All services are charged at the rate of $400 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 (s). Any legal research performed by others at the judge's request will be billed at cost. For services rendered in Los Angeles County, San Bernadino County, Imperial County and beyond, our office will bill counsel for the judge's travel, lodging and meal costs as may be set at time of engagement.

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 (s). 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, a supplemental statement will be mailed to counsel immediately following the session.

The judge encourages counsel to provide a meeting room or rooms for the scheduled session. However, if that is impracticable, we have arranged for conference rooms at various locations throughout San Diego County to conduct mediations, arbitrations and settlement conferences. The cost of a neutral site shall be billed to counsel.

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) calendar 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.² 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 matters to fill the cancelled session. Cancellation of a scheduled session of more than two (2) days duration received less than twenty-eight (28) calendar days before the first scheduled date, will result in a one hundred percent (100%) cancellation charge.

¹Revised August 5, 2008 to become effective September 1, 2008
²This administrative fee is charged whether or not a retainer or deposit has been received. This administrative fee may be waived if the parties reschedule the matter for a later hearing.