Michael Compean in an analytically and emotionally intelligent Mediator that understands the wide range of different dynamics often at play in the process of non-litigated resolution of both simple and complex disputes. Michael prefers to start with a facilitative approach, but will engage in an evaluative approach where called upon to do so or where it makes sense.
Michael has conducted over 400 court-appointed (panel) and private mediations since early 2008, as well as arbitrations. As a Mediator and Arbitrator, he brings to the table 36 plus years of practice as an insurance attorney, involving a wide range of both complex commercial property and casualty claims, as well as business and personal injury disputes.
Beginning late 1987 I undertook an insurance coverage and bad faith practice continuing to the present, including but not limited to representation of a large number of different insurance companies in both state and federal court litigation on both numerous motions for summary judgment, and in numerous court trials (both simple and complex). That practice involved a wide range of underlying practice areas, including but not limited to lawsuits involving agricultural hybrid seed non-competition actions, other agricultural crop destruction disputes, construction defect, construction accident, personal injury, toxic tort, asbestos, environmental contamination, and the like.
Michael began his mediation practice in January 2008 when he became a member of the Los Angeles County Superior Court Mediation Panel. He works in the Facilitative ADR style for most matters, primarily because he believes it best for parties and counsel to come to a given resolution on their own, with his help. On the other hand, he will on occasion utilize an Evaluative style, usually when asked to do so by one or another party and/or counsel, or to assure that counsel and/or the parties have fully comprehended and considered both the cost and risk factors involved with the litigation alternative to a mediated resolution, or otherwise where it appears it would be helpful to overcoming an impasse reached in the course of a given mediation.
Areas Of Practice
- Business
- Commercial
- Construction
- Contracts
- Education
- Environmental
- Insurance
- Landlord – Tenant
- Legal Malpractice
- Partnership Disputes
- Personal Injury
- Special Education
Education
- University of California, Los Angeles – School of Law, Juris Doctor, Law, 1984
- University of California at Los Angeles, B.A., 1981
- University of California at Berkeley, 1972
Memberships & Activities
- Los Angeles County Superior Court Panel Mediation (2008 – 2014)
- Los Angeles County Bar Association Member (2006 to Present)
- Los Angeles County Bar Association Attorney Client Mediation and Arbitration Services