Resolve Law LA program gains traction as virtual settlement tool

Modeled after a program that once operated out of the Stanley Mosk Courthouse cafeteria, the Resolve Law LA Virtual Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) Program has become an increasingly popular option for attorneys litigating personal injury and employment cases in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

"When I talk to people about whether they'd like to go to the Resolve Law LA program, all the attorneys know the program, and all of them speak very favorably about it," said Judge Virginia C. Keeny. "All of them, when I refer them to it, with a few exceptions, are happy with the assignment and know they will get real effective work done in that session - even if they don't settle immediately."

Cases are referred by judges and handled through free, three-hour virtual settlement conferences staffed by two volunteer attorneys--one representing the plaintiff perspective and one the defense.

"I think the model is very unique," Keeny said, noting that pairing experienced lawyers from both sides creates a more balanced mediation process. "Clients going into this know that at least one of the mediators will have familiarity with what it's like to bring these cases, and [the mediators] have a real understanding of both sides' personal dynamics."

Launched in July 2021 to address a pandemic-era backlog of personal injury cases, the program expanded in July 2025 to include non-complex employment matters. Since September 2024, more than 5,000 cases have been referred, according to Kerry Bigornia, the court's alternative dispute resolution administrator. About 75% are personal injury cases, with the remainder involving employment disputes.

The program's collaborative structure has also attracted experienced attorneys to serve as volunteer settlement officers. Participants must have at least 10 years of legal experience and belong to organizations such as the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills Bar Association, Los Angeles Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Los Angeles County Bar Association, or California Employment Lawyers Association.

"They can discuss new ideas, and they can actually learn from their fellow settlement officer," Bigornia said.

The program was developed by defense attorney Marta A. Alcumbrac and plaintiffs' attorney Genie E. Harrison, who worked with court officials during the pandemic to create a virtual alternative to an earlier in-person MSC program. That program brought together plaintiff and defense attorneys at the Mosk courthouse to resolve cases, primarily within the personal injury hub.

Since its launch, Resolve Law LA has produced consistent results. About 44% of nearly 2,000 personal injury cases have settled during the three-hour sessions, while roughly 42% of more than 2,100 employment cases have reached agreement. Alcumbrac said an additional 20% of cases continue settlement discussions after the session ends.

The timing of referrals differs by case type. Personal injury matters are typically assigned within two months of trial, when the pressure to resolve is greatest.

"That is often a really important time for the parties to reach mediation," Keeny said.

Employment cases, by contrast, are referred earlier--within six to nine months--because of the potential for significant attorney fee awards.

"It's really critical to get parties into a settlement discussion before both sides incur huge attorney fees," Keeny said.

Alcumbrac recently returned to the program as a volunteer settlement officer alongside Harrison, helping resolve a long-pending case approaching the five-year mark for a seven-figure settlement.

The program now includes about 460 personal injury attorneys and more than 300 employment attorneys serving as volunteers. Alcumbrac said additional participants are needed.

"It's a really enriching and rewarding experience to serve as a settlement officer," she said, adding that the role can provide valuable perspective for attorneys handling their own cases.

Supervising Judge for the Civil Division Lawrence P. Riff said the program has become an important tool as civil filings continue to rise.

The court, he said, is "deeply grateful" to the attorneys who volunteer, noting that both the judiciary and the public benefit from their work.

"It's not a one-way street," Riff added. "The lawyers who are participating also are beneficiaries. They are getting an insight into the practice of law, operating as a neutral, that most people in private practice do not get."

That experience, he said, can ultimately make them more effective advocates while giving them an opportunity to contribute to the broader legal community.