Introduction
Following his successful career as a litigator where he had been known for representing plaintiffs in all types of personal injury litigation with the highest degree of integrity and civility, Joseph E. Thielen, Esq. was able to use his experience of having a large number of jury trials as a persuasive factor in helping parties assess the risk of trial. In 1998, he transitioned his practice to full-time work as a neutral, with a specialty in resolving insurance bad faith, and product liability, including pharmaceuticals, medical malpractice, and other professional negligence. His quote that best summarized his motivation in this transition was "I know the physical, emotional, and financial price a jury trial extracts on litigants and their counsel, I hope to spare some of them this significant expenditure." Mr. Thielen has successfully mediated or arbitrated several hundred matters where both he and the clients felt his prior trial experience proved invaluable. One defense lawyer stated "I always find him to be effective and fair to both sides. It's generally a good experience for all." Another said, "His ethics and professionalism place him in good standing, I can't wait to introduce my other clients to him."
Practice Areas
Hobbies & Interests
Enjoys bicycling, hiking and being in the great outdoors.
Testimonials
"Thielen was one, if not the best, JW mediator I've used."
- Attorney on a Policy Distribution Matter
"Mr. Thielen was very efficient, professional, and kind. I really enjoyed the experience."
- Partner at a San Francisco-Based Law Firm
"The mediator’s experience, insite and knowledge regarding the type of claim (medical malpractice) was very helpful."
- Attorney on a Medical Malpractice Matter
"Knowledgeable of complex clinical issues and unique legal issue."
- Attorney on an Elder Abuse/Medical Malpractice Dispute
"This was a very difficult and highly charged case involving a minor. The minor's mother was very difficult, to say the least. Mr. Thielen did an excellent job in getting the parties to a number that made sense."
- Attorney on a Sexual Molestation case
"Joe Thielen clearly ranks as one of the most knowledgeable and accomplished mediators around, and did an excellent job. I can easily recommend him for any complex case."
- Attorney, Northern California
"I just wanted to say thank you to Mr. Thielen for all his hard work on and for changing his travel plans to accommodate us. I honestly believe that
this case would not have settled without him and I'm thrilled with the outcome. He has now become my top mediator in California and will recommend using him in the future. I look forward to working with him again."
- Claims Representative, Orange County, California
"No nonsense, real, grounded, goes to the heart and gets the case settled for what it should settle out."
- Attorney on a Professional Malpractice Therapist case
