Geary D. Cortes: Private Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Arbitration

Fee Schedule

All Mediations are scheduled for a half or full day, with hours customarily 10:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; a half day consisting of three (3) hours and a full day consisting of six (6) hours. A half day is charged at the rate of $1,200.00 and a full day at the rate of $2,400.00 [$400.00 per hour.] The charge for Mediation includes preparation time, research and review of briefs, as well as actual time spent in Mediation. The preparation time and review of briefs associated with Arbitrations is not included in the half and full day fee, and is charged at the hourly rate.

Fees are payable in advance of the hearing on a pro-rata basis. The advance fee is based upon the time estimate, a half day or a full day. The advance fee is due and payable at the time of scheduling, to reserve the date and time of the Mediation, Arbitration or other hearing.

All fees and costs are the joint and several obligation of all counsel. No bills or invoices will be sent to the client or insurance carriers. Accordingly, counsel will be held responsible for payment of all charges associated with services rendered. The advance fee will be clearly indicated on the confirming letter.

Forms:
Case Submission Form
Agreement to Mediate

Advance fees will be returned upon written notice of cancellation, thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled hearing date. If written notice of cancellation is received less than the required thirty (30) days, the advance fee is forfeited in full, unless the time can be rescheduled with another matter. If it can be rescheduled with another matter, the advance fee will be returned. No administrative fees are charged.

If the Mediation, Arbitration or other hearing goes beyond the estimated time, it will be charged at the $400.00 per hour rate. Post session time spent in resolution of the matter, by the Mediator, is charged at the rate of $400.00 per hour rate, which includes, but is not limited to, telephone conferences, research and preparation of documents. A supplemental invoice will be issued and payable on a pro-rata basis. Such fees will be the joint and several obligation of all counsel and due and payable upon receipt.