A. Maria Plumtree
Plumtree & Tran, LLP
3692 Katella Ave., Suite B
Los Alamitos, California 90720

Jeffrey L. Cohen
Pavone & Cohen
16055 Ventura Blvd, Suite 1130
Encino, California 91436

"I handle employment discrimination cases and work all over the country.  Lynne is the best mediator I've ever run into.  She has a unique approach -- putting parties at ease while all the time driving the process through to a successful conclusion.  She has a unique gift that allows her to be successful."  

“Lynne is a true professional in the mediation field. She not only understood what it took for the parties to the litigation to get to the point where meaningful mediation can be achieved, but also what it took to get the attorneys to the point where meaningful mediation can be achieved. Personable, Expert, High Integrity.  We whole heartedly recommend her services and would seek her assistance in the future.”

David Smith Bates

Law Offices of David Smith Bates
1721 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Manhattan Beach CA 90266

"Lynne did an excellent job in reducing the sights of the client -- it was done very effectively and the mediation money was well spent."

Joel Krischer,

Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street
Suite 4000
Los Angeles CA 90071-2007

"We used Lynne in an early/pre-discovery mediation to try to help both sides evaluate their views of an employment discrimination case and make a decision about devoting resources to litigating.  She is bright, a quick study and has excellent people skills.  What I particularly like was that, more so than many mediators, she is willing to candid and direct about her views of the merits of the case; if a claim has no merit or an argument is unpersuasive, she is willing to say so to both parties.  I would gladly use her on my next case."

Sidney L. Gold
Law Offices of Sidney L. Gold & Associates
1835 Market Street, Suite 515
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Eric A Schneider
Anderson, McPharlin & Conners, LLP
444 South Flower St, 31st Fl
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Mark L. Russakow
Russakow Ryan Johnson
225 South Lake Avenue, 10 fl.
Pasadena, CA 91101

"Lynne was amazing . . . she was focused on getting the job done, and she did.  Very result oriented."

Warren P. Beck
Law Office of Warren P. Beck
1010 2nd Avenue #1107
San Diego, CA 92101
 

"I met Lynne through the mediation program of the California Fair Employment and Housing.  At the time I was representing an employee of a large corporation with a Family Medical Leave Claim. Lynne hit the ground running following  pre-mediation consulations with counsel and was extremely focused on the real issues of which she was able to surgically carve out each party's position.  Needless to say, the case settled to everyone's satisfaction.  I would retain Lynne again in a New York minute."

Marcus M. McDaniel
Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071




current firm:
Ogletree Deakins
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071

"I found Ms. Bassis to be very professional, knowledgable of the applicable law and practical-minded.  My clients found her objective and credible.  With respect to caucuses with plaintiff's counsel, she showed herself to be adept at keeping a dialogue going and was successful in guiding us through the bumps that oftentimes arise in the final stages of settlement and drafting.  Employment cases are usually driven by strong emotions on both sides of the table.  A successful mediator must be able to maintain credibility and rapport on both sides of the table.  Ms. Bassis' abilities as a seasoned employment mediator were evident.  We were fortunate to have had Ms. Bassis mediate the case."  

Linda S. Klibanow
Law Offices of Linda Klibanow
225 S Lake Ave., Suite 300
Pasadena, CA 91101

"Ms. Bassis' ability to instill in clients the conviction that she understands and supports their concerns creates the framework for creative dispute resolution.  Her persistent equanimity, unflagging efforts and follow-through to close the deal distinguish her as a true professional in a field also populated by amateurs."

David Nye
Nye Peabody & Stirling
33 West Mission Street, Ste 201
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 

"I had the pleasure of working with Lynne Bassis on a difficult gender bias and discrimination case involving a major police department.  Having handled other discrimination cases against law enforcement agencies, I was not optimistic about the possibility of reaching an accord.  Lynne, however, came fully prepared and determined to explore all possibilities and was able, after much effort, to assist us in fashioning an innovative means of fully resolving the case to everyone's satisfaction.  She interacted extremely well with my clients and demonstrated excellent mediation skills. She was strong but compassionate, direct but diplomatic, and managed to keep the parties and attorneys fully engaged - even when it appeared we were destined to fail.  I would highly recommend her to anyone thinking of mediating an employment related case."

Robert L. Toms, Jr.
Gibson Rivera & Toms
55 South Lake Avenue, Ste 550
Pasadena, CA 91101

"Lynne mediated  a breach of merchantability case.  She sized up the situation appropriately and managed a joint session with all counsel and clients participating.  This was an excellent strategy in that it moved the case forward and cut through what otherwise would have been a lot of expensive discovery.   In this particular case the approach she used and the flexibility she demonstrated was exactly what was needed, which led to a settlement."

Julie M. DeRose
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith
221 North Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

"Lynne’s professionalism & doggedness were very instrumental in getting us to reach agreement."

Andrew Friedman
Helmer & Friedman
723 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
 

"I have been mediating employment cases for nearly 14 years.  I was receptive to trying mediation in this case, but was not optimistic that it could be settled.  To my surprise and delight, under the guidance and with the perseverance of Ms. Bassis, the case resolved.  I found Ms. Bassis to be tenacious and skilled in her handling of the very sensitive issues in what was potentially a very explosive case.  The quality of her services was on a par with the most experienced mediators in southern California.  Indeed, Ms. Bassis 'hung in there' until midnight (the mediation started at 10:00 a.m.) - long past the time that counsel for either party felt resolution was possible - and resolved the matter."

William M. Betley
Morris, Polich & Purdy
500 N. State College Blvd.,
Orange, CA 92868


current firm:
Atkinson, Andleson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
3612 Mission Inn Ave., Upper Level
Riverside, CA 90521

"Ms. Bassis has the ability to handle difficult cases enmeshed in thorny legal issues with excitable personalities.  With her calm demeanor and methodical disposition, she moved the parties to settlement.  I was impressed with her knowledge of the law, with the fact that she took the time to actually read and analyze the written materials provided her, that she contacted the parties in advance of the mediation to set the stage for a successful outcome and that in the end, she delivered."   

Duane Bartsch
317 Rosecrans Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266  

"Lynne's greatest gift as a mediator may be her calming presence and ability to get the two sides talking and to keep them talking."     

Craig G. Staub
Littler Mendelson
2049 Century Park East, 5th fl.
Los Angeles, CA 90067

"Lynne has calm demeanor, soothing personality and a tireless devotion to conflict resolution.  Throughout the mediation, she focused the parties on the key issues of fact and law that would have the most significant impact on the outcome of the case.  As a result of her sustained and skillful efforts, we were able to resolve a challenging case for which my client was very appreciative."

Debora Vierra
594 Poli Street
Ventura, CA 93001

"This was a pre-litigation age/disability discrimination mediation.  Lynne was very well-prepared, skilled and knowledgeable about the applicable law.   As past director of the Disability Mediation Center at Loyola, it was evident that she knows her stuff.  She interviewed both counsel before the mediation to get an understanding as to why the prior mediation failed.  She started with a joint session using summarizing and listening techniques that worked very well for both sides. She then zeroed in on the essence of the case, saving tons of time trying to explain the nuances of disability law. At one point it became apparent that the case might not settle for the money we were seeking. She was a fighter, conscientious and made it work. Lynne was respectful of both my client and the company VP.  The case was resolved and my client walked away feeling like he had his day in court. Lynne is extremely smart, personable and just a nice person, too. I think she would be excellent for almost any kind of case."

Brian A. Cardoza, Senior Attorney
Southern California Edison
2244 Walnut Grove Ave.
Rosemead, CA 91770

"Ms. Bassis came well prepared to mediate a difficult case involving parties who had become firmly entrenched in their positions.  She had the ability to grasp complicated legal issues and diplomatically work the parties toward resolution.  Her efforts helped secure a favorable outcome for my client."      

Eve H. Wagner
Sauer & Wagner
1801 Century Park East
Los Angeles, CA 90067

"Words that describe Lynne as a mediator are 'hard working,' 'tenacious,' and 'knowledgeable.'  With her knowledge of the law, which she applied in a well-reasoned and persuasive manner, and her very practical approach to the case, the case resolved.  I will definitely use Ms. Bassis in another case."

Paul W. Wong
Milam & Larsen
234 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101

"Lynne helped both opposing counsel and me, not only in exploring the issues, but also in determining the strengths and weakness of each of our cases.   She put me in direct contact with the company VP, which was instrumental in reaching agreement.  Lynne did what I needed her to do insofar as getting a dialogue going which led to settlement after the mediation."

Laura V. Farber
Hahn & Hahn
301 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101

"Lynne Bassis was great and a pleasure to work with, listening to both sides and coming up with creative approaches to resolving the conflict.  We will use Lynne again."

Lester L. Jones
Williams, Yasinski & Jones
555 W. Fifth St., Suite 3100
Los Angeles, CA 90067

"Through Lynne's sustained effort, keen insight and creativity, we were able to resolve a multi-plaintiff politically charged sexual harassment matter for which my client was very grateful."    

Carol Gillam
Gillam Law Firm
12400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500
Los Angeles, CA 90025

"Lynne has tackled two of the more complex matters I have handled and has done an admirable job.  I would choose her for the seemingly intractable dispute where complex personality issues are significantly impending a resolution.  Her legal acumen is a given.  It is in the rest of the conversation that she is remarkable."    

Dan Hogue
Hogue & Langhammer
180 S. Lake Ave Pasadena, CA 91101 

"Very good job of gently but firmly pushing both sides to compromise."

Debra L. Fischer
Bingham, McCutchen LLP
355 S. Grand Ave., Suite 4400
Los Angeles, CA 90071

"Lynne was very well prepared for the mediation and had a good handle on the issues.  The dynamics of each mediation are different and this one required Lynne to sustain the participants' interest in keeping the process going.  She was successful in doing so and we settled the case.  I would recommend Lynne to my colleagues and to opposing counsel."

Toni J. Jaramilla
Law Offices of
Toni J. Jaramilla
10100 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90067

"Ms. Bassis is a mediator whom I met in connection with a national origin discrimination case which she mediated under the auspices of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing's Mediation Program.  She has also successfully mediated a sexual harassment case for me, demonstrating impressive insight and empathy.  From my experience, I understand why Lynne was one of a handful of mediators who were selected from hundreds of applications to launch the DFEH mediation program.  Ms. Bassis was tenacious with all the parties which led to a successful resolution of very emotional issues." 

Steven M. Schneider
Mitchell, Silverberg & Knupp
11377 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

"Lynne is an excellent mediator ---knowledgeable,  unflappable, professional, always calm and persistent.  She listens well to both sides, and is devoted to the settlement process in an ego-free manner.  Unlike some mediators who take it as almost a personal affront if the matter doesn't settle, Lynne does not forget that is the parties' dispute and it will be the parties' own settlement if she can encourage them both to get there." 

Joel Krischer
Latham & Watkins
633 West 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Charles W. Funero II
Law Offices of Charles Funero
200 E. Del Mar #350
Pasadena, CA 91105      

"Ms. Bassis demonstrated exceptional resilience and ingenuity in a very difficult mediation, bringing together two very hostile parties."  

Robert Brennan
Law Offices of Robert F. Brennan
3150 Montrose Avenue
La Cresenta, CA 91214  

"Lynne Bassis is a well trained, effective mediator who rolled up her sleeves and tried diligently to settle the case.  She demonstrated diligence and professionalism throughout.  Although the case did not settle, she did as much as anyone (short of a major deity or Tony Robbins) could have done to resolve the matter."

Scott Carlson
Carter Carlson et al LLP
301 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 320
Pasadena, CA 91101

"Lynne did a wonderful job of moving the parties to settlement of the case."  She was able to quickly grasp the material issues of the case and help each side understand the strengths and weaknesses of their positions.  The lawyers and clients were all appreciative of her efforts."

Andrew W. Hyman
Law Offices of Andrew W. Hyman
16000 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1203
Encino, CA 91436

 

"Every matter that I handle is of utmost concern to the client.  Therefore, I approach mediation with seriousness and look for several qualities in a mediator.  Chief among them are expertise as well as analytical, communication and problem solving skills.  Lynne possesses these skills and is an ardent advocate of the mediation process.  She has keen insight and is not hesitant to challenge attorneys and the parties on issues and positions in order to advance the mediation process.   I enthusiastically recommend her to anyone whose objective is to resolve a pending dispute."

Neil R. Anapol
Law Offices of Neil R. Anapol
2550 Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505

"Ms. Bassis was very helpful in the way she approached the case.  Sometimes when cases turn out to be problematic, having a mediator who is sensitive to the client’s plight, as Ms. Bassis was, can be important.  Ms. Bassis’ input led to a settlement." 

Wilmer J. Harris
Schonbrun, DeSimone, Seplow, Harris & Hoffman
414 South Marengo Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101  

"I used Ms. Bassis in a court-ordered mediation.  I have found that many mediators do not 'go the extra mile' in mediations where they are not being paid for services.  Ms. Bassis is the exception to that rule.  Before the mediation began, Ms. Bassis contacted me and discussed the fact that the case would be difficult to resolve in light of the defendant's position and pending summary judgment motion.  Although Ms. Bassis' analysis proved correct, she was nonetheless dogged in her attempt to forge some common ground to facilitate post-mediation settlement efforts.  Moreover, she graciously donated her time after the court-ordered mediation to keep the lines of communication open between the parties.  As a result of her efforts, the parties convened for a second day of mediation and the matter resolved.  Overall, I was very impressed and look forward to using Ms. Bassis in the future to resolve matters either through court-orderd or private mediations."

Michael Monk
Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP
One Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90017

"Now that our mediation dust has settled and the dismissal with prejudice filed, I wanted to thank you for your asistance in helping settle our lawsuit.  You did a terrific job.  I feared that the case would not settle, since the plaintiff seemed to have a completely different sense of the value of his lawsuit.  Your approach with him was excellent.  You obviously took the time and worked with him in a very successful manner to bring him to a more reasonable view of the strengths and weaknesses of the case.  I appreciated your congenial style and good sense of the human dynamics that were involved.  I think you created an environment in which the parties showed respect for each other, which also was invaluable in reaching an agreement.  Finally, I appreciated the pace at which you conducted the mediation.  It was not rushed, but the parties had ample time to digest the concepts being exchanged.  This permitted counter-offers that were initially miles apart slowly to come together.  I was not only surprised we were able to settle after a single day of mediation, but also that the parties seemed more congenial and communicative as the day progressed.  Thank you for your expert assistance.  I look foward to working with you in the future."          

Scott Wheeler
Law Offices of Scott Wheeler
101 North Citrus Avenue, Suite 2A
Covina, CA 91723  

"Lynne Bassis has a persuasive yet kind approach to the mediation process.  I was really impressed with her personal style and efficient use of time, which my client appreciated.  Lynne was very patient and giving throughout the process.  Although the case initially did not settle, Lynne followed through with the parties after one day session, and she was able to keep the lines of communication open until the case settled on the eve of trial.  Her services and efforts were greatly appreciated.  Lynne is a top notch mediator!"

Jay J. Lee
Fulbright & Jaworski LLP
865 Figueroa Street - 29th Fl
Los Angeles, CA 90017


current firm:
Law Offices of Jay J. Lee
5671 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019

"Ms. Bassis displayed empathy and toughness in mediating a contentious employment case.  Although the parties could not settle during the initial session, Ms. Bassis kept the dialogue going  by the telephone over the next several days.  Her extra efforts helped move the parties closer together and ultimately resulted in a mutually agreeable resolution.  Based on my experience of her skills an dediation, I would highly recommend Ms. Bassis as a mediator."            

Gayle Eskridge
Eskridge & Associates
21250 Hawthorne Blvd.
Suite 500
Torrance, CA 90503    

"Lynne Bassis handled a serious sexual harassment case for me and achieved a very fair settlement with which my client and I were happy.  She dealt with the shifting sands of mediation in only a way that a seasoned mediator with an understanding of the law and human nature can do.  With the ability to speak the language of the injured employee, insulted employer and their respective counsel in a conciliatory and analytical manner, she makes people move toward each other as she builds momentum for settlement.  The typical puffery or familiar litany of reasons for settlement so prevalent among mediators was missing.   Rather, the day was dominated by Lynne's thoughtful and provoking leadership through the morass so typical of employment litigation."            

Richard S. Rosenberg
Ballard, Rosenberg, Golper & Savitt
10 Universal City Plaza, 16th floor
Universal City, CA 91608  

"I worked with Lynne on a real tough case and she did a real fine job getting both sides to see the value in a resolution.  I would recommend Lynne!"

Margie Sommers
Allred Maroko & Goldberg
6300 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500
Los Angeles, CA 99048  

"I was pleased with Lynne's mediation services.  She worked hard to find a compromise when none seemed possible and was tenacious and persistent.  Lynne was sensitive to my client and explained the vulnerabilities, as well as the strengths of the case, with careful analysis, which led to settlement."         

Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.
Richardson & Harman, LLP
234 E. Colorado Blvd. #800
Pasadena, CA 91101

"Lynne has all the qualities we look for in a mediator.  She is patient, a quick study and devoted to the art of settling disputes.  Her talents assisted us in settling a legal malpractice case arising from the mishandling of a real estate matter."  

Michael J. McKiernan
Deputy General Counsel
American General Life Companies
2929 Allen Parkway, A40-01
Houston, TX 77019-2155

"Lynne woked with the parties over a period of several months until a resolution was reached.  She never used strong arm tactics or fear but rather, calm reason.  She also facilitated resolution by encouraging a collegial relationship between the parties and, in particular, the attorneys.  This collegiality prevented a breakdown of communication during periods of slow progress."  

Steven R. Yee
Yee & Belilove, LLP
2 North Lake Avenue, Suite 680
Pasadena, CA 91101

"I have had the pleasure of working with Lynne as a mediator in legal malpractice cases.  Unlike many mediators, she actually took the time to go through the legal issues and explore the parties' predilection for settlement, all of which led to favorable results.  I recommend using Lynne."  

Al Klein
Rodi, Pollock, Pettker, Galbraithm & Cahill
444 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071

"Lynne is an excellent mediator who has the ability to go beyond the legal issues, and deal effectively with individuals, which facilitated settlement in a difficult case. I highly recommend her."

Daren H. Lipinsky
Brown & Lipinsky
648 S. Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
 

"Lynne's insight, knowledge of legal concepts and patience facilitated a settlement on a seemingly impossible matter to settle.  I would highly recommend her even for the most difficult of cases in the employment arena."

Charles Slyngstad                    
Morris Polich & Purdy 
1055 West Seventh Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2503   

"Lynne has more patience than Jobe, a quality that serves attorneys well in cases with emotional content.  She handles the emotional aspects of a case in a way many mediators would pass over and sets the stage for settlement."    

Andre E. Jardini
Knapp, Petersen & Clarke
500 North Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203

"I am happy to wholeheartedly recommend the mediation services of Lynne Bassis.  Ms. Bassis served as mediator on appeal in an employment matter involving my client and a governmental entity.  She identified and grasped the issues with ease and worked very hard the day of the mediation and by phone for weeks thereafter to put together a settlement.  I admire her even-handed calm approach and the relentlessness with which she pursues it."

John D. Darling
Hunt Ortmann Palffy & Rosell
301 N. Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

"Lynne quickly grasped the critical issues in a quiet title/declaratory relief action with an elder abuse overlay.  She persevered to focus the parties and counsel on those issues.  I would recommend her to those who have recalcitrant parties and need a mediator who is strong willed, yet people smart."  

Edward A. Torres
510 South Marengo Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101 

"I have had the pleasure of Lynne Bassis mediating my case. Ms. Bassis' years of litigation experience, together with her ability to spot the critical issues which the parties need to analyze, are what make her a pleasure to work with.  Ms. Bassis' diplomatic style in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of your matter is also of great importance in the settlement process."