Mediating in your own language: Spanish, Russian and French

Negotiating in a second language is a disadvantage

Mediation depends on nuance: the difference between 'I cannot' and 'I would rather not', between a concession and a condition. A party negotiating through a relay interpreter loses that nuance, and often loses confidence along with it. They agree to less than they should, or refuse terms they have misunderstood.

I conduct sessions directly in English, Spanish, Russian or French — no interpreter between the party and the neutral, and no delay while the meaning is passed along.

How the written agreement works

The discussion happens in the parties' language; the final agreement is drafted in English so it is enforceable in United States courts and agencies. Before signing, each term is reviewed aloud in the party's own language so that consent is genuinely informed.

Cross-border matters

Because sessions are held by Zoom, parties and counsel can join from different countries. Scheduling is published in California time with each participant's local equivalent shown, so no one arrives an hour late to their own session.