Boulder Mediation Attorney
Mediation Services
Ira Greschler is a shareholder and founder of St.Clair & Greschler, P.C. Mr. Greschler has thirty years experience with a broad range of litigation matters. During his career, Mr. Greschler has divided his time, approximately equally between business disputes (including contract disputes and disputes between partners, shareholders, and employers/employees) domestic relations, and construction. Significant experience with litigation and negotiated resolution of various disputes is a valuable asset which can be used to assist in finding a resolution to any controversy outside the courtroom.
Mr. Greschler has completed forty hours of mediation training conducted by CBR Associates and is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution. Mr. Greschler has participated in hundreds of mediations and more than fifty arbitrations. Extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution is an important factor in choosing a mediator.
In his mediation practice, Mr. Greschler balances an evaluative approach with his experience and understanding of litigation as well as a respect for the mediation process. Emphasis is placed upon obtaining a prompt resolution based upon an understanding of the law, facts, and the way similar controversies have been resolved in court. All parties benefit from an agreement tailored to meet their particular needs rather than a court decision which cannot usually be finely tailored to address every issue or need of the parties.
After years of litigation experience, Mr. Greschler recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of the litigation system. While there are times that a day in court is needed, in the majority of circumstances the benefits of a certain result structured by the parties far outweigh the cost and aggravation of a judicial resolution.
Dissolution of Marriage/Family Law Mediation
Mr. Greschler's involvement in divorce and family law litigation ranges from simple uncontested divorces where parenting and property matters have been resolved quickly to fully contested divorce cases involving business entities with estates of more than 50 million dollars and child custody cases involving physical and sexual abuse. Mr. Greschler has a degree in psychology as well as training in the area of substance abuse. Regardless of issues presented, a negotiated agreement in family law proceedings is almost always preferable to any resolution in court.
Family law cases involve circumstances which have usually developed over a long period time. It is very difficult if not impossible for a judge to understand the issues involved in any divorce matter as well as the parties do themselves. It is the role of mediator to assist the parties in reaching a resolution which is not a victory for either party but allows each party and the children, if any, to move on financially, emotionally, and psychologically.
Family Law mediations are conducted in a setting which is safe for all concerned. Often parties are separated and Mr. Greschler talks with each party in separate rooms. Face to face negotiations take place only if the process will be useful and productive for the mediation process and the parties agree.
Mr. Greschler's years of experience in the area of family law allows for a realistic approach to issues confronting parties in a divorce and/or custody matter. Emphasis is placed on a prompt resolution that is both realistic and creatively responds to the needs of a particular case.
Construction Mediation/Arbitration
Mr. Greschler acted as outside corporate counsel for major steel erection company in the state of Colorado for 15 years. He was involved in several major construction projects including Denver International Airport, Coors Field, The Denver Aquarium and the Buell Theatre remodel. In addition to representing a steel erection company, Mr. Greschler has represented owners, architects, general contractors and sub-contractors involved in both residential and commercial projects with contract disputes and mechanics lien disputes.
In the area of mediation, Mr. Greschler's experience allows him to assist the parties in evaluating the relative merits of their claim for settlement purposes. A realistic appraisal from a knowledgeable person not involved in a dispute either as a party or as counsel can be extremely helpful in negotiating a resolution.
Construction disputes involve details. Trials of construction matters usually involve resolution of a series of smaller issues which lead to an eventual conclusion. The parties generally have a much better understanding of their dispute than a judge or jury can ever have given the limited amount of time available to present evidence. A negotiated resolution provides the parties with flexibility, certainty, and a savings of money and time.
Arbitration of construction disputes is intended to be a quick and inexpensive alternative to litigation. Too often, arbitration results in little savings over a court trial and results which are unpredictable and not well reasoned. Based on his years of representing parties in arbitrations, when functioning as arbitrator in construction matter, Mr. Greschler conducts cases so as to minimize the possible pitfalls of arbitration.
Arbitration proceedings conducted by Mr. Greschler are informal. The rules of evidences are utilized only to the extent necessary to streamline proceedings and obtain relevant information. Discovery is as agreed by the parties and conducted in such a way so as to minimize expense and formality. Unless otherwise requested by the parties, decisions by Mr. Greschler as an arbitrator are provided in detail with sufficient reasoning to indicate that the law and facts have been considered.
Business Mediation
Mr. Greschler has litigated disputes on behalf of management with respect to minority shareholders, on behalf of minority shareholders opposing management, disputes between business partners, and disputes between members of limited liability companies. Mr. Greschler has represented buyers and sellers in merger and acquisition transactions, commercial property transactions and residential property transactions. Mr. Greschler experience in commercial business litigation as well as transactions is an asset in resolution of controversies which arise in those areas.
Disputes which arise between business partners are similar in many respects to divorces. Persons involved often feel that their trust has been betrayed and legitimate expectations have not been met. The assistance of an experienced person not involved with either party can be an asset in obtaining a resolution which is acceptable to both parties.
Disputes that drag out are wasteful of both money and time. Usually all parties are better served by putting their problems behind and investing their energy in ventures which will be profitable now and in the future. A resolution of business conflict provides certainty and freedom to move into the future without being weighed down by the problems of the past.
Mr. Greschler understands the principles of business management and accounting. He understands, based upon firsthand experience, the practicalities involved in litigation of commercial disputes. Litigation experience guides Mr. Greschler in helping the parties to evaluate their position in order to reach a resolution which is realistic and appropriate to the facts and law bearing on each dispute.
Serving Boulder for More Than 20 years
Since 1986, attorneys at St.Clair & Greschler, P.C. have served individuals and businesses in the Boulder, Colorado, area.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Contact our law office today to learn more about family law mediation, civil mediation, probate mediation, bankruptcy mediation or other matter. We are available during regular business hours and by appointment evenings and weekends. You can reach our Colorado lawyers by phone at 303-502-5978 or via e-mail.
