FN-4073592 MN-4073592 LN-4073592, Esq.
Mediator, Dispute Review Advisor, Neutral Evaluator
San Francisco, California
Nationally recognized expert in construction law with over 30 years of experience. Has been lead counsel in hundreds of construction and engineering disputes throughout the world with many exceeding $100 million in value. The projects have ranged from all forms of commercial, industrial, transportation and heavy civil projects in both the private and public works sectors. Recognized by Chambers, Best Lawyers and Legal 500 as one of the premier construction lawyers in the nation.
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP - Founding Partner
Mediator, Dispute Review Advisor, Neutral Evaluator
Founding Partner, Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP, 2014-Present; Partner, Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP, 1997-2014; Prosecutor, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, United States Navy, 1993-1997; Special Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, 1995-1996.
Specializes in complex construction disputes arising from private and public construction projects. Represents contractors, design firms and developers in contractual matters on commercial, industrial, transportation and heavy civil projects, including bridges, rail systems, office buildings, hospitals, hotels, tunnels, roadways, water treatment plants, and processing plants. Proficient in preparing and defending claims for additional compensation, delay, lost labor productivity, liquidated damages, and defective workmanship. Extensive experience in dealing with insurers and sureties in settlements of complex disputes. Has litigated matters in state and federal courts throughout the country, as well as in domestic and international arbitrations.
Band 1 – California Construction Lawyers – Chambers & Partners
Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law
Legal 500 – United States
Numerous California Construction Lawyer of the Year Awards
Band 1 – California Construction Lawyers – Chambers & Partners
Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law
Legal 500 – United States
Numerous California Construction Lawyer of the Year Awards
Through participating in over 300 mediations as a practitioner, I believe there are several cornerstones to a successful mediation process. My practice is to have at least two rounds of pre-session meetings with counsel to identify and discuss the key issues that will drive settlement. I strongly encourage the exchange of briefs at least 10 days prior to the mediation session. I may identify issues that I want to discuss as part of an opening group session to facilitate a professional and productive debate. Of course, one role of the mediator is to ensure that proper attendees with full settlement authority attend the mediation.
Through such a process, one can be assured that mediator, counsel and the parties are prepared to mediate.
Through such a process, one can be assured that mediator, counsel and the parties are prepared to mediate.
Strongly prefers in-person mediations, but also proficient in Zoom and Teams.
Georgetown University (J.D.-1993); Georgetown University (B.S.B.A., Accounting-1990).
Admitted to the Bar: California (2004), New York (2003), Washington, D.C. (2001-inactive), Alaska (2011-inactive).
$4,000 Per Day
English
United States of America
San Francisco, CA
The AAA’s Rules provide the AAA with the authority to administer a mediation including, mediator appointment, general oversight and billing. Accordingly, mediations that proceed without AAA administration are not considered AAA mediations, even when the parties select an mediator who is on the AAA’s Roster.
The information contained in this resume has been supplied solely by the individual mediator and may, or may not, be a complete recitation of their experience. The AAA assumes no responsibility for the content, completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in a mediator’s resume. If you have any questions about a mediator’s experience or background, you are encouraged to contact your case manager.
Mediators on the AAA Roster are not employees or agents of the AAA.
The information contained in this resume has been supplied solely by the individual mediator and may, or may not, be a complete recitation of their experience. The AAA assumes no responsibility for the content, completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in a mediator’s resume. If you have any questions about a mediator’s experience or background, you are encouraged to contact your case manager.
Mediators on the AAA Roster are not employees or agents of the AAA.
