Marilyn J. Endriss, J.D. Principal/Owner. With over 24 years’ experience as a successful trial lawyer in employment and related civil rights cases and an Administrative Judge with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, I am familiar with the costs that parties face when confronted with litigation. On the business side, employers incur substantial legal fees and expenses, reductions in productivity and morale, and sometimes negative publicity. Employees fare no better. They, too, incur significant costs – emotional, financial and time – that no jury verdict can repay. With such heavy costs on both sides, it makes sense to try to resolve legal disputes early on using mediation. As a mediator, I assist parties with their negotiations – fairly, calmly and impartially – so they can reach an agreement that is mutually satisfactory and meets their highest priorities.

I enjoy consulting with work groups who wish to increase their productivity and effectiveness. I provide team assessment and team building services designed to meet the individualized needs of the group. I offer training in effective communication skills.

As a collaborative professional, I assist collaborative lawyers and their clients build their communication skills as a consultant. Associating with experienced collaborative professionals, I also provide collaborative practice and interest-based negotiation skills training seminars. These training programs meet the standards established by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

I work with organizations and groups by structuring and facilitating large or small group discussions, meetings and retreats. I also facilitate conversations with individuals who may desire outside help when engaging in difficult conversations or high stakes meetings.

I am a member and a certified mediator of the Washington Mediation Association, with specialty certifications in workplace/employment and family/domestic relations. I am a contract mediator for the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

I enjoy what I do -
• Teaching and sharing skills that enable you to better communicate your needs and to listen more fully to the people you care about
• Helping you to resolve your legal disputes and reach an agreement that addresses your top priorities and you feel good about
• Building effective and productive teams whose members trust and are committed to one another and hold themselves and each other accountable

I work hard to help my clients find ways to design and reach solutions that are practical, creative and lasting. I associate with other mediators, facilitators and coaches based on the individualized needs of my clients.

Educational Background:
BA, Duke University 1975
JD, Golden Gate University School of Law 1981

Admissions:
Washington State Supreme Court 1981
US District Court for the Western District of Washington 1981
US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 1990
Local Rule 39.1 Mediator, US District Court for the Western District of Washington
- www.wawd.uscourts.gov/CourtServices/ADR-Alphalisting.htm

Professional Activities:
American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section
Washington State Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section (Chair 2005-2006)
- www.adr-wa.com
Washington State Bar Association ADR Standing Committee (2006)
King County Bar Association ADR Committee
Snohomish County Bar Association
Association for Conflict Resolution
Washington Mediation Association
- www.washingtonmediation.org
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
- www.collaborativepractice.com
        Civil Practice Committee (2006)
        Employment Subcommittee (Chair 2006)
King County Collaborative Law - formerly Washington Collaborative Law
- www.kingcountycollab.org
        Board of Directors 2004-present
        Training Committee
Collaborative Professionals of Washington State Steering Committee, 2006-present

Community Service Volunteer:
Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Mediation Panel
Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish and Island Counties
Seattle Federal Executive Board ADR Consortium
King County Inter-Local Conflict Resolution Group
Peace Council, a parent-teen mediation program
Edmonds School District No. 15 Citizens Planning Committee, 1993-1999 (Chair 1994-1996)