Introduction

As a full time neutral since 2011, Ed has focused his practice on mediation and is now available in all our offices statewide. He has over 30 years of combined legal experience. As an attorney, Ed was involved in many mediations, and recognized the benefits that private dispute resolution offered. Years later, while serving on the Riverside and San Bernardino County Court Panels, he discovered his passion for being a mediator. Ed was recognized by the Riverside Superior Court as being one of its top mediators for several years and now serves as a full-time private mediator.

An attorney had this to say about Ed, “My clients and I are highly impressed by Mr. Fernandez's professionalism, skill and, most importantly, his mannerism. He is straight to the point and has the ability of putting people at ease. He is never pushy but is quite persuasive. He successfully helped us resolve a matter of which we were not very optimistic about at the beginning of the mediation. I will definitely put him on the “toppick” list of my future mediator selection.”

One of Ed's perspective on mediation is that “the same, 'cookie cutter' approach just does not work anymore. Listen to the parties, be patient and build trust and confidence.”

Practice Areas

• All Types of Personal Injury
• Business/Contractual
• Government/Public Agencies
• Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith
• Real Estate

Hobbies & Interests

Ed and his wife Kathy have four children. Ed enjoys brewing beer and recently completed “Introduction to Practical Brewing”, a week-long course at UC Davis. In addition, Ed can be found playing guitar in a couple of local Riverside bands.

Website

http://toppickmediator.com/

Testimonials

"Mr. Fernandez was extremely effective in assisting us with resolution despite the complex medical issues + appointment challenges."
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Auto dispute

"I absolutely endorse Ed Fernandez as one of the most effective mediators. Thanks Ed for all the great results! More mediations to come! Hats off to you."
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"My clients and I are highly impressed by Mr. Fernandez’s professionalism, skill and, most importantly, his mannerism. He is straight to the point and has the ability of putting people at ease. He is never pushy but is quite persuasive. He successfully helped us resolve a matter of which we were not very optimistic about at the beginning of the mediation. I will definitely put him on the “toppick” list of my future mediator selection."
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"Ed Fernandez is a very effective mediator who works at reasonable rates and has settled quite a few cases for my law firm--I would recommend him highly!"
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"Mr. Fernandez came in and stayed late on the Friday before Christmas. The mediation was time sensitive, much appreciated. Mr. Fernandez persuaded my reluctant client to submit to a mediator’s proposal. This device was effective and settled the case. Well done."
- Attorney on a Premise Liability Dispute

Legal Career

• Mediator, Judicate West (Present)
• Mediator, Top Pick Mediator (2011-Present)
• Partner, Fernandez & Lauby (2015-2017)
• Partner, Donner, Fernandez & Lauby (1998-2011)
• Partner, Gilbert, Kelly, Crowley & Jennett, Riverside (1989- 1998)
• Attorney, Gilbert, Kelly, Crowley & Jennett, Los Angeles (1984-1989)

Education & Professional Affiliations

• J.D., University of California San Diego (1982)
• B. A., University of California, San Diego (1979)
• Mediating the Litigated Case, Pepperdine University School of Law, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution (2008)
• Member, ABA Section of Dispute Resolution (2011-Present)
• Member, ADR, Conflict Resolution and Mediation Exchange (2011-Present)
• Member, American Institute of Mediation (AIM), (2011-Present)
• Member, Commercial and Industry Arbitration and Mediation Group (2011-Present)
• Member, Mediators Beyond Borders (2011-Present)
• Member, Mediators and Peacemakers (2011-Present)
• Member, Southern California Mediation Association (SCMA), (2011-Present)
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) – San Bernardino/Riverside Chapter (2008-Present)
• Member, Riverside County Bar Association (1990-Present)
• Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association (1984-Present)

Achievements & Awards

• AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
• Panelist, Riverside County Bar Association & Riverside Superior Court New Attorney Academy, “The Ins and Outs of Alternative Dispute Resolution” (2016)
• Speaker, Mediation and the American Civil Justice System, California State University San Bernardino-Southwest University of Political Science Lecture Series (July 2012)
• “So You Want to Be A Mediator?” by Edward A. Fernandez – Riverside Lawyer Magazine Volume 64-3 (March 2014)
• Recognized by the Riverside Superior Court as a “Top 3 Civil Mediator” (2012, 2014)

Legal Experience

• All Types of Personal Injury
• Business/Contractual
• Government/Public Agencies
• Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith
• Real Estate