Testimonials

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"I haven't had any issues getting the other side to agree on using Judge Sotelo as a mediator. And that says something. From the plaintiff side to the defense side - everyone seems to feel they're getting a fair shake with him."

"Judge Sotelo was very good with my client and helped the parties reach a resolution without a mediator's proposal. His disposition is one where he can convey sensitive things to the clients. His gentle way of delivering not-so-rosy news was one of the traits I thought would be helpful for this particular case. I needed somebody who had the experience of being a judge - who has ruled on issues that related to the case - but at the same time could do so without talking down to the clients. And I found his style to be very effective."

"Judge Sotelo has an uncanny ability to get folks working as a team and on their own. He has a way of talking - it's like a softspoken authority, not an in-your-face authority. And when he brings the lawyers into a room together, his demeanor creates an atmosphere, where all of a sudden the attorneys find themselves working together, and he is in the background."

"Judge Sotelo is bilingual and bicultural, and so what he brings to the table is cultural sensitivity and understanding. And that goes a long way for my clients. I'm a little rough around the edges, but he's a classy cat. He's very fair, very methodical. He pays a lot of attention to detail, and he stays neutral through the entire process. He's very sensitive in communicating with all parties and really maintains a tone of respect and collegiality throughout."

"Judge Sotelo is the best.  I only use him."

“My time with Judge Sotelo was excellent. I previously had a trial with him before he retired. One of the strong factors of selecting him as a mediator was his demeanor. He has a great temperament in Court and ADR. He listens to both sides and allows both sides to make their arguments. Likewise, he is not hesitant to issue a ruling or provide his opinion on a legal issue. He was also very good with the clients. He allowed them to vent and then responded to the issues. He was also patient with the process. He understood that there would be moments that the negotiations were frustrated and looked like they would stall. However, he was steadfast with the process and did not waiver on his responsibilities. He was able to get the parties to reach a resolution without the need of a mediator’s proposal. I found his style very effective. I would highly recommend him to my colleagues.”
 

"He was very personable, professional, we were able to resolve the case with his persuasion skills. I would definitely select him again."

 “Judge Sotelo succeeded! I doubted the matter would settle because both sides were very contentious, but Judge Sotelo used his Jedi mind tricks and brought everyone to a happy medium. We applauded Judge Sotelo when we finished. I appreciated his cultural sensitivity. It was disengaging.”