Recognized as an exceptional advocate for nearly four decades, Gerry DeSimone was the founder of DeSimone & Huxster, and one of the most active trial attorneys in Southern California.  A member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) for nearly 25 years, with a breadth of experience representing both Defendants and Plaintiffs in various areas of litigation, Gerry’s familiarity with the subtleties and complexities of litigation enables him to appreciate and shed light on the benefits of settlement, including the financial, emotional, and other burdens of going to trial.

First exposed to Alternative Dispute Resolution through the California Judicial Arbitration Program (later replaced by mediation in the early 1990s), Gerry exchanged his position as an advocate, becoming a full-time mediator in 2022.  He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law. 

With an LLM from Pepperdine’s renowned Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution, Gerry currently spends his days mediating disputes throughout California.  Beyond his private mediation practice, Gerry has served as a Court appointed settlement officer in both the state and federal courts and has mediated in excess of 250 matters over the past three years. 

While counsel and the parties are expected to be strong advocates, Gerry is dedicated to lessening the parties’ exposure of both economic and emotional risk that is incumbent in litigation. Gerry prides himself on the art of listening to the parties and counsel, enabling him to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the various claims and defenses presented, with an eye toward avoiding impasse.