Mediator Spotlight - Wendy Fassberg

October 2026

What do you find most rewarding about helping parties through mediation?

Disputes create a lot of stress for many parties, and they often come to mediation filled with that stress.   I endeavor to guide the parties through the process in a way that helps to alleviate at least some of their stress.  I find it very rewarding to be able to help those parties resolve their disputes without the often life-altering consequences of litigation.  

What is one piece of advice you often share with parties entering mediation?

I try to help educate parties about the realities of litigation/arbitration, and I advise them to do something that is often very difficult for them…to step back, take the emotion out of how they are viewing the dispute and their situation, and make their decisions based upon reality and the practical consequences that can flow from not resolving their dispute.

How do you approach building trust with the parties during mediation?

As we move through the mediation process, I share with the parties how I see the day going, discussing how the mediation process works, as well as the practical realities of what comes next if the matter does not settle.  My forthrightness seems to engender trust in me by the parties.

Can you share a lesson you’ve learned from your years of mediating disputes?

While there may be similarities, no dispute is the same and no sets of parties are the same.  As a mediator, I have to be ready to observe and pivot based upon the needs of the situation and the parties.

How do you stay calm and objective during challenging cases?

Lots of experience.  Also, it is part of my nature to be completely impartial and objective, no matter the parties or the circumstances.  When I enter a mediation, there is a calm that just comes over me, and remains no matter what comes at me.

Discover a better way to overcome real estate disputes at the C.A.R. Dispute Resolution Center for Real Estate. Visit https://www.car.org/disputeresolution or call (213) 739-8376 to learn how our mediators can facilitate your dispute resolution with expertise and care.

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