John Shaffer

 

MEDIATOR, ARBITRATOR, AND CONFLICT COUNSELOR

 

I help people get difficult conflict problems settled and resolved.

 

We all sometimes need conflict help. Whether at work, while negotiating a deal, or when accused or when seeking justice, or simply when wanting to be heard, a second look from helpful support can be important.

 

As individuals we might want advice and guidance to avoid legal pitfalls.

 

As lawyers, we may need help dealing with opposing counsel or evaluating a case. We may need negotiation help to settle a case or a mediator because we have been ordered to mediation by the court.

 

We often can resolve conflict on our own. But sometimes we have no control over the outcome, or we lose our way. It is at that point seasoned and experienced insight might be helpful.

 

I mediate cases, and decide disputes by arbitration.  I also provide individual and corporate conflict analysis, conflict strategies, and  cost efficiency and assessment.

 

I am a mentor mediator.  I analyze and assess risk.  I know the tools of good communication.

 

I help assess options to litigation and ways out of dispute impasse. I know where resources should be used and where money should be spent.  I can help measure risk and return.

 

I offer services on a selected basis.  I will negotiate my fee for services on a sliding scale according to the economic resources of the parties and the complexity of the issues needing resolution.

 

I am available for an intial free phone consultation, or will meet in person without cost in selected cases.

 

Profile and History

 

John C. Shaffer, Jr.

 

Mediation, Arbitration, Litigation Analysis and Conflict Resolution

 

I help individuals, companies and governmental entities solve complex conflict problems. I have over thirty years of mediation, arbitration and litigation experience.  I advise individuals about the dynamics of conflict and the most efficient ways to resolve their disputes.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

John Shaffer

Bellevue, WA  98004

Phone: (425) 633-4434 

Email:

 

FORMAL EDUCATION:

 

Occidental College, California, A.B. (Diplomacy and World Affairs, with Departmental Honors)

Boalt Hall, University of California at Berkeley, J.D.

Pepperdine University School of Law, LL.M (Master of Laws, Dispute Resolution)           

 

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

 

Over thirty years of litigation, mediation, arbitration, and complex conflict problem solving.

 

Peer Review Rated Highest Legal Skills and Ethics, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers for over 35 years.

 

Successful resolution of:

 

• Complex and emotional employment cases, including wrongful termination, whistle blowing, retaliatory firing in gender, age, race, and ethnic based discriminatory practices cases.

 

• Complex insurance coverage disputes, including homeownership, and corporate coverage issues.

 

• Construction cases.

 

• Health and safety litigation involving toxic chemical, bio-agent, fire and emergency response, and occupational and health and safety issues.

 

• Corporate and governmental interactive management disputes over personal relationships, ownership issues, and governing policies and procedures.

 

CURRENT PRACTICE:

 

Mediation and Arbitration Services

Litigation Analysis Settlement Counseling

Personal, Executive and Management Level Conflict Problem Solving

Corporate and Governmental Systems Conflict Assessments

 

 

HONORS AND AWARDS:

 

Employee Mediator of the Year Seattle Federal Executive Board 2014

Washington Mediation Association Commercial/Business, Employment, and Mentor Mediator

Lawyer Peer Ranked “AV” 35 Years (Highest Peer Rating, Martindale Hubbell)

Martindale Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

Certificates of Appreciation Washington State Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, Bellevue City Hall Parent-Teen Mediation Program Certificate of Achievement, Leadership Mid-Peninsula, Alternative Dispute Resolution Neutral, Los Angeles Superior Court

 

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS:

 

Getting to the Heart of Employment Disputes, King County Bar Bulletin September 2006.

Taking Professional Stock with Atticus Finch, King County Bar Bulletin, July 2006.

Fudging the Truth as a Negotiation Tactic, King County Bar Bulletin, December 2006.

Right Is Sometimes Wrong – Right … or Wrong? King County Bar Bulletin, March 2008

Clients Are People, Too, King County Bar Bulletin, April 2008.

Keys to Success in Mediating Your Clients’ Disputes: Understanding the Ethics, Emotions, and Tensions of Fulfilling the Lawyer’s Role, Program Chair, Continuing Legal Education Panel Presentation, King County Bar Association, September 17, 2008.

Where Does Conflict Come from, How Does It Work, and How Should We Respond as Lawyers? Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, King County Bar Association, two-part presentation, February and March, 2009.