Susan Feder brings a creative, flexible and effective approach to conflict resolution.
What I Do Whatever it Takes
I tailor my approach to each situation. I listen carefully to find the best path to success. I come well prepared for the case at hand. When necessary, I follow up relentlessly. I engage with the parties, as well as with counsel, to discover any hidden issues fueling the dispute. I am optimistic and keep a positive attitude. I work hard before, during and after the mediation to obtain the best results.
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Representative Cases Getting Results
Personal Injury
BICYCLE ACCIDENT /PREMISES LIABILITY case against PUBLIC ENTITY for alleged defects in storm drain which plaintiff claimed caused bicycle tire to become wedged in storm drain grate. Case settled against public entity and construction company that installed drain and grate. more
PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE
Settled MEDICAL MALPRACTICE/WRONGFUL DEATH case brought by parents against doctor for alleged negligence in OVER PRESCRIBING OPIATES to their 28 -year old son, who died of an apparent overdose. Parents claimed that son’s doctor breached standard of care in failing to appropriately monitor the controlled substances he was prescribing. Plaintiff also argued that physician should be held liable for treble damages under statute directed at drug dealer liability. more
REAL PROPERTY CASES
BREACH OF CONTRACT for HOME REMODEL wherein contractor sued to recover for unpaid amounts, and homeowner counterclaimed for failure to perform under the contract, and for consequential damages. Homeowner also claimed that contractor failed to obtain signed change orders to document claim for additional funds for additional work. more
FAMILY DISPUTES
Settled FAMILY DISPUTE between widower and adult children of late wife centering on home owned by children. Issues involved clams of EVICTION, VIOLATION OF PRIVACY, and EMOTIONAL DISTRESS by widower. more
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
Settled BREACH OF CONTRACT case arising out of PARTNERSHIP DISSOLUTION. Partners had been engaged in the rodeo business, and the dispute involved issues of reimbursement of profits, collection of sponsor fees, and division of rodeo equipment and other assets.
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EMPLOYMENT
Employment, WRONGFUL TERMINATION PRE-LITIGATION CLAIM brought by SAME SEX COUPLE alleging they were both terminated from employment for unlawful reasons. Employer claimed that employees voluntarily terminated, or that, in any event, LEGITIMATE, NON DISCRIMINATORY REASONS existed for the severance from employment. Matter settled before Federal Court action filed. more
News The Latest
Susan Feder Volunteers Her Time for the Community
Susan Feder is volunteering her time to the community through Legal Aid of Marin by mediating Unlawful Detainer hearings at the Marin County Superior Court.
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Susan Feder Joins Panel to Talk About Mapping Toward a Mediation Practice
Susan Feder joins a panel of other experienced neutrals on July 10 for the program “Mapping Toward a Mediation Practice”, giving practical advice and lessons learned about developing an ADR practice.
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Susan Joined Panel of Volunteer Mediators to Work with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
In March 2019, Susan joined a panel of volunteer mediators to work with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) and help resolve claims filed with DFEH for alleged employment and housing violations.
Continue readingTestimonials What People Say
“[Susan] did an amazing job bringing both sides together and getting this difficult matter settled”.
-Defense counsel in PI case.
“Thanks for all the grit, determination and stamina. You’re at the top of our list for mediations and referrals to colleagues.”
-Defense counsel in business dispute involving former partnership.
“Thank you so much for your extraordinary assistance. I have done many hundreds of mediations, but have never encountered anyone with your skill set and dedication. I will recommend you to anybody who will listen!”
-Plaintiff counsel in business dispute involving former partnership.
“Susan, you were fantastic yesterday .. we are spreading your name around to our firm and our friends.. thanks for spending to time to get to know (my client) and his family”
-Plaintiff counsel in personal injury case alleging traumatic brain injury from assault.
"I recently took on a case that had challenges on liability, causation, damages, and client control. The defense knew it. This was not a recipe for success, but I believed in the case, and knew that the right neutral at the right time could help achieve a fair result. Susan Feder was the perfect choice. Her persistence and creativity created the breakthroughs that allowed the case to not just resolve, but to achieve an excellent result for my clients. Maybe even more importantly, Ms. Feder found ways to reassure my clients that they were being truly “heard,” and had a voice in the mediation process. In the end, my clients were able to walk away happy with the result AND happy with me. I look forward to working with Ms. Feder again.”
- Plaintiffs’ counsel in premises liability case
"Susan’s expertise, intelligence, humor and commitment were the key to bringing both sides together in what seemed like an impossible feat. She worked tirelessly to eventually forge a settlement, which was most impressive. Susan was terrific and her tenacious efforts were most admirable; our number one ‘go to’ mediator!"
- Los Angeles area plaintiff’s counsel in medical malpractice case.
"Susan is an extremely effective mediator who obtains highly satisfactory outcomes for embattled litigants. She is intelligent, dedicated, hard-working, and ethical. Susan has superb people skills and works hard to help the parties achieve a settlement. Her optimism helps the parties enjoy the process and feel good about their resolution."
- Bay Area retired supervising judge
"Susan Feder has the admiration and respect of those who know her. Her combination of intelligence, common sense and people skills is exactly what mediation needs."
- Bay Area plaintiff’s personal injury counsel and law school mediation professor.
"Your persistence and grace under pressure were appreciated, and because of your approach we were able to settle this matter right before trial. I am happy to recommend your mediation services in the future!"
- Bay Area plaintiff’s counsel in construction defect and personal injury case
"Susan continued to work with the parties while discovery progressed. She was invested in the process, knew the issues and was committed to achieving a fair result. Susan reached out to the parties at regular intervals despite being told over and over that the case was not going to resolve. Susan ultimately proved us wrong by settling the case via phone two weeks before trial. It was a great result and I would absolutely use her services again."
- Bay Area insurance counsel in product defect subrogation action.
“Thanks for doing a great job, with a really fine result for our plaintiff clients. You have a real talent for listening and great emotional intelligence. I recommend my team of lawyers use you for future cases.”
-SF Plaintiff lawyer in Landlord tenant dispute
“Susan did an excellent job navigating a complicated family dynamic to reach a settlement for my client. She was persistent and impressive in her follow up efforts with both sides. I look forward to mediating with her again soon!”
-Plaintiff counsel in premises liability case
“Thank you, Susan, for a great job on our tenant habitability suit!”
-Plaintiff counsel in landlord tenant case
Contact Get in Touch
I mediate in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Los Angeles.
