FN-6224648 MN-6224648 LN-6224648, Esq.
Lawyer, Arbitrator, Mediator
Santa Barbara, California
A background in both business and the law. Co-founded a specialized publishing company and operated it in the U.S. and U.K. for almost 20 years before becoming a lawyer. Over 20 years of litigation experience — mostly in appellate law — with emphasis on cases involving smaller and medium-sized privately held businesses and partnerships as well as real estate and torts. Now in full-time ADR practice. Has degrees from two of the world’s top-five universities.
John Derrick ADR - Full-time Mediator & Arbitrator
Lawyer, Arbitrator, Mediator
Full-time Mediator/Arbitrator, John Derrick ADR, 2024-Present; Appellate Specialist/Mediator, The Law Office of John Derrick, apc, 2005-2023; Of Counsel/Litigation Associate, Mullen & Henzell L.L.P., 2002-2005; Co-founder/Publisher/Editor, What to Buy for Business/Better Buys for Business, 1980-1999.
Was the lead lawyer in over 200 appeals before moving into full-time ADR, many resulting in published opinions, and consulted in countless others. As an appellate specialist, was a subject matter specialist, but practice emphasized business/commercial, real estate, and tort cases. Also handled wills and trusts appeals, as well as employment and consumer ones for both plaintiffs and defendants. ADR practice now covers similar areas. Typical examples include contract disputes, partnership disputes/breakups, shareholder derivative actions, business torts (including trade secrets), lease disputes, quiet title actions, easement disputes, partition actions.
Former Chair of the California State Bar’s Standing Committee on Appellate Courts (2014-2015). Served as Editor-in-Chief of California Litigation, then the journal of the Litigation Section of the State Bar (2011-2013). Later served on the Executive Committee of the Litigation Section of the California Lawyers Association. Taught as a practitioner-advisor in the Berkeley Law Appellate Advocacy program.
Former Chair of the California State Bar’s Standing Committee on Appellate Courts (2014-2015). Served as Editor-in-Chief of California Litigation, then the journal of the Litigation Section of the State Bar (2011-2013). Later served on the Executive Committee of the Litigation Section of the California Lawyers Association. Taught as a practitioner-advisor in the Berkeley Law Appellate Advocacy program.
Began mediating cases in 2008 while still litigating appeals. Transitioned to full-time ADR in 2024. Settlement Master and/or mediation panelist for several courts, including U.S. District Court for Central District of California and Second District California Court of Appeal. Completed Pepperdine/Straus Institute “Mediating the Litigated Case” program in 2018.
Experienced in mediating complex multi-party cases as well as more straightforward ones. Handles meditations of cases at all stages of the litigation timeline but has special expertise in post-judgment and appellate mediations.
Experienced in mediating complex multi-party cases as well as more straightforward ones. Handles meditations of cases at all stages of the litigation timeline but has special expertise in post-judgment and appellate mediations.
I am easy to deal with. And — aside from never compromising confidentiality and other ethical rules — I do not have a rigid approach to how mediations should be conducted. I avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. I try to get under the skin of every case, to understand the real interests of the parties. In some cases, the parties are looking for a somewhat evaluative approach, although that’s not always the best way to bring about a settlement. In many cases, what’s needed is a facilitator of communication. And some call for a creative approach, helping to identify interests that may have been overlooked. Most require a subtle blend of techniques.
Ultimately, my role as a mediator is to lead a conversation about making difficult decisions, often in the face of uncertainty, to identify solutions that are better than continued litigation.
I am naturally diplomatic and have a calm, civil demeanor. I can see issues from different perspectives. I am empathetic and can establish rapport with a wide range of people. I am both patient and persistent. I listen. But, when necessary, I can tell people things they may not want to hear.
I value pre-mediation conferences with the lawyers. I do not charge extra for these or for preparation time generally. I encourage parties to share their mediation briefs with the other side. You can always send a supplement for my eyes only.
I make mediator’s proposals in suitable cases, although never too early in the process. They are not my preferred way of settling cases, but I have had considerable success when I resort to them.
If a case settles, I follow up to check that implementation is on track. And if it does not settle, I follow up to see whether a further session might break the deadline. I do not charge extra for this type of follow-up.
Ultimately, my role as a mediator is to lead a conversation about making difficult decisions, often in the face of uncertainty, to identify solutions that are better than continued litigation.
I am naturally diplomatic and have a calm, civil demeanor. I can see issues from different perspectives. I am empathetic and can establish rapport with a wide range of people. I am both patient and persistent. I listen. But, when necessary, I can tell people things they may not want to hear.
I value pre-mediation conferences with the lawyers. I do not charge extra for these or for preparation time generally. I encourage parties to share their mediation briefs with the other side. You can always send a supplement for my eyes only.
I make mediator’s proposals in suitable cases, although never too early in the process. They are not my preferred way of settling cases, but I have had considerable success when I resort to them.
If a case settles, I follow up to check that implementation is on track. And if it does not settle, I follow up to see whether a further session might break the deadline. I do not charge extra for this type of follow-up.
Highly experienced in hosting Zoom ADR sessions of all durations and complexities.
University of California at Berkeley, School of Law (JD, High Honors or Honors in most graded courses, recipient of awards for first place in several-2002); University of Oxford, UK (BA, Philosophy, Politics & Economics, First Class Honors-1978).
Admitted to the Bar: California (2002); U.S. District Court: Central District of California (2002); U.S. Court of Appeals: Ninth Circuit (2004); U.S. Supreme Court (2007).
Certified as a Specialist in Appellate Law by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization (2008).
Certified as a Specialist in Appellate Law by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization (2008).
Beverly Hills Bar Association; Santa Barbara County Bar Association (Co-Chair of ADR Section); American Bar Association (Dispute Resolution Section); California Lawyers Association.
$500 Per Hour
English
United States of America, United Kingdom
Santa Barbara, 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.
