Los Angeles Superior Court Mediation Services

Civil cases referred by judicial officers to the Court's Mediation Volunteer Panel (MVP) are eligible for three hours of virtual mediation at no cost with a qualified mediator from the MVP. Parties may select a mediator or request the ADR Office to assign one.

Fatemeh Mashouf is an experienced mediator with over a decade in employment law and alternative dispute resolution. Known for her ability to achieve zero-cost litigation resolutions, she has extensive expertise in a vast array of employment laws ranging from pay equity to accommodations. As in-house counsel for a late stage tech start up, Fatemeh was the lead employment attorney leading complex domestic and global employment matters, including litigation, policy development, and compliance across diverse workforces. With prior roles at Littler Mendelson, Sheppard Mullin, and Reed Smith, Fatemeh has represented Fortune 500 clients in state and federal cases. Fatemeh has dedicated significant time every year representing employees on a pro bono basis to help them resolve difficult situations.

Fatemeh's mediation style blends facilitative and evaluative methods, tailored to the situation and the preferences of the parties involved. In confidential caucuses, she constructively examines the strengths and weaknesses of each case, considers the best, worst, and most probable alternatives to a negotiated agreement, assesses the risks each party faces without a settlement, and evaluates the costs of proceeding to trial. Fatemeh takes the time to understand the parties and listen to their perspectives. Together, they brainstorm creative ideas and solutions, discuss initial settlement demands or offers, and plan subsequent negotiation moves to help reach a mutually acceptable resolution. This process may involve business solutions in addition to financial demands and offers.