A Strategic Guide to Settling Litigation Proceedings

Christopher Lavorato | Wynne & Wynne, Austin

Attorney with Wynne & Wynne, Austin Texas, a trial law firm specializing in civil litigation and family law. Routinely represents clients in federal and state courts in cases alleging product defects, aviation mishaps, wrongful death, personal injury, traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, clergy abuse, and sexual assault. Successfully tried, arbitrated, and mediated cases for over 21 years. Frequently provides pro-bono services to those in need, including military veterans. Recognized as the highest Martindale-Hubbel rated, one of Austin’s Top Attorneys, and California and Texas Super Lawyers. Prior military officer and UH-60 Blackhawk pilot; FAA-certified commercial pilot (IFR / VFR). J.D. degree, Santa Clara University School of Law; B.A. degree, University of San Francisco.

Can be contacted at [email protected], or 512-904-0550.

Ara Jabagchourian | Law Offices of Ara Jabagchourian, P.C.

Ara Jabagchourian is a trial attorney with vast experience in numerous areas of civil law. He has handled hundreds of matters to successful resolution, either through settlement or verdict. Jabagchourian’s trials range from small personal injury matters to a class action fraud matter exceeding $100 million verdict, and numerous cases in between. In addition to the cases he has handled, he is recognized as an expert in numerous areas, publishing over two dozen legal articles and lecturing across the state.

Jabagchourian started his legal career as a staff attorney for the Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Competition in Washington D.C. handling antitrust matters. He then worked for a large firm representing numerous companies in antitrust, intellectual property and commercial disputes. Ara then went on to work for a plaintiff-oriented law firm, whereas partner, he handled over a hundred matters to completion. Jabagchourian also served as a judicial extern for two Justices. He worked for both Associate Justice Marvin R. Baxter of the California Supreme Court as well as Presiding Justice James Ardaiz of the California Court of Appeals, Fifth Appellate District.

Jeff Kichaven | Jeff Kichaven

Jeff Kichaven is one of America’s leading mediators. He’s “Ranked in Chambers – Band 1” on the USA-Nationwide list, and Lexology (f/k/a Who’s Who Legal) has honored Jeff as a “Global Elite Thought Leader” in the field. He is also an Elected Member of the American Law Institute. Jeff is an Honors Graduate of Harvard Law School and a Phi Beta Kappa Graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (AB Economics). His views on mediation have been cited in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Melissa Kinzler | Lennox Cooper LLC

Melissa Kinzler is an exceptional mediator and negotiation consultant in Southern California with years of experience facilitating various kinds of commercial and multiparty disputes. Melissa seamlessly blends top tier credentials from Harvard with a keen understanding of the intricacies of business. She has worked with law firms, corporations, and government agencies, blending an analytical approach with empathetic communication to guide parties through high-stakes negotiations. Melissa is committed to promoting collaborative dispute resolution processes that not only settle individual cases but also strengthen professional relationships and build long-term trust. Recognized by U.S. Congress and the state of California for her Mediation work, Melissa pairs two decades in the executive C-level realm with practical mediation experience and holds multiple degrees in Dispute Resolution, Conflict Management and Psychology. This informs her approach to helping clients reach durable, value-maximizing settlements.

You can contact Melissa at LinkedIn.com/in/MelissaKinzler or email questions to [email protected].

Session I – Effective Settlement Tactics: Evaluating resources, costs, and benefits | 1:00pm – 3:10pm

• Settlement as a strategic tool
• When to pursue litigation vs. settlement
• Key factors influencing settlement decision

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

• Evaluating the parties’ individual resources
• Cost-benefit analysis of settlement
• Evaluating non-monetary benefits in settlements

Break | 3:10pm – 3:20pm

Session II – Crafting Effective Settlement Offers and Managing Multi-Party Settlements | 3:20pm – 4:20pm

• Crafting and presenting the settlement offer
  • Strategies to frame offers that address interests, incorporate non monetary value, and maintain objective credibility
• Special considerations for multi-party settlements
  • Techniques for stakeholder mapping, coalition-building, and managing complex procedural issues to achieve consensus among multiple parties
• Navigating settlement agreements
  • Anticipating contingencies
  • Implementing monitoring and compliance provisions