My Background |
After 25 years of practice in family law litigation and mediation, my practice is now devoted
exclusively to mediation of family law matters. I am firm believer that maximizing the chance for the best outcomes for parties going thru a dissolution is in a non-adversarial setting. This allows parties to often craft financial settlements, and parenting plans, that are more closely tailored to meet their underlying needs, while avoiding the destructive element of litigation, uncertainty of outcome, and the high cost of litigation. It has been my experience that parties often have a much greater satisfaction in settlement outcomes, than parties who have gone thru the judicial process. I bring an extensive background of both litigation and mediation to my practice. Having been a Certified Family Law specialists since 2005, working in Silicon Valley and the Bay area, I am well versed with some of the unique and complex financial issues encountered by parties seeking to address property, support, and parenting plans in this area. I seek to create a space where we can explore the issues that matter most to you. I am well versed in navigating conflict, and even occasionally injecting some moments of levity. Recognizing that divorcing parties often bring the accumulated history of their relationship into the process, I facilitate the space to allow for what is there while providing structure, guidance, and solutions (where needed). My commitment is to maximize the chances of resolution and to do this in a way that honors you as individuals, and as a family, where in many instances you will have life-long relationships as parents of your children. When appropriate I will provide my perspective on a range of outcomes that might occur under California law, allowing you to make informed decisions. I work in mediation settings with just the parties (and usually consulting counsel), and attorney assisted mediation (where the attorneys are present). |
Education
Admitted to Practice 2000 California UC Hastings 2000 Law UC Santa Cruz B.A Philosophy 1992 Experience Certified Family Law Specialists State Bar California since 2005 Chairman of San Mateo Family law Section 2010 Vice-Chair of Family Law Section of San Mateo 2009 Awards and Affiliations Member of San Mateo Family Law Section Member of Santa Clara Law Family Law Section Graduate of Mindfulness in Law Teacher Training 2016 Super Lawyer 2010-2012, 2017-2024 Witkin Recipient Award for Mediation at Hastings, Top Honors in Mediation Witkin Recipient Award for Negotiation/Mediation and Process at Hastings, Top Honors in Negotiation and Mediation Witkin Recipient Award for Professional Responsibility and Ethics at Hastings, Top Honors in Professional Responsiibility Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts AFCC Wiley Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services |
Law and Mediation Offices of Douglas Robin • 700 El Camino Real Suite 120 • Menlo Park, CA • 94025 • 650-272-7418