Probate Conservatorship; Trust Litigation
Date Admitted: 1978
Languages Avail.: Spanish / Sign
ADA Facilities: Yes

Browning, Corbett J.
Arbitrator

Firm: Robbins, Browning et al.

Address:
700 Loughborough Dr., Suite D
Merced, CA 95348

Telephone: (209) 383-9334
E-Mail: cjb@rbgmlaw.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Civil Litigation; Employment; Construction
Date Admitted: 1989
Languages Avail.:
ADA Facilities: Yes

Brunn, Gerald E.
Arbitrator / Mediator

Firm: Brunn & Flynn, Inc.

Address:
928 12th Street, Suite 200
Modesto, CA 95353

Telephone: (209) 521-2133
E-Mail: gbrunn@brunn-flynn.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Civil Trials; Construction; Employment/ Labor; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death
Date Admitted: 1982
Languages Avail.: English
ADA Facilities: Yes

Castleton, Aaron
Mediator

Firm: Castleton Law Firm

Address:
530 West 21st Street, Suite B
Merced, CA 95340

Telephone: (209) 580-4685
E-Mail: info@castletonlawfirm.com
Website: www.castletonlawfirm.com

Areas of Practice: General Civil
Date Admitted: 2010
Languages Avail.: Spanish, Portuguese
ADA Facilities: Yes

Cook, Russell D.
Mediator

Firm: Law Office of Russell D. Cook

Address:
1233 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 100
Fresno, CA 93711

Telephone: (559) 225-2510
E-Mail: rdcook@rdcooklaw.com
Website: https://rdcooklaw.com

Areas of Practice: Construction; Real Estate; Personal Injury; Professional Malpractice
Date Admitted: 1980
Languages Avail.: English
ADA Facilities: Yes

Franciosa, Joel P.
Arbitrator/ Mediator

Firm: Law Office of Joel P. Franciosa

Address:
1169 Trestle Glen Road
Oakland, CA 94610

Telephone: (510) 272-5103
E-Mail: joel@jpfmediation.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Personal Inj.; Employment; Business; Contract; Construction; Malpractice; Neighbor Disputes
Date Admitted: 1993
Languages Avail.: English
ADA Facilities: No

Galvan, Mark
Mediator

Firm: Central California Mediation

Address:
1917 Fox Glen Drive
Hughson, CA 95326

Telephone: (209) 380-0550
E-Mail: galvan.mark@gmail.com

Areas of Practice: Conflict Resolution; Mediation; Group; Facilitation
Date Admitted: N/A
Languages Avail.: English
ADA Facilities: Yes

Germino, Donald B.
Arbitrator

Firm: Germino, Amaral & Jordan

Address:
303 “I” Street
Los Banos, CA 93635

Telephone: (209) 826-5024
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Business; Probate; Estate Planning; General Litigation
Date Admitted: 1965
Languages Avail.:
ADA Facilities:

Gwin, Jr., Melbourne N.
Arbitrator/Mediator

Firm:

Address:
166 E. Donna Drive
Merced, CA 95340

Telephone: (209) 383-6315
E-Mail: disso2@aol.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Family Law; Personal Injury; Civil Date
Admitted: 1977
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities: Yes

Haden, Robert T.
Arbitrator

Firm: Robert T. Haden

Address:
2241 “N” Street
Merced, CA 95340-3614

Telephone: (209) 723-3247
E-Mail: rhaden@hadenlaw.comcastbiz.net
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Civil; Litigation; Real Estate; Estate Planning; Probate
Date Admitted: 1980
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities: Yes

Hawkins, Matthew K.
Arbitrator / Mediator

Firm: McCormick, Barstow, et al.

Address:
1125 “I” Street, Ste. 1
Modesto, CA 95354

Telephone: (209) 524-1100
E-Mail: mhawkins@mccormickbarstow.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Litigation; Malpractice; Employment; Commercial Personal Injury
Date Admitted: 1987
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities: Yes

Hildreth, Jim W.
Mediator

Firm: Real Estate Mediation Services

Address:
79 N. Washington St.
Sonora, CA 95370

Telephone: (209) 536-1103
E-Mail: jimhildreth@realestatemediation.org
Website: http://www.RealEstateMediation.org

Areas of Practice: Real Estate; Neighbor Disputes; Landlord/Tenant
Date Admitted: N/A
Languages Avail.:
ADA Facilities: Yes

Horowitt, Darryl J.
Arbitrator / Mediator

Firm: Coleman & Horowitt, LLP

Address:
499 W. Shaw Ave., Ste 116
Fresno, CA 93704

Telephone: (559) 248-4820
(800) 891-8362
E-Mail: DHorowitt@ch-law.com
Website: www.ch-law.com

Areas of Practice: Business Litigation; Commerical Lit.; Real Estate Lit.; Construction Lit.; Tort Defense
Date Admitted: 1981
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities: Yes

Johnson, Edward J.
Mediator

Firm: Edward J. Johnson

Address:
5622 Heddon Court
Mariposa, CA 95338

Telephone: (559) 760-7659
E-Mail: edjohnson@sti.net
Website: http://www.mediate.com/EJohnson

Areas of Practice: Land Use; Environmental Boundaries & Assessments; Eminent Domain
Date Admitted: 2004
Languages Avail.:
ADA Facilities: No

Johnson, Thomas A.
Arbitrator

Firm: Thoamas A. Johnson

Address:
14019 Stanton Circle
Sonora, CA 95370

Telephone: (209) 588-2515
E-Mail: johnsont@yosemite.edu
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Civil Lit.; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Uninsured Motorist; Medical Malpractice; Employment
Date Admitted: 1985
Languages Avail.: English
ADA Facilities: Yes

Lally, J. Robert
Arbitrator

Firm:

Address:
P.O. Box 311
Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245

Telephone: (209) 257-4480
E-Mail: lallylaw@lallylawgroup.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury
Date Admitted: 1985
Languages Avail.:
ADA Facilities:

Lawrence, Cyril
Arbitrator

Firm: Cyril Lawrence Inc.

Address:
2111 “K” Street
Merced, CA 95340

Telephone: (209) 383-6854
E-Mail: lawoffice@cyrillawrence.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Business; Real Estate; Taxation; Estate Planning
Date Admitted: 1972
Languages Avail.: French / German
ADA Facilities: Yes

Little, Kevin G.
Mediator

Firm: Law Office of Kevin G. Little

Address:
1225 E. Divisadero Street
Fresno, CA 93721

Telephone: (559) 342-5800
E-Mail: kevin@kevinlittle.com
Website: www.kevinlittle.com

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury; Employment; Medical Malpractice; Business Litigation; Civil Rights
Date Admitted: 1990
Languages Avail.:
ADA Facilities:

Mattos Jr., Weldon J.
Arbitrator / Mediator

Firm: Law Office of Weldon J. Mattos

Address:
P.O. Box 530
Snelling, CA 95369

Telephone: (209) 761-3001
E-Mail: wjm@mattoslawoffice.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury; General Business Litigation
Date Admitted: 1973
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities: Yes

Morse, Brian D.
Arbitrator

Firm: Morse, Morse & Morse

Address:
760 W. 20th Street
Merced, CA 95340

Telephone: (209) 383-0132
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Civil Litigation; Business Litigation; Personal Injury
Date Admitted: 1977
Languages Avail.: English
ADA Facilities: No

Stewart, Adam J.
Arbitrator

Firm: Moorad, Clark & Stewart

Address:
1420 “F” Street, Floor 2
Modesto, CA 95354

Telephone: (209) 526-0522
E-Mail: adam@mooradclarkstewart.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury; Business Workers Comp.; Estate
Date Admitted: 1993
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities: Yes

Swanson, Mark
Arbitrator

Firm: Law Office of Mark W. Swanson

Address:
2618 “J” Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

Telephone: (916) 448-8871
E-Mail: mwswanson@aol.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury
Date Admitted: 1985
Languages Avail.:
ADA Facilities:

Walker, David B.
Arbitrator / Mediator

Firm: Damrell, Nelson, et al.

Address:
1601 “I” St., 5th Floor
Modesto, CA 95354

Telephone: (209) 526-3500
E-Mail: dwalker@damrell.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Litigation; Personal Injury; Business Torts; Employment Law
Date Admitted: 1979
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities: Yes

Wallace, Rickey D.
Arbitrator / Mediator

Firm: Canelo, Wallace, Padron & Mackie

Address:
548 W. 21st Street
Merced, CA 95344-0165

Telephone: (209) 383-0720
E-Mail: rickey_wallace@hotmail.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: Personal Injury; Business Litigation; Mediation (Private)
Date Admitted: 1977
Languages Avail.: Spanish
ADA Facilities: Yes

Whitehurst, Al.
Arbitrator

Firm: Linneman Law, LLP

Address:
654 “K” Street
Los Banos, CA 93635

Telephone: (209) 826-4911
E-Mail: alwhitehurst@linnemanlaw.com
Website: www.mercedlawyer.com

Areas of Practice: General Civil; Personal Injury; Trans. Practice
Date Admitted: 1984
Languages Avail.: English
ADA Facilities: Ye