James L. Breitenstein is a mediator with deep experience in real estate, construction, and business disputes. He brings more than two decades of executive-level, hands-on work in real estate finance, development, construction, operations, and distressed assets, combined with formal legal training through Cornell Law School’s Business Law program. This dual background enables him to quickly understand both the practical realities and legal dimensions driving conflict.

Prior to launching his mediation practice, James served as CEO, CFO, and restructuring lead across multiple real-estate and operating companies. In those roles he led, negotiated, or participated in hundreds of disputes, ranging from capital structure negotiations and loan workouts to construction claims, partner separations, and multi-party commercial conflicts. This experience allows him to work comfortably with complex financial information, operational detail, and the human dynamics that often sit at the center of business disputes.

James also serves on the San Mateo County Court Mediation Program (through PCRC), where he works with represented and self-represented parties on a wide range of civil matters. Parties consistently describe his style as calm, neutral, efficient, and highly prepared. He focuses on clarifying interests, managing expectations, evaluating risk, and helping parties move toward pragmatic, durable resolutions.

His approach emphasizes neutrality, momentum, and a business-grounded understanding of what a workable agreement looks like. He is particularly effective in disputes involving sophisticated financial issues, partnership tensions, and matters that benefit from a mediator with both analytical and real-world operational depth.

BASF Panel Rate: $500/hour (after the complimentary first 3 hours)
Standard/Private Rate: $10,000/day