Sheppard Mullin

The traditional mechanism for resolving a dispute is a lawsuit. Sheppard Mullin recognizes that oftentimes litigation is not the most efficient or ideal method of resolution. Accordingly, we frequently recommend that our clients pursue various means of alternative dispute resolution ("ADR").

ADR is a general term that encompasses several different methods of dispute resolution. Sheppard Mullin works with clients to identify which disputes are appropriate for ADR, and which ADR mechanism is appropriate for a given dispute. In offering an ADR perspective, we advise our clients on the range of ADR alternatives with cost, efficiency and results in mind.

ADR encompasses 1) non-binding procedures designed to achieve a consensual settlement or reconciliation between the parties; and 2) binding adversarial proceedings where a neutral party decides the dispute on a binding basis. Non-binding ADR traditionally involves voluntary mediation before neutral third parties and in-court settlement conferences. Binding ADR typically involves one of several forms of binding arbitration.

There are several entities that offer ADR services, and our attorneys are thoroughly familiar and experienced with the rules, policies and dispute resolution professionals available through those entities. We have developed experience before the American Arbitration Association, JAMS Endispute and a host of independent retired judges and other independent ADR providers. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various ADR forums and guide our clients in selecting the ideal ADR forum given the unique characteristics or peculiarities of a client's specific dispute. Our range of experience using ADR mechanisms includes complex business disputes, class actions, contract claims, business torts, real estate disputes, partnership disputes and securities claims.

We also counsel our clients in drafting ADR agreements both before and after disputes arise. Clients often desire to include ADR provisions in agreements so as to facilitate efficient dispute resolution should disputes arise under their contracts. We have crafted such provisions for clients in a multitude of industries. In situations where our clients have been sued but would prefer to resolve their dispute outside of the courthouse, we have successfully negotiated ADR agreements with adversaries whose initial inclination was to file a lawsuit. By negotiating such ADR agreements we are able to conserve considerable resources for our client.

"As Sheppard Mullin continues to grow, it is important that we not lose sight of the need to recruit women, attorneys of color and others of diverse backgrounds."
-Guy Halgren, Chairman of the Executive Committee

At Sheppard Mullin, we make every effort to recruit the finest lawyers and nurture their talents. The firm recognizes the importance of diversity and the need to create a workplace of inclusion. We need ¿ and our clients demand ¿ a team of attorneys that is as diverse as our increasingly global client base. Achieving and maintaining diversity is key to great client service ¿ a core value of our firm. What distinguishes good intentions from results is a commitment by senior management to find the best attorneys possible coupled with the sincere belief that people with diverse backgrounds bring valuable attributes to the firm. At Sheppard Mullin, the Executive Committee, Diversity Committee, and the lawyers in each of our offices work hard to ensure that all attorneys who join our firm fit in seamlessly and are encouraged to succeed.

Members of our Diversity Committee include ethnically diverse attorneys and a representative from the firm's Executive Committee. Diversity Committee members have served on the Boards of the Anti-Defamation League, the Black Women Lawyers Foundation (Los Angeles), and the Charles Houston Bar Association (northern California). Women and minority attorneys participate on key committees of the Firm (Executive Committee; Compensation Committee; Diversity Committee; Recruiting Committee; Professional Personnel Committee; Associate Issues Committee). Four of the Firm's nine Office Administrative Partners are women, one of whom is African-American and another is multi-racial.

"Serving on the firm's Diversity Committee is one of the most important things I do. I firmly believe that we must be vigilant in our efforts to recruit talented women attorneys and attorneys of color. Our success in this area has a positive effect our firm's culture, practice and client relationships."
-Joan Story, Member Executive Committee and Diversity Committee

Below is a description of just some of our outreach efforts.

• The firm participates in and financially supports the California Minority Counsel Program and the ABA Minority Counsel Program, as well as several minority bar associations. These groups are dedicated to increasing access for and promoting and retaining minorities in the legal profession.
• The firm actively recruits law students of color, e.g., we participated in the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) of the Western Region job fair held at UCLA School of Law.
• Sheppard Mullin contributes to the Minority Corporate Counsel Association; California Women Lawyers; Queen's Bench; Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles; and the National Black Law Students Association, among others.
• We actively participate with other major Los Angeles law firms in the Diversity Directors Roundtable, a group that is committed to promoting diversity in the legal profession and in our firms.
• The firm received the Law Firm Award from the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation for its strong commitment to the promotion of community and pro bono activities.
• Multicultural Law magazine named Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as one of "The 2011 Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity."
• Sheppard Mullin helped underwrite the production of a motion picture project entitled "Soul of Justice: The Life and Times of Thelton Henderson." The film chronicles the life of respected African-American jurist Thelton Henderson, a crusading civil rights litigator and role model.
• The firm signed the Bar Association of San Francisco's "No Glass Ceiling Initiative," BASF's "Minority Goals and Timetables," the New York County Lawyers' Association Diversity Statement, and the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Diversity Statement.

Much of our pro bono work relates to the diversity of the communities in which we practice; sample clients include:

• Constitutional Rights Foundation
• Domestic Violence Project, Los Angeles Bar Association
• Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
• Task Force for the Women's Resource Fair, City of San Diego
• Tolerance Through Education Program, Beverly Hills Barristers Associations
• Violence Against Women Act Program, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Awareness of diversity enables us to understand the value of differences. At Sheppard Mullin, we are committed to hiring top tier attorneys, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.