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Contact Sayre Macneil

I am a highly trained mediator and lawyer with 25 years of experience in the field of dispute resolution. As a former trial attorney, I know the anatomy of a lawsuit. As a mediator, I understand the dynamics of conflict. With insight, empathy, perspective and legal knowledge, I help parties communicate and reach common ground.

My experience in the court system leads me to believe that in many cases mediation is a better alternative to court action.

Over 20 years in courtroom practice, in keeping with court statistics, over 90% of the cases I handled reached settlement. I realized that, by mediating early in the process, the parties could save a great deal in attorney’s fees, and be spared prolonged anguish and frustration.

To better focus on mediation I obtained extensive training from the University of California at Santa Barbara and the non-profit Conflict Solutions Center.

Mediating and trial attorney for 21 years. Professional and volunteer mediator in Santa Barbara courts. Extensive experience in real estate, landlord/tenant, business and inheritance disputes. Knowledgeable in personal injury, wills and trusts, family law and general civil litigation.

I have been an advocate in hundreds of mediations and settlement conferences over the course of 20 years in law practice, and professionally mediating since 2014.

J.D., Hastings College of the Law, University of California
Certificate in Mediation and Dispute Resolution, UC Santa Barbara (140 hours)
Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills, Conflict Solutions Center, Santa Barbara (40 hours)
Southern California Mediation Association Mentorship Program (20 hours)

Chances are your case will be settled in the end. Over 95% of them are. You might as well do it before you and your money are exhausted.

I am skilled in facilitation, evaluation and transformative mediation. I believe that once the parties understand the dynamics of their conflict, they can be empowered to reach a solution with a known result for much less money, stress, and frustration.

$325 per hour; $1,250 per half day (4 hours), $2,500 per full day (8 hours), and $300 per hour for additional time. Fees and facility costs split equally between the parties. Pre-session conferences with parties or attorneys, plus two follow-up consultations free of charge.