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The Mediation Center of Los Angeles (MCLA) will officially expand its offerings to include probate mediation services as part of the Los Angeles Superior Court (LASC) Alternative Dispute Resolution Referral Program beginning this June.
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The addition of probate mediation comes at a critical time, as LASC continues to address a substantial backlog of civil cases, some of which have been pending for years. Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II, who assumed leadership of the court in January 2025, has prioritized efforts to reduce delays and increase accessibility to justice across Los Angeles County. In a recent statement, Judge Tapia emphasized the value of court-connected mediation services:
“Judge Tapia commented that about 98% of civil cases ultimately settle. ‘A real trial date settles cases – everybody knows that. A real trial date in conjunction with meaningful ADR can focus the parties on their, and our, ultimate goal – the conclusion of the case.’
‘We maintain a civil mediation resource list and operate a mediation volunteer panel, and have established ADR programs with the Mediation Center of Los Angeles and Resolve Law LA,’ Judge Tapia said. |
Judge Tapia summed up, ‘We are excited for the future of our Civil Division.’ “(2025 Feb, Advocate Magazine)
MCLA’s new Probate Mediation Program is overseen by MCLA President, Myer Sankary, a respected leader in the mediation field with decades of experience in probate and elder law.
The program is supported by a panel of highly experienced mediators, each with deep expertise in probate law and conflict resolution, including: James K. Cameron, a veteran attorney and mediator, Phillip Barbaro, an accomplished mediator known for resolving trust and conservatorship disputes, Jeff Bases, a professional mediator with over 20 years of experience, and John P. Glowacki, a seasoned mediator with extensive experience with complex disputes.
MCLA’s full range of services spanning civil, personal injury, real estate, and now probate matters continues to support the court’s broader vision of equitable, community-based dispute resolution.
Our new initiative allows individuals and organizations to directly sponsor mediation services for clients in financial need.
Every day, families, tenants, employees, and individuals face serious legal conflicts but many can’t afford the cost of mediation to resolve them. Your support ensures that no one is denied resolution simply because they can’t pay. With your help, we can provide timely, affordable, and compassionate mediation to those who need it most.
Funds go directly toward covering mediation fees for low-income clients. Donations are securely processed through LawPay.
All contributions are 100% tax-deductible.
🌟 Donors who contribute $900 or more will be honored as Community Access Supporters on our website recognized for their commitment to justice and equity.
Drawing from decades of experience and the insights featured in his book Breaking Impasse, David shared practical tools and real-world strategies for navigating deadlock with empathy, creativity, and skill.
David A. Hoffman is the John H. Watson, Jr. Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, where he teaches Mediation, Diversity and Dispute Resolution, and Collaborative Law. He is also a mediator, arbitrator, and founding member of Boston Law Collaborative, LLC, with over 2,000 cases mediated since 1991.
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