Zachary Smith

Mediation Services

In-Person & via Zoom

Zach’s informed perspective stems from over 25 years of legal experience, including extensive work as a trial lawyer and defense counsel.

His comprehensive understanding of how disputes get stuck – early in the course of litigation as well as at later stages – enables Zach to sort through and overcome real and perceived obstacles.

Zach’s substantial legal knowledge of a wide range of disputes – including civil, contracts, insurance coverage, landlord-tenant, and malpractice – empower him to help craft effective solutions and alternatives that achieve clients’ goals.

His areas of expertise encompass injury, commercial, construction, labor, employment, insurance, health care, environmental, and government claims.

Zach conducts mediations in person throughout California and online in virtual settings.

Scheduling Inquiries

"Zach is fair-minded and knows how to size up a case. An ABOTA member with a great reputation for integrity, respect and trial experience, Zach is perfectly suited to get your case settled."

Doris Cheng
Shareholder, Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger
Past President, San Francisco Bar Association
Past President, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association

"...Despite having been adversaries, I hold him in very high regard. He brings his considerable experience, skill, and personal charm to the practice of mediation."

Robert E. Cartwright, Jr., Esq.
Founder and Managing Partner, The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc.

"...He has the admirable qualities that I look for in a mediator - he is a quick study, a creative strategist, and easily develops rapport with people of different backgrounds..."

Gregory D. Pike
Partner, Knox Ricksen LLP
Past President, Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California & Nevada

"...His years of experience, case valuation, wisdom, procedural knowledge, and knowledge of the inner workings of insurance companies make him an effective mediator...."

Miles Cooper
Partner, Coopers LLP

"Zach has a tremendous amount of experience as a trial lawyer and knows how to resolve cases. His professionalism and problem-solving skills make him a successful mediator."

Robert J. Waldsmith
Partner, Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP

"...He has impressed me with his rapid understanding of strengths, weaknesses, and value of cases and his corresponding judgment to settle the ones that should be settled and try the ones that need to be tried, with consistently excellent results..."

Michael J. Ney
Mediator, Ney Mediations

"Zach has a wealth of experience handling jury trials successfully. His integrity and people skills make him a valuable mediator."

David J. Samuelson
Samuelsen ADR

"I’ve known Zach as an accomplished litigator with a strong understanding of what’s important about the law and a commitment to fairness and respect. I don’t doubt that he’ll bring all of those qualities to his work as a mediator."

Bill Ginsburg
Litigation Director, Berg Injury Lawyers

Mediation Services

Areas Of Practice

Scheduling Inquiries

(510) 306-5960

Scheduling

Service Area