Oct. 17, 2013
Herbert B. Hoffman
See more on Herbert B. HoffmanJudicate West San Diego Specialties: business, employment, personal injury, real estate, professional liability, medical malpractice
Attachments
The case involved a swimming pool accident involving a young child whose family refused to stop fighting. Hoffman did everything he could to settle the case - including meeting the boy and visiting the scene of the accident.
To make matters worse, the case involved several thorny legal details. For example, the defendant was living outside the U.S.
Hoffman said oftentimes relationships in a case make it more difficult to settle than the money issues.
"It was just a case that I wanted to settle so badly," he said. "I didn't want to let go."
In his 15 years in the job, Hoffman has handled about 4,000 mediations. He said one of his favorite aspects of a mediation is having the opportunity to think outside the box. In a case a couple years ago, Hoffman ordered each of the parties to pay money to the other party's charity of choice.
"I'm never ... afraid to think outside the box to find a solution that might not be readily apparent," he said.
- Alexandra Schwappach
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
jeremy@reprintpros.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390
Send a letter to the editor:
Email: letters@dailyjournal.com