Evaluate and Resolve Employment Disputes Through Mediation
Schedule
Employment Mediation
Employment Litigation Experience
Trusted by Counsel and Organizations
Neutral, Confidential Mediation
Why Counsel Choose Eric Steinert
The mediation process is designed to complement—not replace—litigation strategy, and in pre-litigation matters, to help parties assess whether formal litigation is necessary at all.
Schedule Mediation for a Pending or Pre-Litigation Case
Professional
Experience & Background
Eric Steinert is a seasoned employment law professional with over 30 years of experience in complex employment litigation across California state and federal courts.
He currently serves as:
- Mediator at Steinert Mediation (2022–present), handling private fee-based mediations and panel mediations for over ten federal and state courts and government agencies.
- Arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association Employment Panel and FINRA (2024–present).
- Former Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP (2000–2025) with statewide employment practice involving single-plaintiff employment litigation, wage-hour class actions, PAGA actions, employment counseling, and traditional labor disputes.
He is a graduate of UC Berkeley School of Law (J.D.) and Rice University (B.A., Economics, cum laude) and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Mediation Before or After a Lawsuit Is Filed
Pre-Litigation Employment Disputes
In many employment matters, a plaintiff has not yet filed a lawsuit but has threatened litigation if settlement discussions fail. Early mediation provides a structured opportunity to evaluate the merits of the claim before legal fees escalate and positions harden.
Pre-litigation mediation allows parties to:
- Assess legal exposure realistically
- Evaluate settlement options before filing
- Avoid the cost and disruption of formal litigation
- Maintain greater control over timing and outcome
Approximately 10–20% of mediations involve pre-litigation disputes, where early intervention can prevent prolonged litigation.
Mediation in Active Employment Litigation
Once a lawsuit has been filed, the stakes increase—legal fees grow, timelines become compressed, deadlines grow closer, positions harden, and outcomes become less predictable.
Mediation allows both sides to pause litigation momentum and evaluate next steps with clarity.
Through a structured mediation process, parties can:
- Analyze legal exposure and settlement possibilities
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in their case
- Evaluate trial risk versus negotiated resolution
- Retain control over outcomes rather than leaving decisions to a judge or jury
Types of Employment Cases Mediated
Mediation is available for a wide range of employment disputes, including pre-litigation and active cases:
- Wrongful termination
- Discrimination and harassment claims
- Retaliation claims
- Wage and hour disputes, including PAGA matters
- Contract and severance issues
- Class, collective and representative actions
Sessions are structured based on the complexity and posture of the matter.
What to Expect From the Mediation Process
Every mediation is tailored to the stage and complexity of the dispute—whether early negotiation or active litigation.
The process typically includes:
- Pre-mediation preparation and review of key issues and evidence
- Candid and confidential private sessions designed to test positions and assumptions
- Risk assessment informed by litigation experience
- A confidential environment focused on resolution
Parties leave mediation with clarity and a deeper understanding of their case—whether that leads to settlement or an improved strategic approach to their case.
Take the Next Step Toward Resolution
Whether you are navigating a threatened employment claim or an active lawsuit, mediation provides a structured opportunity to evaluate outcomes before positions become entrenched.
Mediation Booking and Fees
Select full or half day mediation to see available dates (open dates appear in a blue circle). Click on an open date, then click on the start time, click next, and then fill out a short pop-up form to book that date.
Click an available date (blue), pick a start time, then click Next and fill out the short form.
Fees
Single Plaintiff
Full Day: $8,000
Half Day: $4,000
Class Action/PAGA
Full-Day: $9,500
Half-Day: $4,750
Address:
2888 Loker Avenue E, Suite 110 Carlsbad CA 92010
Steinert Mediation and Steinert Arbitration are business names of Steinert Law Corporation