Question 1

Do you mediate cases other than employment cases ?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We mediate many forms of civil disputes. Please inquire for pricing and availability.

Question 2

Where do you travel?

Accepted Answer

We travel throughout California and beyond. This includes the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, Riverside, Bakersfield, Fresno, and more.

For more remote locations or travel outside of California, please inquire directly.

Question 3

Is the cost of travel included in your fee?

Accepted Answer

Travel to many large cities in California is included in the mediation fee. This includes many cities in the Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, Riverside, Bakersfield, Fresno, and more.

For more remote locations or travel outside of California, please inquire directly.

Question 4

What is your availability?

Accepted Answer

We try to keep availability as up to date as possible. Click here or email info@shireenwetmoremediation.com for current availability.

Question 5

Not finding availability?

Accepted Answer

If you are a return customer who has mediated with us just one time and we appear to be full, please call 310-648-0220. We keep a handful of dates in reserve for you.

Question 6

When are briefs due?

Accepted Answer

Mediation briefs are due seven days before mediation.  We request that briefs be kept to 25 pages or less.

Question 7

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to your mediation agreement or invoice for specific terms. Generally, mediations canceled more than 30 days in advance may be rescheduled or canceled without a fee. Less than 30 days in advance, the mediation fee is non-refundable.

Question 8

Giving back:

Accepted Answer

For every mediation completed, Shireen Wetmore will make a charitable donation. So you are doing good not only for you and/or your clients, but also for your community!

Question 9

Who do you give to?

Accepted Answer

Shireen is involved with many charitable organizations, including those serving veterans, supporting cancer patients and cancer research, local performing arts organizations, children’s rights, food pantries and more. If there is a specific area that speaks to you, please let her know. We love to learn about new organizations to support as well!

Question 10

Is mediation confidential?

Accepted Answer

Different jurisdictions have different rules that apply to mediation. In California, the Evidence Code provides that "All communications, negotiations, or settlement discussions by and between participants in the course of a mediation or a mediation consultation shall remain confidential." EVID § 1129. Check with your counsel regarding the rules that apply to your case. All parties must sign the mediation agreement that includes a confidentiality provision.

Question 11

Should my case be mediated in-person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

Zoom mediation is highly effective and practical as parties may join from anywhere. There are some cases that are better suited for in-person communication either to enable lawyers and clients from one party to share a room, to help create space for the parties to truly concentrate on mediation (and avoid the temptation to multi-task), or to permit the parties to meet face-to-face if appropriate. Whichever approach works for your parties, we are here to assist. We are also happy to discuss which path may be best for your case.

Question 12

What languages do you speak?

Accepted Answer

Mediations are conducted in English, however, one of Shireen's great passions is travel, and with that, a love of languages! She speaks and understands some Spanish and French. She holds a degree in French and studied abroad in Le Mans, France, during college.

Question 13

How does mediation help me?

Accepted Answer

Mediation helps different stakeholders in different ways.  For plaintiffs, mediation offers a safe, respectful space to communicate concerns, test theories of the case, avoid some of the toll of protracted litigation, and participate actively in shaping an outcome that feels fair and conclusive. For company defendants, mediation provides a confidential, cost-effective alternative to litigation, enabling expedited case closure and allowing business units to move forward. For attorneys, mediation offers a structured, neutral environment and expert guidance, allowing the attorney to showcase advocacy skills, keep clients informed, and achieve positive, timely results. Regardless of your role, mediation can help provide valuable insights and ideally resolve your case in an efficient and fulfilling manner.

Question 14

What is the anatomy of a mediation with Shireen?

Accepted Answer

All mediations include a pre-call with each of the parties approximately 1-2 weeks before the mediation. To assist with preparing for mediation, Shireen recommends providing a “Cast of Characters” describing key participants and parties or witnesses relevant to your case.

The mediation fee includes a full day of mediation. Start times may be negotiated between the parties, subject to availability.

Not all mediations conclude on the day of mediation. Shireen includes reasonable follow up after mediation to assist on getting the matter to the finish line.

Frequently Asked Questions