All services are charged at the rate of $350 per hour. This rate is charged for review of briefs, necessary preparation for the mediation, hearing or conference, and the writing of any documents or opinions emanating from the session. Any legal research performed by others at the judge's request will be billed at cost.

Fees are payable in advance on a pro-rata basis. After counsel and their clients agree to retain the judge for his services, a confirmation letter and invoice will be sent to counsel. The amount of the advance fee will be the hourly rate times the estimated number of hours contemplated for the session. If the time estimated is more than the time utilized, a refund will be mailed immediately following the session. If the time expended for the matter exceeds the estimated time, and additional statement will be mailed counsel immediately following the session.

The judge has arranged for conference rooms at various locations throughout San Diego County to conduct mediations, arbitrations and settlement conferences. The judge encourages counsel to provide a meeting room or rooms for the scheduled session; however, if that is impracticable, the judge will normally absorb the cost of a neutral meeting room. In the event the nature of the hearing demands an extraordinary room rental, counsel will be appraised in advance and asked to remit the anticipated cost.

All fees and costs are the responsibility of counsel for the parties. Except for parties appearing in propria persona, no billings will be sent to clients, insurance companies, or third parties.

All retainers will be refunded when notice of cancellation of a mediation session is received at least fifteen (15) days, and an arbitration at least twenty-one (21) calendar days before the scheduled date, less the retention of $250 for a mediation and $400 for an arbitration as an administrative fee. Cancellation of a scheduled session with less than the required notice stated above will result in a fifty percent (50%) cancellation charge unless the judge is able to reschedule other matter to fill the cancelled session.