Patrick O’Brien started practicing law at a major California law firm in 1993. At the time most cases settled with a few phone calls or in person after a deposition.

He has had a front row seat to the development of the many new varied advanced methods of conflict resolution. At the forefront of these has been mediation.

Mr. O’Brien has participated in hundreds of mediations through the years, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. While the cost of mediation has risen dramatically, Mr. O’Brien believes that mediation should still be a cost effective alternative to litigation. Further, your mediation fee should secure you a highly motivated neutral who will devote the time, effort and energy needed to get your case resolved.

In addition to his extensive experience as a participant in mediation, Mr. O’Brien has also obtained his LLM from Pepperdine University Strauss Institute in Dispute Resolution. This provided an academic and scientific background to Mr. O’Brien’s experience.

Mr. O’Brien has specific expertise representing both parties in tort litigation, construction litigation, probate litigation, business disputes and many other types of problems.

Contact Mr. O’Brien to discuss whether his background lends itself to solving your problem.

Patrick O’Brien started practicing law at a major California law firm in 1993. At the time most cases settled with a few phone calls or in person after a deposition.

He has had a front row seat to the development of the many new varied advanced methods of conflict resolution. At the forefront of these has been mediation.

Mr. O’Brien has participated in hundreds of mediations through the years, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. While the cost of mediation has risen dramatically, Mr. O’Brien believes that mediation should still be a cost effective alternative to litigation. Further, your mediation fee should secure you a highly motivated neutral who will devote the time, effort and energy needed to get your case resolved.

In addition to his extensive experience as a participant in mediation, Mr. O’Brien has also obtained his LLM from Pepperdine University Strauss Institute in Dispute Resolution. This provided added an academic and scientific background to Mr. O’Brien’s experience.

Mr. O’Brien has specific expertise representing both parties in tort litigation, construction litigation, probate litigation, business disputes and many other types of problems.

Contact Mr. O’Brien to discuss whether his background lends itself to solving your problem.

Effective conflict management typically involves several key steps:

1. Identification: Recognizing that a conflict exists and understanding the nature and causes of the disagreement.
2. Communication: Encouraging open and honest communication between parties involved in the conflict. Active listening and expressing viewpoints respectfully are essential in this step.
3. Understanding: Empathizing with the perspectives and concerns of all parties involved. This helps in finding common ground and fostering a sense of mutual respect.
4. Negotiation: Collaboratively exploring possible solutions and compromises that address the needs and interests of all parties. This may involve brainstorming, problem-solving, and exploring different alternatives.
5. Agreement: Reaching a consensus on the resolution of the conflict and formalizing the agreement through written or verbal means. Clear agreements help prevent future misunderstandings.
6. Implementation: Putting the agreed-upon solutions into action and monitoring progress to ensure that the resolution is being effectively implemented.
7. Follow-up: Conducting follow-up assessments to evaluate the success of the conflict resolution process and address any remaining issues or concerns.

Overall, effective conflict management requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to collaborate towards finding mutually beneficial solutions. By addressing conflicts constructively, individuals and organizations can foster positive relationships, enhance teamwork, and promote a conducive work or social environment.