Jim Castles

I have 40 years of trial, arbitration and mediation experience.  I have successfully mediated well over 30 disputes as a mediator and well over 100 cases as a litigator.  These mediations have included a wide variety of matters including personal injury claims; employment claims; business disputes; real estate disputes; construction-related disputes including defect claims, cost overrun claims and construction site accidents; etc.  I received my formal training as a mediator in 2014 at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University.  I recently took down my shingle as a practicing lawyer to focus solely on being a mediator to assist people and businesses in resolving their disputes. I have flexibility and availability for scheduling and my fees are quite reasonable.  I strongly prefer to handle mediations in person with all decision-makers in attendance but if this is not possible, mediations can be done virtually.  You have my promise that I will give every mediation my absolute best effort to get the dispute resolved.

Education:

·      Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, 2014

·      J.D., University of San Francisco, 1976

o      Law Review, Topics Editor

o      McAuliffe Honor Society

·      B.A., Political Science/Russian Studies, Colgate University, 1972

Affiliations:

·       Member, American Bar Association

·       Member, California State Bar

 Professional Recognition:

·       Super Lawyers Distinction in Construction (Multiple Years)

References:

  • Randy Wulff:  Wulff, Quinby & Sochynsky

  • Kenneth Gibbs:  JAMS

  • Yarko Sochynsky:  Wulff, Quinby & Sochynsky

  • John Heisse:  Pillsbury Winthrop

  • Donald Person:  JAMS

  • Richard Silver: JAMS

Deborah Castles

I have over 30 years of experience as a practicing attorney and as a mediator.  My legal practice primarily focused on large real estate transactions and land use issues.  I was employed by some of the most prestigious law firms in San Francisco including Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison and Landels, Ripley & Diamond, where I was a partner.  I also mediated for a number of years at Bates Edwards and at J.A.M.S.  While at J.A.M.S., I mediated personal injury cases, employment disputes as well as commercial litigation matters.  I received my formal mediation training at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University.  After relocating to Carmel, I was employed by Lombardo & Associates, Inc. until retiring from the practice of law.  I look forward to working with you and assisting you in resolving your dispute through mediation.

Education:

  •  Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution

  •  J.D. University of San Francisco, 1980

    • Law Review, Articles Editor

  •  B.A. Colgate University (Cum laude), 1973