Judicate West FAQs

What are my fees for the mediation hearing?

Mr. Brenner’s hourly rate may vary depending upon case type, complexity, number of parties and other factors. Please contact Judicate West for specific fees and costs.

In addition to an hourly rate, a refundable retainer may be charged for estimated additional charges including review/preparation and/or deliberation time. Judicate West (JW) also charges a standard administrative or case management fee per hearing or session. These fees apply to all types of cases, all types of hearing formats and regardless of the estimated value of the case. Please refer to the fee schedule page

When are the fees due?

Your administrative, hearing and any retainer fees are due upon receipt of the invoice and no later than 10 days prior to the hearing for matters less than 7 hours and 30 days prior for matters that are 7 hours or more. Prompt payment is necessary to officially lock in your reserved time. Failure to pay timely may result in forfeiture of your reserved hearing date. Any additional charges post hearing are due upon receipt. Please refer to our fee schedule and payment policies at our fee schedule page

 Do I have the option to pay by credit card?

Yes, we accept credit cards but only on a limited basis such as when a last minute payment is needed to keep your case on calendar or in other special circumstances. Our standard method of payment is by check so we only offer to accept Visa or MasterCard as a convenience to you and as such, we charge a 2.5% processing fee for this payment method. We have a self-service internet terminal set up in our office where you can log in and pay your invoice by credit card or we can also process your payment by phone.

What is the postponement/cancellation or continuance policy?

JW prides itself on remaining reasonable and flexible regarding this area of the industry. These fees are an important part of what makes the ADR process so successful but we DO NOT like assessing these fees. We even go to great lengths to confirm your matter with all parties before these fees become applicable! For matters less than 7 hours, more than 10 calendar days notice of cancellation or continuance is required or the hearing as well as the administrative/case management fees are non-refundable. For matters that are more than 7 hours, more than 30 calendar days notice is required and for matters of 3 days or longer, more than 45 days is required. The cancellation policy is indicated on your confirmation notice. Please refer to our continuance/cancellation policy on our fee schedules at our fee schedule page . Note no charges other than administrative fees and/or case management fees will be due if JW is able to fill the vacated time.

What amenities does Judicate West offer?

All of our offices have comfortable common areas for waiting to initially meet with your clients. Accommodations include semi private areas with satellite TV and private guest workstations with computers, phones and printers plus wireless internet throughout our offices. You will find lots of snacks, coffee, water, juices, teas and sodas at each of our locations. All offices offer conference rooms with speaker phones, TV/DVD and audio visual hook-ups, easels, conference calling and legal research capabilities. Please call in advance to reserve the audio/visual equipment. We also have available hotel, transportation, restaurant and map information for parties who may be traveling in and it can be viewed on our website at www.judicatewest.com/locations.

Q6: Is the Neutral available to come to my office for hearings or mediation sessions?

Yes, based on availability, most JW Neutrals will travel to your office or any agreed upon location. Please consult a case manager for hourly minimums, travel charges and for additional information as each Neutral is different. Realistically, if the matter is not booked well in advance and for the full day, the selected neutral will likely have another matter booked in our offices and therefore unavailable to travel.

Does Judicate West send confirmation notices?

Yes, JW does send confirmation notices via mail to all contacted parties and anyone else on the service list that you indicate you would like us to copy. If your case is scheduled within 10 days of the hearing date, we will both fax and mail the notices. We also email the confirmation notices to you if preferred and requested.

 When & where do I send the brief?

Briefs should be sent in 7 days prior to your hearing if possible. Your confirmation notice will reflect the appropriate office for it to be sent to along with fax and/or email instructions as applicable. This may be the JW office that the Neutral is based out of or sometimes to the Neutral directly. If it is less than 7 days or if you are unsure at any time please call us at 1-800-488-8805 or call your case manager directly.

Should my client attend the mediation?

Yes! Unless otherwise agreed upon, it is universally expected that all decision makers should be present as it will increase the likelihood of a successful mediation.

 Do you have a private office so I can meet with my clients prior to our hearing?

Yes,  we are happy to accommodate your private room requests and can usually arrange to get a room for you prior to and after your hearing. Please contact your venue a day or two prior to your meeting to verify there will be a room available.

What do you charge for filing motions?

There is no charge for actually filing a motion. The moving party should give all counsel statutory requirements for notice and our office will provide the moving party with a hearing date. Depending on the circumstances, the hearing may be live or telephonic. The moving party will be charged a retainer for reserved time and is responsible for any time spent by the Neutral. Mr. Brenner may adjust the fees as part of the ruling.

 When can we expect our decision / ruling?

Mr. Brenner is very sensitive about the timeliness of getting an award to the parties. Our objective is to have a written reasoned opinion forwarded to all parties within 30 days following the closing of record (determined by Mr. Brenner), provided all requisite fees have been paid by all parties. When circumstances prevent the final award from being concluded within 30 days, we will contact all parties and do as much as possible to help with managing your client’s expectations.