Mediation with Bret Geckeler.

At its heart, mediation is about putting forth our best efforts in pursuit of one thing:  a negotiated option that helps everyone because it is better than the alternative of continued litigation.    And when a mediator ensures a process that is thoughtful, values-based, and well-tailored, many other benefits accrue along the way.

Bret pledges to remain curious about your story and to always seek the best way to help you today.  As Texas-based mediator Eric Galton said, "The easy truth about what mediators do is that each case is different and what the parties want or expect out of mediation is different in each case.  A one-size-fits-all approach will not work and squeezes the life out of a flexible, fluid process."

Look forward to a refreshing experience.  Look forward to an open-book, honest discussion of your matter.  And get excited about an option that is better than litigation.  Mediation can and should be a great day.

Bret Geckeler Mediator, Mediation in Bakersfield Fresno Tulare
Bret Geckeler Mediator, Mediation in Bakersfield Fresno Tulare

Biography.

After litigating complex cases in venues across the United States, Bret found mediation to be the most fascinating aspect of the law.  Helping parties and their attorneys find good deals gives Bret an outsized sense of satisfaction.

Bret has been a full time mediator for over two years and has substantial experience - mediating over one hundred matters.  Bret’s experience includes successful mediation of catastrophic personal injury, agribusiness, school district abuse and bullying, wrongful termination, wage and hour, water rights, medical malpractice, contract and business disputes, fraud, and probate cases.  Bret has been a member of the Southern California Mediation Association and the International Academy of Mediators Mentorship Program.  

His prior experience as an attorney includes work with the world's foremost litigators on the most complex legal issues.  While an attorney with Latham & Watkins LLP, Bret helped litigate securities law, shareholder derivative, white-collar, and multidistrict litigation matters.  His pro bono work earned recognition from the firm and the California Innocence Project.  Bret also has represented individual plaintiffs at every stage of the litigation process, including jury trial.

Bret and his wife have deep ties to the San Joaquin Valley where they both grew up and where they now reside. 

Education.

  • UCLA, 2009.

  • UCLA School of Law, 2015.

Mediation Training.

  • American Institute of Mediation, Mediating Commercial & Litigated Cases.

  • OC Human Relations Mediation, Mediation Skills.

  • International Academy of Mediators, Virtual Conference: A Deep Dive into Mediation Techniques.

  • High Conflict Institute: New Ways for Mediation.

  • Mediation Clerkship with IAM Distinguished Fellow Howard Broadman (Ret.).