Achieving Resolution.
John Vukmanovic
25 years. Over 1,000 cases settled. A career built on
the belief that every dispute has a resolution.
Achieving Resolution.
25 years. Over 1,000 cases settled. A career built on
the belief that every dispute has a resolution.
THE JOURNEY
For over 25 years I have represented clients in cases involving business, real estate, employment, and personal injury disputes. I have consistently guided hard-fought and very complex cases toward resolution, often bringing together very emotional and combative parties, including bitterly divided family members. Most often these settlements were achieved outside the courtroom through the art of negotiation. This is where I feel most at home. My passion for negotiation and resolution emerged well before I became an attorney. Before law school I was a claims representative and adjuster with 20th Century and Farmers Insurance.
During those early years I negotiated and settled thousands of personal injury claims. The work was fast-paced and voluminous, in fact I was routinely assigned 5-8 new files per day. In order to avoid drowning my daily challenge was to settle at least as many claims as I was assigned – and I consistently did. This is where I developed the uncanny negotiation skills that would translate well to my lawyering and mediation career.
As a civil litigator I found myself enjoying mediations more than anything else. And why not! It is in this setting where the most significant progress is made toward resolution, and often the first steps. I always minded the process and particularly the mediator’s role as a neutral party; their ability to objectively identify the strengths and weaknesses of a case while presenting them in a way that was empathetic, yet candid.
Transitioning from battle-tested litigator to mediator, I leverage my extensive background to assist parties in resolving disputes efficiently and fairly. My approach is characterized by a commitment to creating a relaxed and collaborative environment, essential for productive negotiations. I understand that the target is the settlement, and I thoroughly prepare to reach that target in each case by reviewing briefs, conducting research, and making pre-mediation calls to identify potential issues or obstacles. I take great pride in my ability to steer both sides toward resolution, fostering collaboration and a results-oriented approach even in the most challenging situations.
As a civil litigator I found myself enjoying mediations more than anything else. And why not! It is in this setting where the most significant progress is made toward resolution, and often the first steps. I always minded the process and particularly the mediator’s role as a neutral party; their ability to objectively identify the strengths and weaknesses of a case while presenting them in a way that was empathetic, yet candid.
Transitioning from battle-tested litigator to mediator, I leverage my extensive background to assist parties in resolving disputes efficiently and fairly. My approach is characterized by a commitment to creating a relaxed and collaborative environment, essential for productive negotiations. I understand that the target is the settlement, and I thoroughly prepare to reach that target in each case by reviewing briefs, conducting research, and making pre-mediation calls to identify potential issues or obstacles. I take great pride in my ability to steer both sides toward resolution, fostering collaboration and a results-oriented approach even in the most challenging situations.
My style strikes a balance between being assertive and approachable and encouraging open dialogue while keeping all parties grounded in practical realities. I believe that persistence is often the key to resolution, and that the difference between impasse and settlement can often be achieved with just one more conversation or effort toward compromise. I do not quit.
During mediation sessions, I employ a range of techniques – from informal proposals, bracketed negotiations, and interest-based bargaining – to facilitate open discussions and progress. Even when immediate agreements are elusive, I remain dedicated and continue to engage with all parties to bridge gaps and finalize settlement terms.
CREDENTIALS
Whittier College School of Law
Oxford University
California State University Los Angeles
Preparation sets the stage for a successful mediation, and productive dialogue with the parties. I invest significant time reviewing briefs, pertinent documents, familiarizing myself with the legal and emotional dimensions of the dispute, and anticipating the potential concerns and interests of all parties involved.
Every party deserves to feel heard, and my role as a mediator is to create an environment where open communication is welcomed. By listening to each participant I get insights into their objectives, and importantly their emotions. This “people-minded” approach fosters trust and encourages candid dialogue.
I cultivate an atmosphere where participants can speak openly. By encouraging candor, I break down barriers of misunderstanding. I am candid about my observations and evaluations of the parties’ respective positions. This mutual candor facilitates clear communication and eventual compromise.
Persistence is crucial. I remain engaged when discussions become challenging, and I encourage the parties to remain engaged. In the event a case does not settle during the session, I actively follow up with the parties with a steadfast focus on the objective: to resolve each and every case.
A LIFE IN LAW