Laguna Niguel Arbitration & Mediation Lawyers

The Law Offices of Edward S. Wallace is a litigation and estate planning firm located in Laguna Niguel (South Orange County), California providing high quality, cost effective litigation and estate planning services. Practice areas include estate planning, personal injury, wrongful death, automobile and trucking accidents, premises liability and construction industry legal services. Mr. Wallace has successfully prosecuted and defended high value cases and has obtained excellent results to the satisfaction of his clients. Specialties: Estate Planning; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death, Automobile and Trucking Accidents, Premises Liability, Insurance Coverage Disputes, Insurance Defense, Collections and Construction Industry Legal Services.

EXPERTISE IN CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION Mari Frank is an attorney, mediator, Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), author, professor, and radio show host in private practice in California and Florida. She worked in the District Attorney’s Office, practiced insurance defense law, and had a general civil law practice. She has successfully resolved thousands of disputes as a neutral since 1985. Ms. Frank was the founding President of the Orange County Chapter of the Society for Professionals in Dispute Resolution-Orange County, California. She served for three years as founding Chair of the State Bar of California Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee She is a...

Mr. Morrell has more than 40 years of experience as an accident & personal injury attorney. He represents those who have lost loved ones in a fatal accident, and those injured in car, truck & motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit-and-run cases, dog bites, slip & fall accidents, elder abuse and neglect, and claims against public entities and insurance companies. He holds those responsible for transmitting an STD without warning financially accountable.

"I have often seen, in my many years, too many attorneys who have not done their client the justice that they deserve. Too many attorneys take cases in which they...

Luke Carlson always had an interest in business, real estate, and the protection of wealth. During his collegiate career, he realized law was the best way to immerse himself in these verticals. Today, as owner of LS Carlson Law, he and his team of attorneys service clients with their business, real estate, and estate planning needs. By nature, he is a strategist and loves analyzing a situation to determine the best solution to a client’s issue. Carlson understands that the practice of law provides endless opportunities to engage in strategic thinking. Whether it be against an opponent in litigation, which...

I was a Civil Litigation Attorney in Southern California for 37 years. I have transitioned to Appearances/Mediation/Arbitration within the same 5 Counties I practiced Law. Cases that I welcome are in the fields of: Personal Injury, Property Damage, Premises Liability, Construction, Insurance Coverage Disputes, Contracts, and Subrogation.

As a dedicated trial lawyer, Bart Kaspero has the skill and expertise to handle a comprehensive range of regulatory matters. Over the course of his career, Mr. Kaspero has developed strategic solutions and defenses for businesses and individuals facing legal uncertainty. He has been selected for inclusion in the Nation's Top One Percent Lawyers, Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list, named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers, and listed among the Attorneys of Distinction by Orange Coast Magazine. Let his firm review your case in a free consultation today!

Attorney Mubasher has gained extensive knowledge about law, medicine, finance and business. He is also very experienced in dealing with people in high-pressure situations. He can put this experience to work for you. In a consultation, Mr. Mubasher can provide you all the details on the cost of representation, the likelihood of success, and what action to take depending on your appetite for risk. Most importantly, Mr. Mubasher provides genuine care and concern for you, and will stand by you throughout your matter. Mr. Mubasher earned a...

Jason K. Smith is one of the founding shareholders of MK Smith, APC. He has been admitted to practice in state and federal courts of both California and Utah. Mr. Smith focuses his practice in civil litigation and has successfully represented clients in matters involving business litigation, construction litigation, patent litigation, contract disputes, employment issues, false advertising, unfair business practices, personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, education law, and special education law.

Mr. Smith obtained his Bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Utah, graduating Cum Laude in 2008. In 2011, he received his Juris Doctorate degree from the...

Tina has dissolved Gehres Law Group to focus on building a NFP organization, YesHope.org. She is no longer taking clients. Thank you for your patronage.

Jennifer R. Posey was admitted to the California Bar in 1991 graduating Magna Cum Laude and Salutorian from American College of Law with her Juris Doctorate in Law. Ms. Posey was also admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California. Previously a professor of Appellate Advocacy and Evidence, Ms. Posey has been practicing in Family Law litigation, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Support, Dissolution, Property Divisions and related family law matters for over 20 years. As a member of her legal community, Ms. Posey has served on the Orange County Superior Court Panel for Minor's Counsel....

Mr. Conrad is passionate about assisting clients with family law issues that matter most. Admitted to practice in the state of California in 1995, he has literally seen it all. Mr. Conrad’s expertise in family law includes divorce, child support, property division, and parental rights, which makes him a strong and accomplished player in the field of Orange County family law, and one who is fully committed to treating each party with the utmost respect and discretion.

Mr. Conrad understands time is money; therefore, he is committed to protecting both for each of his valued clients. While distinguished legal counsel always...

Trial and Appellate Lawyer with 27 years of experience in handling large loss/high exposure, complex civil claims in insurance defense, insurance subrogation, business, construction, commercial, intellectual property, labor and employment matters, and estate litigation. Before founding Armstrong Law Group in 2021, John Armstrong was a founding partner of Horwitz, Cron & Armstrong, LLP, and was an equity partner with Murtaugh Meyer Nelson & Treglia, LLP (2001-2010). Before that, John was associated with prestigious insurance defense law firms, namely Mower, Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck, LLP (1998-2001) and Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, LLP (1996-1998). John was graduated in the top of his class...

Nearly 30 years of litigation experience in state and federal courts. Specialize in representing small and mid-size businesses in variety of commercial disputes.

I am a family law attorney and mediator. I specialize in assisting couples settle their divorce cases out of court through my consensual dispute resolution processes, mediation and collaborative divorce. I have over twenty years experience working with couples to resolve the issues in their divorce using my flat fee mediation programs. I also work as a collaborative attorney in cases where I collaborate with the couple and other professionals, including Child Specialists, Divorce Coaches, Marriage and Family Therapists and Financial Specialists. My clients save money using a problem solving approach that allows them to...

Mr. Helm, a Phillips ADR neutral, has mediated disputes up to ten figures in securities, class actions, shareholder disputes, corporate transactions, mass torts, professional liability, land use, sexual misconduct, ERISA, and intellectual property. He serves on the PG&E bankruptcy mediator panel and studied mediation at the Straus Institute. Previously, he was on the U.S. District Court, Central District of California ADR panel. A panelist on the American Arbitration Association roster and Institute for Transnational Arbitration advisory board, Mr. Helm has arbitrated business and consumer disputes and advocated in complex arbitrations involving asset management, trade secrets, and international investments. Before Phillips ADR, Mr....

Greetings and Welcome!
My practice has focused on EMPLOYMENT LAW cases in Federal and California Courts for 40+ years. I am a trial attorney, and have handled employment and housing cases involving race, age, gender, and physical disability harassment and discrimination and cases involving sexual harassment and discrimination.
I also handle WAGE AND HOUR matters involving the wrongful theft of wages, including class actions. I have represented both the employee and employer although I predominately represent the employee....

I am passionate about helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve peace of mind by developing and implementing creative cost effective plans tailored for each client. I have been a practicing attorney since May of 2011. Prior to attending law school, I was a family law and estate planning paralegal for approximately 20 years. In that time I acted as a Paralegal for several attorneys. After establishing my own practice, I used all of my skills and knowledge to develop my family law practice. I raised my three children as a single mother while working and attending...

Kevin K. Hull is an experienced securities lawyer who benefits clients with his multifaceted background from multiple positions in the securities industry, regulation and law since 1988. Prior to reentering private practice, Mr. Hull was the CEO of Grubb & Ellis Securities, Inc., a position he held for nearly six years. Responsible for all aspects of the firm, including compliance, accounting, national accounts and sales management, Mr. Hull was successful in managing the structure and operations of the firm to be in line with current regulatory expectations while achieving sales during his tenure of approximately $3.4 billion across multiple product...

Thomas A. Fasel is a California licensed Attorney, a Solicitor (Attorney) in England & Wales and is the founding partner of Fasel Law. Mr. Fasel assists businesses and individuals facilitate cross-border transactions, foreign transactions and domestic transactions relating to international trade and finance as well as helping clients enforce international contracts, collect damages and obtain justice in international litigation. Mr. Fasel graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame, Law School, obtaining his highly specialized Master of Law (LL.M.) degree in International and Comparative Law. Mr. Fasel earned his Juris Doctor Degree from Chapman University...

Eric is a proven problem solver. He represents individuals, businesses, homeowners, landlords, tenants, contractors, brokers, buyers and sellers in mediations, arbitrations and litigation as well as transactions.

Michelle Yoshida, a full-time mediator, arbitrator, and special master since 2007, joined Phillips ADR in 2014. Previously with Judge Daniel Weinstein’s team, she has mediated over 500 disputes with billions in settlements, excelling in complex cases involving securities, insurance, professional liability, ERISA, and trustee issues. Known for quickly grasping legal and factual complexities, she manages large ADR cases with objectivity and determination, finding practical solutions for disputes ranging from personal contracts to major corporate matters. Michelle builds trust and productive relationships with mediation participants. Before becoming a neutral, she was a trial attorney handling complex business litigation, including contracts, insurance, intellectual...

Edwin V. Woodsome, a Phillips ADR neutral, was managing partner of Dechert LLP’s Los Angeles office and head of Global Litigation at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. With over 35 years of trial experience, he has handled consumer fraud, False Claims Act, securities, product liability, trade secrets, employment, antitrust, and intellectual property cases in state and federal courts. He has extensive appellate, mediation, and arbitration experience, including the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California’s mediation panel. Woodsome represented major firms in transportation, banking, technology, aerospace, and entertainment, serving as U.S. national litigation counsel for a global logistics company and...

Chuck Stevens joined Phillips ADR after a 40-year career as a litigation partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, U.S. Attorney, and neutral in ADR matters. At Gibson Dunn’s San Francisco office, he served as managing partner for six years and was recognized by Lawdragon (2023 Leading Global Litigators), Benchmark Litigation (2024 Litigation Star), and Chambers (Band 1, California Litigation). He was named San Francisco’s Lawyer of the Year for Bet-the-Company Litigation (2019) by Best Lawyers. Chuck founded a boutique litigation firm, handling complex civil cases and qui tam matters. As a neutral, he mediated for the Eastern District of California’s Voluntary...

Layn R. Phillips, founder of Phillips ADR Enterprises (PADRE), is a former U.S. Attorney and U.S. District Judge. Appointed at age 35 by President Reagan, he presided over 140+ trials in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas, and sat by designation on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Earlier, Judge Phillips served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, and at age 31, was nominated as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma. After leaving the bench, he spent 23 years at Irell & Manella, focusing on complex civil litigation, internal investigations, and alternative dispute resolution. He later founded PADRE, specializing...

Margaret B. Seymour, a retired U.S. District Judge (District of South Carolina, 1998–2022), was the first African American woman federal judge and chief federal judge in South Carolina. She served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge (1996–1998) before her district court appointment. Over 26 years, Judge Seymour presided over complex securities, contract, class action, commercial, banking, bankruptcy, employment, discrimination, and environmental cases, as well as criminal matters like drug conspiracies, white-collar crime, and Ponzi schemes. She sat by designation on the Fourth Circuit and participated in two three-judge-panel redistricting cases. She served twice on the Judicial Conference Committee on the Administration of...

Elliot Brown, a Phillips ADR neutral, is the former managing partner of Irell & Manella LLP. He spent nearly 30 years in IP litigation, counseling, and licensing at a top IP practice. Elliot graduated cum laude from Harvard College (1985), earning Phi Beta Kappa and a John Harvard Scholar award. He studied philosophy of science at Princeton, receiving an MA (1987) and a Mellon Fellowship, where game theory and Daniel Kahneman’s work on bargaining and cognitive bias shaped his approach to dispute resolution. He earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School (1990), serving as a Harvard Law Review...

Seth Aronson joined Phillips ADR in 2023, mediating disputes up to ten figures in securities, consumer class actions, privacy, false claims, shareholder derivative, antitrust, RMBS fraud, and complex litigation. He serves on the ADR panel for the U.S. District Court, Central District of California. Retiring from O’Melveny & Myers LLP in 2022 after 40 years as a trial and appellate lawyer, Seth was managing partner of O’Melveny’s Los Angeles office and chaired its Securities Litigation practice. Ranked by Chambers USA for 20 years, he was named California Securities Litigation Attorney of the Year twice by Benchmark Litigation, a “Top 100 Lawyer”...

Niki, a Phillips ADR neutral for six years, brings 25 years of experience in complex litigation, claims administration, mediation, arbitration, and special master roles. A protégé of Judge Layn Phillips, she has co-mediated hundreds of cases, applying his innovative practices in mediations she leads and in court-appointed special master roles nationwide. Before Phillips ADR, Niki was Vice President of Client Strategy & Development at a national class action claims administrator. For nearly 15 years, she litigated securities fraud and complex commercial cases at a national class action law firm, securing court-approved settlements in high-profile matters. She also represented defendants in insurance...

Clay joined Judge Phillips’ ADR practice in 2011. He graduated cum laude from Pepperdine University (B.A., History, 2006) and earned his J.D. from Fordham Law School (2011). He is admitted to the New York and California State Bars. Clay began mediating small claims in Bronx County Civil Court during law school. With over a decade at Phillips ADR, he now mediates complex disputes involving major companies in areas like antitrust, class actions, intellectual property, environmental, mass tort, insurance, securities, and contract disputes. He has worked on over 500 mediations, assisting Judge Phillips before, during, and after sessions, and directly engaging parties...

Andra Greene, a Phillips ADR neutral, has mediated OR COMEDIATED disputes from seven to 11 figures in NUMEROUS AREAS INCLUDING mass torts, class actions, EMPLOYMENT, securities, sexual misconduct, insurance, and intellectual property. She spent 35 years at Irell & Manella LLP, leading the Class Action Defense practice and serving as managing partner of the Newport Beach office and on the Executive Committee. A seasoned trial lawyer, Andra handled complex litigation in class actions, professional liability, employment, business torts, securities, and intellectual property in state and federal courts. She often represented lawyers and law firms. Recognized as a “Top Woman Lawyer in...

Gregory P. Lindstrom, a Phillips ADR neutral since 2014, brings extensive litigation and business experience from his roles as a Latham & Watkins litigation partner and General Counsel of The Irvine Company. A full-time mediator and arbitrator since 2012, he specializes in complex disputes, including antitrust, securities, intellectual property, and commercial matters. Born in California, Greg graduated summa cum laude from UCLA (Economics, 1975) and earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School (1978), working with Professor Richard Posner. At Latham & Watkins (1978–2008), he became a partner in 1986, managed the San Francisco office, and served on the...

Bill Ohlemeyer brings 40 years of experience to Phillips ADR, representing plaintiffs, defendants, and working at Altria Group. He has litigated, arbitrated, mediated, and tried cases in state and federal courts, advising on legal and regulatory challenges. A Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Bill graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri Law School and clerked for Chief Judge Scott O. Wright. He joined Shook, Hardy & Bacon, becoming partner in 1991, then served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Altria (1999–2008), managing litigation for Philip Morris...

Barry R. Ostrager, a retired New York State Supreme Court Justice (Commercial Division, 2015–2023), presided over numerous trials and resolved hundreds of commercial cases. Before his judicial role, he was a litigation partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, leading its 300+ attorney Litigation Department and serving on the management committee. As lead trial counsel, Ostrager handled high-profile securities, antitrust, and insurance cases, including Swiss Re’s World Trade Center dispute and Travelers’ environmental coverage case against Shell Oil, both resulting in jury verdicts. He tried five cases involving $1 billion+ disputes and led major arbitrations, such as Andersen Consulting’s $14 billion...

Danielle Menitove is an independent arbitrator and mediator specializing in commercial and sports-related disputes, including antitrust, employment, intellectual property, gambling, anti-doping, and player-agent issues. Danielle serves as an arbitrator on the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, and on the American Arbitration Association’s commercial, consumer, and national sports panels. Before starting her ADR practice, Danielle was a litigator at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York for over ten years, handling complex litigation in federal and state courts, government investigations, and advisory matters. Her cases involved antitrust, contract breaches, fiduciary duty, and unfair competition. ...

Caroline brings extensive mediation and problem-solving expertise to Phillips ADR, drawing from her roles as General Counsel at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Principal Deputy White House Counsel. Known for her communication, judgment, and legal acumen, she excels in advising Boards and senior leaders on dispute resolution. At PwC, Caroline managed all legal, regulatory, compliance, and governance matters, handling lawsuits and regulatory issues with potential damages in the billions. She led settlement negotiations and mediations with opposing counsel, clients, and regulators like the SEC and FDIC, while resolving internal conflicts within PwC’s global network. As Principal Deputy White House Counsel under President Obama, she...

Sean Coffey, a Phillips ADR neutral, served as the 24th General Counsel of the Navy (2022–2025), leading over 1,100 attorneys worldwide. Previously a renowned trial lawyer, he handled plaintiff and defense cases in securities, class actions, and complex litigation. At Latham & Watkins, he secured a directed verdict in a bet-the-company case. At Bernstein Litowitz, he led the $6.2 billion WorldCom Securities Litigation recovery. As Chair of Complex Litigation at Kramer Levin, he advised corporate clients. As Navy General Counsel, Sean founded the Taxpayer Advocacy Project and led the exoneration of 256 African American Sailors from the 1944 Port Chicago courts-martial,...

Ann Cook brings a business-focused approach to Phillips ADR, leveraging a decade at Ernst & Young LLP, including two years as General Counsel. Experienced as both plaintiff and defendant, she understands dispute dynamics and has litigated, arbitrated, and mediated cases in accounting, securities, contracts, and employment. A creative problem solver, Ann advised on complex corporate initiatives, balancing risk and business goals, earning recognition as a tenacious leader. At EY, Ann managed legal strategy for a $20B firm with 50,000 employees, overseeing litigation and regulatory matters during high regulatory activity. She advised on public disclosure and bankruptcy issues for over 1,000 public...

Kimberly Huebner serves as the Insurance Liaison for Phillips ADR, specializing in Directors’ and Officers’ Management Liability and Employment Practices Liability Insurance for companies and public entities. She facilitates communication between insurance carriers and Phillips ADR, reporting to panelists and coordinating further interactions. Before joining Phillips ADR, Kimberly was Vice President of Technical Claims for D&O Claims at AIG Claims, Inc. She tracked litigation trends, analyzed potential exposures, and reported divisional loads. Kimberly evaluated complex claims for strategic resolution and trained colleagues on claims handling, coverage evaluation, and negotiation. Kimberly earned a B.S. in Psychology from Roanoke College and a J.D. from...