Desert Cities Mediation

Mediator Profile

20 Years of Practice as an Attorney representing both plaintiff and defense interests as well as a sense of empathy for personal challenge combine to equip Lisa Copeland with a unique blend of talents that have made her an effective attorney and mediator.   From a professional perspective, Ms. Copeland has handled litigation including complex environmental torts, real estate, construction as well as and community association, corporate disputes, civil rights litigation and employment and labor disputes - among others.  Ms. Copeland has appeared by amicus brief before the United States Supreme Court, and has successfully argued before the California Supreme Court and the California Court of Appeal. 

Ms. Copeland is a strong advocate for mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.   “Now more than ever, the need for people to conserve and focus energy in a constructive way is paramount.  Mediation provides a priceless opportunity for disputants to chart their own destiny and move beyond conflict so they may be free to direct their attention towards productive endeavors.”   For Information About Scheduling A Mediation click here. 

Education and Training:
 

B.S. Western State University College of Law, 1987

J.D. Western State University College of Law, 1988 Summa Cum Laude, Salutatorian

Litigating the Mediated Case, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine School of Law – November 2008

Alternative Dispute Resolution, University of California at Riverside - May 2008 

Published Appellate Cases:

Engine Manufacturers Association v. South Coast Air Quality Management District et al. (2004) 541 U.S. 246, 124 S.Ct. 1756, 158 L.Ed.2d 529 – amicus brief for SunLine Transit Agency

Coachella Valley Mosquito And Vector Control District, v. California Public Employment Relations Board and California School Employees Association (2005) 35 Cal.4th 1072

Waste Management of the Desert Inc. v. Palm Springs Recycling Center, Inc. (1994) 7 Cal.4th 478

Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District et. al. v. City of Indio (2002) 101 Cal.App.4th 12

California Ranch Homes Development Company of Hemet v. San Jacinto Unified School District  (1993) 17 Cal.App.4th 573

Publications:

Copeland, MMBA Unfair Practices Restricted to Six-Month Statute of Limitations (February 2004) No. 164, California Public Employee Relations Journal.

Copeland, The California Supreme Court Overturns Practice of the Public Employment Relations Board Applying a Three Years Statute of Limitation to Unfair Practice Charges Filed Under the Meyers-Milias Brown Act, (2005), Vol. 19, No. 4, California Labor & Employment L.Rev., 11, 33.

Professional Affiliations:

Member of The California Bar Association, The Desert Bar Association, the Employment Law Section of the State Bar of California, Member Southern California Mediation Association

Other Affiliations:

The Community Associations Institute, The California Desert Association of Realtors