The Philosophy of Creative Mediation

Successful mediation requires parties and counsel to be committed to the process. For more than three decades, and prior to earning an LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Gerry represented parties in mediations and is, therefore, intimately familiar with the economic and emotional risk incumbent in all litigation. 
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 all 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.

Biography

Recognized as an exceptional advocate for more than three decades, Gerry DeSimone was the founder of DeSimone & Huxster, trying in excess of 100 lawsuits and arguing over 15 appeals, several of which resulted in changes to existing laws. First exposed to Alternative Dispute Resolution through the California Judicial Arbitration Program (later replaced by mediation in the early 1990s), Gerry has been a staunch advocate of risk evaluation and consideration of the alternatives to trial. 
His relationship with the mediation process is both long and committed, with his combined time being dedicated to either representing parties in mediated disputes or serving as a Court appointed mediator several times per month. Gerry exchanged his position as an advocate and became a full time mediator in 2022. Gerry is an avid skier, an instrument rated pilot and former college football player. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 40 plus years, two sons and their spouses, and the “center of my universe” his grandson, Elijah.
Gerry De Simone - Experienced Mediator for Catastrophic Injuries and Business Disputes

Education

  • Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, Bachelor of Arts
  • Pepperdine University School of Law, Juris Doctorate
  • Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, LLM