After 30 years as a successful employment and business/commercial trial lawyer, Ann brings her wealth of experience and skills to JW to serve as an arbitrator and mediator. In her 3 decades as an associate, partner and rainmaker
she has tried, arbitrated, and mediated hundreds of cases and implemented many in house ADR programs for clients.
In practice, she earned the respect of her clients, colleagues and opposing counsel for her philosophy of limited discovery with a goal towards early resolution. As a result, she was often asked to give presentations in conflict avoidance and serve as a neutral fact finder. Ann states "I understand the emotional dynamics of conflict for both sides. One of my goals as a mediator is to create an atmosphere of frank and open communication between the parties, demonstrating active listening and remaining courteous at all times. In addition, arbitration plays an important role in the finality of cases, as an arbitrator I help the parties narrow down the issues to a point where resolution may be possible."
One plaintiff attorney stated, "Ann has a down to earth mediation style; during session we appreciated her experience and feedback and most of all her tenacity."
Ann enjoys gardening, baking, hiking, yoga, reading, painting and interior design.
"Ann is a top-tier mediator from my perspective. She has a knowledgeable and calming presence, and is persuasive on both sides, while remaining respectful."
- Attorney on an Employment Disability matter
"Ann has a great ability to use her experience as a former big law litigator to focus the parties on why early resolution often is the best outcome. "
- Partner in a National Law Firm
"Continued to work with all parties after our scheduled mediation to move us closer to resolution. Very knowledgeable. Very interested in our matter."
- Attorney on an Employment/Discrimination Dispute
"Working hard following no resolution "at mediation" and ultimately getting a deal done."
- Attorney on an employment/discrimination wage & hour dispute
"You could not have had a better connection with [my client], and it sounds like that was true with the plaintiff as well. You showed patience, empathy and, of course, great humor."
- Attorney on an employment wage & hour dispute
"We completed a mediation yesterday with Ann Kotlarski and wanted to let Judicate West know how pleased both my client and I were with her presentation and the handling of the issues. This was not a big dollar case however; my client was appreciative of her knowledge and expertise she brought to the proceedings."
- Attorney on an Employment/Discrimination Dispute
"Being persistent and patient."
- Attorney on an Employment FMLA Dispute
"My experience with Ann has been nothing short of spectacular. I have never met a mediator as caring and thoughtful as her. She is sensitive
to the views of all parties involved as well as the facts of the case, but can be really tough when pushing all parties to resolve the matter"
- Attorney on an employment dispute
601 S. Figueroa
Ste 3400
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Phone: 213.223.1113
Fax : 213.223.1114
980 9th Street
Suite 2200
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916.394.8490
Fax : 916.394.8495
402 W. Broadway
Ste 2400
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.814.1966
Fax : 619.814.1967
100 Pine Street
Ste 1950
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415.266.1242
Fax : 415.266.1243
1851 East First Street
Ste 1600
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 714.834.1340
Fax : 714.834.1344
11601 Wilshire Blvd
Ste 2040
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310.442.2100
Fax : 310.442.2125
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