Profile
Daniel Ben-Zvi (pronounced “BenzVee”) is a respected mediator and arbitrator with ADR Services, Inc. Since 1995, he has mediated more than 3,000 disputes with highly successful results.
Mr. Ben-Zvi is a “Distinguished Fellow” with the International Academy Mediators and 1 of 32 “Power Mediators” worldwide [Hollywood Reporter]. Admitted to 5 State and Federal Bars, Mr. Ben-Zvi draws on 20 years as a multi-state trial lawyer to resolve complex disputes.
This “warrior-turned-peacemaker”, as The Daily Journal describes him, brings a unique blend of persistence and creativity to ending bitterly fought lawsuits.
Mr. Ben-Zvi co-authored a book, “Inside the Minds–Alternative Dispute Resolution”, writes articles and lectures on dispute resolution. His creativity even led him to be a writer on the television show “L.A. Law”. Mr. Ben-Zvi’s guiding principle as Mediator: “The mediation opportunity should be effectively exhausted, with no stone left unturned.”
Education
- 1981 JD, Cardozo School of Law
- 1978 BA, Rutgers University (Honors, Economics)
Dispute Resolution Experience
- Mr. Ben-Zvi has mediated and arbitrated, since 1995, on the panels of ADR Services, Inc., AAA, ARC, World Intellectual Property Organization, and DB Mediation & Arbitration Services.
Selected Writings
For all articles and publications, please visit http://www.dbmediation.com/media
- Featured in Daily Journal, “City of LA Recognizes Mediators”, March 2019
- Daily Journal Profile, “Tenacious and Creative”, October 2018
- Author, “Nine Ways to be ready for Mediation” Advocate, September 2012
- Co-Author, “Inside the Minds – Alternative Dispute Resolution” (Aspatore Press; Boston 2004), Co-authors include J.Brian Casey, Baker & McKenzie and Judith Korchin, Holland & Knight.
- Author, articles on mediation and litigation topics, including an analysis of mediation “The Mediation Revolution” (CLA, CA; 2004).
- Author, “Mediation: An Overview” (US-Korean Law Journal; 2013).
- Profiled several times as Featured Neutral in the Daily Journal — 2018, 2008 and 2001.
Speaking
- Lecturer numerous times at Southern California Mediation Association’s (SCMA) annual conferences and seminars at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University, on dispute resolution in the areas of business, employment, real estate, construction, personal injury, and entertainment.
- Lecturer on alternative dispute resolution at many law firms, corporations and government agencies, e.g. Irell & Manella, Sony, and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
- Lecturer on mediation topics at Bar Associations of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Francisco and at Law Schools of UCLA, Loyola, Southwestern.
- Lecturer on “Mediation in the Real Estate Industry”.
- Keynote speaker, California Lawyers for the Arts’ annual conference [2004] on Mediation in the Film and Television Industry and panelist in other years.
- Featured Mediator on television including “Mediation Behind Closed Doors”, “Saving the American Dream”, “Law Talk” and consultant Neutral on ABC news.
- Featured Mediator on radio including “The Dennis Prager Show” and “The CBS Business Hour”.
Awards and Associations
- Distinguished Fellow, International Academy of Mediators.
- Mediation Panelist, United States District Court, Central District of California
- Board member, California Dispute Resolution Council (CDRC).
- Chairman, since 2004, “City of Los Angeles Annual Mediation Awareness Week”, on behalf of the Mayor and the L.A. City Council to promote mediation. This includes Mr. Ben-Zvi’s annual televised presentation at L.A. City Council on status of dispute resolution in Los Angeles, together with leaders in the legal, political and mediation communities.
- “Power Mediator” — 1 of 32 Best International List, Hollywood Reporter.
- Diplomat Member, California Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals.
- Honoree, Southern California Mediation Association’s (SCMA) annual Employment Mediation Conference, 2005.
- Admitted to the State Bars of California, New York, Washington DC, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
- Invited Participant, Master’s Forum, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.
- Invited Participant, Negotiation and Mediation conference, Harvard Law School; 2007, 2012.
Judicial and Legal Experience
- Judge Pro Tempore, Los Angeles Superior Court, 2002 – 2012.
- Judge, Annual National Negotiation Competition, American Bar Association, Law Student Division.
- Litigator. Mr. Ben-Zvi appreciates the unique perspectives of plaintiff and defense. Throughout his 20-year litigation career, he represented both plaintiffs and defendants. In 1981, Mr. Ben-Zvi joined Ribicoff & Kotkin in Connecticut. Later, he served as CA litigation counsel to the Washington DC law firm of Saul & Ewing fka Schmeltzer, Aptaker & Shepard for over 10 years.
- Extern, Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland, Federal Bankruptcy Court, Southern District New York, 1980-1981.
Case Experience
Daniel Ben-Zvi, Esq. has experience as a neutral in the following civil matters:
- Bankruptcy
- Civil Rights
- Commercial/Business
- Construction
- Contract Disputes
- Employment
- Entertainment
- Franchise
- Health
- Government
- Insurance
- Intellectual Property
- Lemon Law
- Landlord/Tenant
- Libel & Slander
- Medical Malpractice
- Negligence
- Partnerships
- Personal Injury / Torts
- Probate
- Product Liability
- Professional Fees
- Proposition 65
- Real Property
- Technology
- Trusts and Estates
- Workers Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Testimonials
“Mr. Ben-Zvi is an exceptionally skilled mediator with an aptitude for bridging gaps and navigating difficult personalities.”
“Mr. Ben-Zvi is always prepared and as a mediator, is very tenacious about getting the parties to a negotiated resolution. I would not hesitate to recommend Daniel as a mediator or arbitrator.”
“This construction case involved a complicated fact pattern with nuances that only became clear to each side during mediation. He effectively provided insight regarding the realities of continued litigation. His expertise in bringing together two disparate positions proved exceptionally valuable.”
“I think Daniel Ben-Zvi has a very good business sense and really knows his entertainment law. You can tell he’s worked with many high-profile individuals. He has a very relaxed way about him that helps people set aside their differences and work a case out without excess posturing.”
“Mediation is an art, and a mediator who can convince the parties to adjust their views to reach resolution is the key. Much like making pottery, push too hard and the settlement fails, push too little and the settlement never takes shape. Although the profiles of Mr. Ben-Zvi by the Daily Journal were quite favorable, they still may not have done him justice. Mr. Ben-Zvi’s work in the two cases I have had before him was the key to resolution of two very emotional cases.”
“After winning a six figure jury verdict, my client and I relied on Daniel Ben-Zvi’s unique negotiating skills in a mediation held while this malpractice case was on appeal. Our reliance was very well placed. The parties at the mediation left with a signed, confidential settlement agreement.”
“This was a difficult real estate case to resolve due to the participation of two municipalities with varying political and personal issues. Mr. Ben-Zvi handled it well and should be commended for his efforts. His willingness to listen and understand issues was refreshing. All counsel involved spoke and the general consensus was that we were all pleased with the outcome and his efforts. Thanks to Mr. Ben-Zvi.”
“Mr. Ben-Zvi is an excellent mediator. He is a quick study who evaluates the issues and nuances of a complex case carefully, and works tenaciously to achieve a resolution that works for both parties.”
“Mr. Ben-Zvi had a thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ cases before the mediation began. His assessment of the costs and risks of going to trial was right on the mark and he did an excellent job of overcoming the parties’ recalcitrance in achieving a settlement. I would not hesitate to use him again in the future and would enthusiastically recommend him to others.”
“I felt that the settlement was fair and that court (and more legal fees) was avoided. I am thankful this business dispute is over, and I thank Mr. Ben-Zvi for hanging in there with us! His professionalism and influence made all of the difference.”