Debra Bogaards

Debra Bogaards

Debra Bogaards is a sought-after mediator in her own practice, Bogaards Mediation. She has a background with 38 years in insurance defense, mostly for State Farm clients, and an overlapping 20 years as a plaintiff’s personal injury and employment lawyer.
She also will be an adjunct professor with the UC Law Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution in the fall of 2023. While most of her mediations are conducted over Zoom, she welcomes in-person mediations at her Jackson Square District offices in San Francisco.

Articles written by this author:

Ten ways to settle your case quickly and reasonably

A defense attorney suggests that your client may benefit if you cooperate with defense counsel

Debra Bogaards

2010 October


Stilettos, trials and baby bottles

What’s the difference between being a female trial attorney and mom versus being a male trial attorney and dad?

Debra Bogaards

2014 February


Dressing your client for success at deposition and trial

Dressing your client for success at deposition and trial

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”

Debra Bogaards

2017 January


Stilettos in mediation

Stilettos in mediation

New mediator and former defense counsel on “the art of successful mediation”

Debra Bogaards

2019 April


What I learned at Harvard

The mediation program offers mediators the eye-opening opportunity to role play as plaintiffs and defendants

Debra Bogaards

2019 August


Pants are optional and forget stilettos

Pants are optional and forget stilettos

How to “stage” your client for Zoom mediations, from what to wear to background settings to lighting

Debra Bogaards

2020 August


Top ten tips for slaying it in Zoom mediation

Top ten tips for slaying it in Zoom mediation

While the same rules apply as with in-person mediation, there are nuances to be aware of

Debra Bogaards

2021 September


Get visual

Your clients and experts are some of your “exhibits” so dress them appropriately; and other thoughts on how to make simple, inexpensive exhibits come alive at trial

Debra Bogaards

2022 January



Should you mediate a policy-limits case?

Also: Pushing back on mediation confidentiality clauses

Debra Bogaards

2023 July