Steve Rottman is a commercial mediator serving California and Colorado, online and in person. An honors graduate of Harvard Law School and a summa cum laude graduate of Duke University, he spent 20 years as a trial lawyer before committing full time to mediation in 1999 and has conducted more than 3,000 mediations since.

Steve focuses on complex commercial and business disputes, including contract, partnership, employment, and related civil matters. He is known for resolving cases counsel believed would never settle, often because of difficult procedural posture or entrenched positions.

• Named one of the Top 50 Neutrals in California by the Los Angeles Daily Journal
• Repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, as both a trial lawyer and a mediator
• Distinguished Fellow, International Academy of Mediators
• Member, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
• Elected Fellow, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for professional excellence and ethical standards
• Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, where he teaches Advanced Mediation
• Licensed as an attorney in California and Colorado

Candid and direct. Steve explores every avenue of resolution with honesty, remains impartial, and maintains strict confidentiality and respect for counsel and their clients. Expect a frank discussion of the merits, an open assessment of the risks and rewards of continued litigation, and creative solutions that parties often did not anticipate.

If all parties have agreed to mediate, call 310-751-0114 or email mediate@steverottman.com with preferred dates and locations. If one or more parties have not yet agreed, Steve’s office is happy to assist in obtaining their agreement to mediate.

Steve’s calendar fills well in advance, and there may be a wait for a mediation date. Parties are encouraged to inquire as early as possible once a mediation is contemplated, even before all details are settled.

Both. Steve conducts mediations by video conference and in person. He is based in Crested Butte, Colorado, and serves parties throughout California and Colorado, with in-person sessions arranged in locations convenient to the parties.

Steve is licensed as an attorney in California and Colorado. His mediation practice serves parties in both states, and virtual sessions make him available regardless of where counsel and parties are located.

Steve invites counsel and parties to think carefully not only about the merits of the case but about what will make resolution most likely on the day. That includes anything that needs to happen beforehand to be fully prepared, potential impediments to settlement, any additional disputes between the parties, confirming that all necessary decision-makers will attend, the status of insurance coverage and carrier participation, and the logistics of the session.

Yes. Mediation briefs are critical and are studied carefully. Briefs should be received at least seven days before the mediation and should include a detailed description of the facts and claims, the procedural history, an analysis of each party’s strengths and weaknesses, a detailed account of any prior settlement negotiations, and key exhibits.

Sessions typically begin in separate rooms, with Steve meeting privately with each side. If the parties agree, he may hold one or more joint sessions, with everyone committed to civility and respect. The parties then return to their caucus rooms and Steve engages in “shuttle diplomacy” between them until resolution is reached or every avenue has been explored.

Yes. All participants sign a written confidentiality agreement at the outset. Maintaining a safe, confidential space to discuss the matter is central to Steve’s process and is protected under applicable mediation confidentiality law.

Steve charges a flat daily rate for all mediations. The flat rate includes preparation time and up to ten hours at the mediation itself. The daily rate varies depending on the number of parties, the type of case, and whether travel is required. Rate quotes are available immediately by emailing mediate@steverottman.com. Full terms are on the Fee Schedule page.

Mediation fees must be received upon confirmation in order to hold the date. Fees are refunded in full if the mediation is canceled and written notice is received at least 45 days in advance of the scheduled date.