Mediator Phyllis Cheng blends empathy, candor in employment disputes
Phyllis W. Cheng has built a reputation in California legal circles as a mediator who bridges the gap between legal technicality and human emotion. Working primarily with employment law and civil rights disputes, Cheng transitioned to a full-time neutral role in 2016 after a career as a deputy attorney general and a partner at DLA Piper. Her practice focuses on high-stakes matters, including wage and hour class actions and cases involving police misconduct.
Her method relies on structured communication. During mediations, she uses a whiteboard to transition participants from emotional grievances to objective numbers. By breaking down demands into specific components like lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses, she helps both plaintiffs and defense counsel understand the mechanics of a potential settlement. This technical preparation is combined with pre-mediation conferences that address logistics, brief exchanges, and the necessity of translators.
Legal professionals who work with Cheng often highlight her ability to manage difficult conversations. Attorneys report that she provides honest assessments regarding the strength of a case and the potential outcomes if a matter proceeds to trial. This candor assists defense attorneys in evaluating their position and helps plaintiffs understand the risks inherent in litigation. Her approach remains consistent whether she is mediating complex constitutional claims or workplace discrimination disputes.
Beyond her legal strategy, Cheng is known for a disposition that prioritizes clarity and efficiency. She avoids anecdotal distractions during sessions and keeps parties focused on the task at hand. Her background in civil rights allows her to navigate cases where clients have suffered a loss of liberty or significant personal trauma. By maintaining a balance of empathy and direct feedback, she reaches resolutions that address the specific needs of all parties involved in the dispute.