J. Michael McDade, Esq.
J. Michael McDade, Esq. has been resolving disputes for over thirty years. He has been arbitrating matters since 1972, after he was invited by AAA to serve on their panel, and began mediating matters through them in 1991. Mr. McDade has mediated and arbitrated a variety of legal matters including real estate, general business, complex litigation and construction disputes.
Mr. McDade's diverse legal practice, knowledge of complex issues, and consensus building demeanor allow him to bring difficult matters to resolution. He recently mediated a matter involving a real estate development dispute concerning two multi-million dollar resorts being built in a foreign nation. The matter was resolved in three mediation sessions. In 1997, as chair of the San Diego Unified Port District, he brought together five government agencies with a history of non-cooperation, who worked together to create the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, a master plan for San Diego's waterfront development for the next century. He is also very knowledgeable regarding the litigation process as he has tried over 130 cases, including approximately 25 jury trials.
As an attorney, he developed a deep understanding of the legal matters in which he was involved. For example, he became one of San Diego's top land use and development attorneys, where he was able to blend his backgrounds in law, government, politics and lobbying and represent more sophisticated clients on complex, multi-million dollar projects.
His character, intelligence and abilities have led to Mr. McDade being appointed to many high profile boards and commissions. His personal practice and community involvement have added substantially to his understanding of the alternative dispute resolution field. Over the years he has represented dozens of clients in arbitration and mediation matters. Additionally, he has negotiated and mediated matters between local government agencies, between citizens' groups and governments, between clients and adverse parties and so on.
Areas of Expertise
General Business/Commercial Contract
Real Estate
Environmental
Construction
Franchise
Land Use & Municipal Law
Education
University of San Diego School of Law (J.D.,1968)
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service (BSFS, 1963)
Legal Experience
Mr. McDade is a well-known respected attorney and civic leader. Before joining the firm, he served as chief of staff to San Diego Mayor Roger Hedgecock and to the chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Subsequently, he served on the San Diego Port Commission for six years and was chair of that body in 1997. While at the Port, he initiated the North Embarcadero Alliance, an unprecedented multi-agency effort which produced the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan, a blueprint for revitalization and redesign of San Diego's waterfront.
His practice focuses on counseling clients on land use, real estate, urban planning, environmental law, government contracting matters and general business matters. Mr. McDade's clients include developers of projects in the San Diego jurisdiction, public agencies, port tenants, and major national businesses and community groups. He has worked on urban redevelopment, hotel and marina projects, restaurants, retail and commercial projects, and real estate related litigation.
Given his extensive background in government and in volunteerism with local organizations, Mr. McDade particularly enjoys working on projects that promote the betterment of our city.
He has served as an arbitrator and mediator since 1972, resolving business and real estate disputes.
During law school, Mr. McDade worked as a teacher and vice principal at St. Augustine High School. He later served on the school's Board of Trustees and is co-chair of the capital campaign to rebuild the school's campus. In 2006 he was named St. Augustine Alumni of the Year.
Previous Affiliations
Wertz McDade Wallace Moot & Brower (1985-present)
Bourne, McDade, Fitzgerald, Moon & Cline (1973-1976)
McDade & Treitler (1976-1979)
McDade & Leto (1979-1985)
Community Service & Memberships
City of San Diego Charter Review Committee
North Embarcadero Alliance - Former Co-Chair
Lambda Alpha International
San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau - Former Member, Board of Directors
San Diego Port Commission - Former Chair and Board Member
Gaslamp Quarter Council - Former Chair
St. Augustine High School - Former Member, Board of Trustees
San Diego Border Task Force - Former Chair
County Fiscal and Justice Advisory Board - Former Vice-Chair
San Diego Economic Development Corporation - Former Director
San Diego Convention Center - Former Member, Steering Committee
California Parks and Wildlife Initiative - Former Member, Steering Committee
San Diego Open Space Bond Initiative - Former Member, Steering Committee
San Diego Dialogue - Former Board Member
State Bar of California
San Diego County Bar Association
Alternative Dispute Resolution Training
AAA Arbitrator and Mediator Training
ACE001 – Arbitration Awards
Safeguarding, Deciding & Writing Awards, December, 2004
Arbitrator Update, December, 2003
AAA Commercial Arbitrator II Training, April, 2003
Various AAA trainings
This page was last modified in June 2007
Disclaimer: Please be advised that the contents of this web site and any other statements contained herein are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be represented as legal advice in any way.