Employment
Employment disputes, including wage and hour, whistleblower, civil-rights, and related workplace claims.
Private commercial mediation · California
Calm. Prepared. Persistent.
Christopher M. Barnes helps attorneys, businesses, and their clients work through difficult civil disputes with careful preparation, an impartial perspective, and steady engagement.
Email or text is preferred for scheduling.
PreparedGrounded in the facts, issues, and decision-makers
ImpartialA fair perspective on strengths, weaknesses, and risk
EngagedSteady attention when negotiations become difficult
About
Understanding the case is only part of the work.
Christopher M. Barnes is a Los Angeles private commercial mediator. Through Barnes Dispute Resolution, he helps parties and counsel navigate litigated and pre-litigation civil claims throughout California.
Before starting his mediation practice, Chris was a trial lawyer in multiple areas of practice, with a focus on employment litigation.
View credentialsPractice areas
Experience with civil disputes that call for a thoughtful process.
Personal injury
Personal injury, malpractice, premises liability, and related civil liability matters.
Commercial disputes
Business, contract, insurance, and other civil matters where a practical way forward is needed.
Approach
A thoughtful process for the work behind a resolution.
Every dispute is different. Chris brings a clear structure to the mediation while making room for the information, perspective, and conversation a difficult negotiation can require.
- 01
Prepare
Review the key facts and legal issues, and understand the posture of the dispute before the session.
- 02
Assess
Explore strengths, weaknesses, risks, and the practical barriers that can keep parties apart.
- 03
Listen
Make room for the perspectives, motivations, and concerns that shape a party’s decisions.
- 04
Stay engaged
Keep the conversation focused when negotiation becomes difficult, and remain available when the parties choose to continue the work.
Credentials
Professional background.
Resume & CV
Professional profiles and curriculum vitae.
For a fuller record of Chris’s professional background, mediation experience, and affiliations, view the external profiles below.
NADN
National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
View Chris’s professional profile and available dates.
View profile
IAM
International Academy of Mediators
Read the Academy’s announcement of Chris’s Distinguished Fellow admission.
View announcement
Download Chris’s CV (PDF)
Contact
Schedule a mediation.
To request dates or check availability, please include the case name, counsel contact information, preferred dates, and a short description of the matter. Email or text is preferred.
Please do not send confidential information until appropriate arrangements have been confirmed.
Email
BarnesDisputeResolution@gmail.com
Call or text
(818) 399-9945Send a text
Location
Los Angeles, California