Why LDR?
Experience
Rick has been litigating for over thirty (30) years. He’s tried cases in Superior Courts, District Courts, Federal District Courts, and in Mandatory Arbitration (MAR). He’s handled cases on appeal in Superior Court (RALJ), Washington Courts of Appeal, the Washington Supreme Court, and even the Ninth (9th) Circuit. He knows his way around the Courts; and knows what parties can anticipate when they get to court. His goal is to help the parties make their own decisions and avoid court; rather than leaving the decision up to a judge or jury.
Neutral/Ethical/Respected
Rick has spent the better part of his career representing both plaintiffs and defendants; and not just a few years representing one side and then the other. Rather, he has spent decades representing both plaintiffs and defendants concurrently. That’s an important distinction. It means that he truly understands both sides of the equation – and will ‘get’ each party’s position, motivation, needs and desires. It also means that he is in the best position to communicate those issues between the parties in mediation; and efficiently deal with the parties’ presentations in arbitration. This dual experience and neutrality have not been lost on attorneys representing both sides; who have selected Rick as either a mediator, panel arbitrator or MAR arbitrator on literally hundreds of occasions and have consistently supported his recognition as an A-V rated attorney.
Creativity
There are very few cases that shouldn’t settle. Oftentimes, the parties may need more information. Sometimes, not enough information has been shared. And frequently, there are outside forces driving the case of which even the attorneys are unaware. Cases are like fingerprints or snowflakes: none are the same. There are numerous ADR solutions that can be explored and it’s Rick’s job to find the right process to assist the parties to find resolution. As long as the parties are willing to explore solutions, resolution is always accessible and preferable.