RESUME

Steven Abern, Esq. brings unparalleled expertise to ADR Services, Inc. His extensive legal career spans 34 years, during which he served as the Managing Partner at Haapala, Thompson & Abern, one of the preeminent insurance defense firms in the Bay Area. His legal acumen is built on a foundation of litigating thousands disputes encompassing landlord-tenant issues, landslide and earth movement cases, premises liability, ADA claims, construction and real estate matters, personal injury, and public entity disputes.

Mr. Abern’s exceptional track record includes over 100 successful mediations as a private mediator and settlement mentor prior to joining ADR Services, Inc. He values a positive, efficient and solution-oriented approach that acknowledges the needs of both litigants and participating professionals. Having worked closely with insurance claims professionals over the entire span of his career, particularly in matters in which insurance coverage was disputed, he is uniquely suited to mediating matters where insurance coverage and contribution is involved.  He has developed a rapport with both counsel and insurance professionals which he has drawn upon in mediation to settle matters efficiently to the satisfaction of all involved.

Admitted to practice in 1990, Mr. Abern is an AV-rated attorney with extensive experience as trial counsel. His litigation experience includes numerous jury trials, arbitrations, and over 1,000 mediations as an advocate, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on dispute resolution. Additionally, he has significant appellate experience, further enhancing his capabilities as a mediator. His dedication to achieving fair and effective resolutions, combined with his comprehensive legal background, makes him a valuable asset to any mediation process.

• Landlord/Tenant
• Landslide and Earth Movement
• Premises Liability
• ADA Claims
• Construction and Real Estate
• HOA Claims
• Mold Claims
• Boundary and Neighbor Disputes
• Personal Injury
• Brain Injury and Wrongful Death

• University of San Francisco School of Law, 1990
• Grinnell College, 1979

• 2024 – Present Mediator and Special Master, ADR Services, Inc.
• 1990 – 2024 Partner, Haapala, Thompson & Abern