Tia Welch Maerz will not waste your time telling war stories or reminding the parties how expensive it is to litigate cases. As a highly experienced neutral since 2010, she will work hard with the attorneys and their clients to make sure that each side knows that it has been heard not only by the mediator but by the other side, and that each side has clearly identified its interests in resolving the conflict.

Her practice focuses on employment law including wage & hour, harassment, discrimination and retaliation, trade secrets and non-competes, maritime law and personal injury law including Jones Act and unseaworthiness, business and commercial law including breach of contract, trademarks, insurance coverage and government procurement contracts, and civil rights violations.

Welch Maerz started her legal career as a trial deputy for the City and County of San Francisco, and then became a name and founding partner of two San Francisco litigation boutique firms. She has a winning trial record of over 90% in 20+ jury trials. She worked her way through her undergraduate career at UC Berkeley (Cal Alumni Scholar) and through law school. She mentored minority and underprivileged high school kids in the BASF’s School-to-College Program and served on the Board of GirlVentures, dedicated to addressing gender inequality. Her volunteer commitment to legal programs which level the playing field is demonstrated by her service as a mediator for the U. S. District Court for the Northern District, early settlement panelist for the San Francisco Superior Court, and Alameda County Access to Justice Unlawful Detainer Mediation Project. Her ability to relate to people of many different backgrounds makes her uniquely qualified as a mediator to facilitate a resolution for the parties.

Hourly Rate: $550 - $750, depending upon the complexity of the case.