Resolution Remedies

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Combine no-nonsense lawyering with an innate understanding of  business and a well-rounded appreciation for different perspectives and motivations; blend it with a sense of humor; and you have Eric Sternberger.  A graduate of the University of San Francisco and University of California Hastings College of Law, Sternberger has an ever-eager curiosity about life and the law.

 A mediator who firmly believes in thorough preparation, Sternberger says, “When you are prepared and demonstrate to counsel that you have done your homework, you create an atmosphere of trust and that permeates the proceedings.  Simply put, you must know the facts and the law.  If you don’t, you might as well just go home.” 

“Flexibility is also vital,” continues Sternberger.  “At the inception of mediation, you might begin with a collaborative or facilitative style of negotiation, like in a boardroom.  But, as things develop, issues may dictate a more evaluative style, so maintaining an open mind and being flexible to the needs of the participants is absolutely vital to the process.  Creativity is another integral ingredient to any settlement.  Active listening provides invaluable insight to shaping a workable solution that the participants may not have considered.” 

 “As a corporate lawyer, my eye is always focused on the business side of the case – the cost-benefit analysis.   Any resolution has to make sense from a business/financial perspective for the parties, and usually it is good business for the parties to resolve a dispute by finding how their common interests can be served by ending the dispute.   Usually the participants simply need someone who can guide them toward those common interests with a combination of credibility, flexibility, and creativity – and that is what I try to bring to every case I mediate.” 

BACKGROUND

Eric Sternberger is a partner at Ragghianti Freitas LLP. His transactional practice includes acting as outside general counsel to businesses in a wide variety of industries, including technology and intellectual property, shipping, advertising and branding, professional services, real estate, health care, winery and vintner transactions and angel investments. From his experience, Mr. Sternberger has gained an excellent understanding of  business and corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, joint ventures, buy-sell agreements, secured financing, bridge loan financing, securities, licensing, and real estate transactions. Along with his transactional practice, Mr. Sternberger maintains a complex business litigation practice dealing primarily with business disputes and shareholder disagreements, and has coordinated numerous international litigation proceedings. Eric brings a disarming approach to his ADR practice, combining a sense of humor and well developed "people skills."

MEMBERSHIPS and SPECIAL HONORS

Eric served as the Chair of the California State Bar Committee on Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies (2007-2008); has served on the Board of Directors of the Marin County Bar Association (2005-Present); and is a past-President of the Richard M. Sangster American Inn of Court (2008-2009).  In addition, he received the Wiley W. Manuel Award from the California State Bar for providing significant pro bono legal services. He has also served as a Marin County Commissioner, acting as Chair of the Adult Criminal Justice Commission advising the Marin County Board of Supervisors on all aspects of criminal justice, prosecution and prevention.

EDUCATION

J.D., University of California Hastings College of Law, 1998
B.A., University of San Francisco, magna cum laude, 1995