Mediator offers services for free to front line workers

Jeff Kichaven, an independent mediator, is offering his services pro bono to those working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He is offering free mediation services to first responders, essential workers and companies that provide medical or essential goods and services to those affected by COVID-19.

He announced the campaign on social media and in a newsletter on Thursday.

Kichaven said he was inspired to launch the pro bono campaign after watching a webinar that discussed brand behaviors during the pandemic and was moved by a company offering its goods for free to essential workers.

"I thought just as this company, Huckberry, was playing to its strength and giving its products to the people who need them most that I could do that and I could give my services to the people who need them most. And so, I am implementing this pro bono campaign of free services, free mediation when there are disputes that are affecting the delivery of goods and services to COVID-19 patients and their families," Kichaven said.

Kichaven said he expects he may handle labor and employment and landlord/tenant disputes. He said he will assist clients regardless of their location.

"That's one of the blessings of being able to do everything by Zoom because now, it doesn't matter whether your mediator is around the block or around the world. I can handle disputes anywhere... without getting on an airplane, without even getting into my car. So that creates a tremendous opportunity for mediators and other service providers to help people over a far wider geographic area."

Kichaven is based in Los Angeles with an office in San Francisco. In practice for 24 years, he focuses on business-to-business disputes related to intellectual property, insurance coverage and professional liability.

"I'm just very happy that I had this idea [and] that I'm able to do it. I think it's one of the benefits of having an independent mediation practice rather than being with a company. I'm just able to implement my idea quickly and be nimble about it," he said. "There's no bureaucracy to which I have to report, I don't have to get anybody's permission. It just seemed like the right thing to do and so I'm doing it."