Mediator Profile – Karen J. Sloat, Esq.
Our firm’s Founder and President, Karen J. Sloat, is a certified, professional mediator who offers half and full day services – or more time as needed – to resolve disputes. Karen brings over 36 years as a civil attorney and litigator, and over 15 years of mediation experience, to her mediation clients. She is a nationally known speaker on labor and employment law issues, presenting seminars and webinars as continuing education for lawyers, accountants, Human Resource professionals, and community association representatives.
Karen and SLG have represented both employers and employees in litigation involving almost every type of labor law issue. She regularly mediates disputes involving:
- wage and hour laws, including but not limited to class actions and PAGA claims
- discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and whistleblowing
- contracts
- trade secrets
- wrongful termination
As a private mediator, and as a Settlement Officer and mediator for the Riverside County Superior Court for 15 years, she expertly guides parties through the mediation process in a wide range of complex matters. Karen’s varied career also enables her to offer parties and counsel substantial experience in business and contract disputes other than labor law issues, such as partnership or similar conflicts, contract negotiations and nonprofit laws. As a result, she has a keen understanding of positions, emotions and strategies on both sides of an employment law dispute, as well as disputes in other practice areas. For more information on the process and goals of mediation, click here for more information.
ATTORNEYS: If your client’s dispute is not yet the subject of a lawsuit, Karen can work with the parties and attorneys to settle the case. We strongly recommend early resolution of disputes before litigation commences, to stave off expensive and stressful court fights. If your clients are already involved in litigation, we recommend mediation before the parties engage in costly discovery and motions.
Karen is especially gifted at understanding the big picture of the dispute as well as the parties’ deepest concerns. Her conciliatory, if not affable, style puts parties at ease, while her knowledge of the law enables vigorous discussions with legal counsel about their clients’ strengths and weaknesses. She facilitates meaningful communications and fosters a collaborative environment that consistently leads to successful resolutions, even in the most challenging situations.
Even in multi-party conflicts, Karen consistently navigates complex dynamics and uncovers underlying interests that drive parties toward mutually beneficial agreements. Her commitment to the mediation process and her skill in helping parties reach voluntary, self-determined resolutions make her an invaluable asset in pursuing fair and lasting outcomes.
For our virtual or in person mediation with Ms. Sloat, or with any questions about our process or fees, please call our offices at 760-779-1313, or email here.
