It is as clear as day that Mr.Lapin knows exactly what he is doing. He is extremely skillful and thoughtful of your cause. His help and advice are extremely appreciated and I am glad I got referred to him. He is sincere and knows how to conduct business professionally all while staying true to what will benefit YOU and what YOU want or need. If I could put 10/10 stars I would!!
Google review
Meet Raphael Lapin
Negotiator. Mediator. Problem Solver.Whether you’re facing a business dispute, family conflict, trust litigation, or a high stakes negotiation, Raphael Lapin helps parties reach practical, lasting agreements while preserving relationships wherever possible.
A Harvard trained negotiation and dispute resolution expert, Raphael has advised Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and organizations around the world. His work blends deep expertise with a calm, structured approach that moves parties from impasse to resolution.
As principal of Lapin Negotiation Services and former adjunct professor of law at Whittier School of Law, Raphael has taught negotiation and mediation at leading universities and lectured on international conflict resolution at Southwestern School of Law in Los Angeles.
Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations turn to Raphael for guidance through complex negotiations, disputes, and relationship sensitive conflicts. His focus is simple: clear process, constructive dialogue, and durable agreements.
Client Experiences
Divorce is never easy. Raphael guided us through the whole process without any drama. He worked through the finances and divided our assets without pain. He presented a clear and comprehensive settlement which we were were both happy with. There were slight complications with the court which Raphael dealt with diligently and in a timely fashion. We would highly recommend Raphael. His rates were extremely reasonable and saved us a lot of money so we are very grateful.
Google reviewRaphael helped me so much with a difficult situation where I needed professional advice about mediation and what to do next. He was very responsive and professional and gave me excellent advice while assisting me to respond to the situation. I highly recommend him if you require negotiation or mediation services.
Google reviewRaphael is very knowledgeable and helped me tremendously. He was quick to return my call and answer all of my questions. He saved me tens of thousands in lawyer fees! 10/10 highly recommend!!
Google reviewRaphael Lapin is one of those unusual individuals who an extraordinary ability to ask the key questions, look at the various possible outcomes, and hone in on what matter and why - and finally arrive at the appropriate conclusion. I tip my hat, sir.
Google reviewI wish I could give Mr Lapin more stars than 5. He helped negotiate a very tricky contract to buy my partner out of the partnership. He dealt deftly with each of us and looked out for both of our interests and came up with very reasonable agreements. He helped us keep things professional and made valiant attempts to keep things on the logical path and out of our emotions. He was skilled at keeping things moving forward and had us in a contract that the two of us working together would not have been able to create. The agreement was fair, clear and had clear remedies to fall back on if the agreement began to break down. Hands down worth our time, energy and money.
Google reviewWhat Makes Us Uniquely Qualified
Expertise You Can Trust in High Stakes Negotiation
With decades of specialist experience and more than 1,000 disputes resolved, we deliver consistently exceptional outcomes. Clients rely on us to navigate their most complex matters and to secure durable resolutions that avoid the cost and disruption of litigation.
Breadth of Expertise Across Complex Matters
Our practice brings deep, cross disciplinary experience to a wide range of disputes—from personal, family, and small business matters to partnership, intellectual property, construction, healthcare, employment, and malpractice claims. This breadth allows us to navigate diverse challenges with clarity, precision, and sound judgment.
Creative Solutions That Move Negotiations Forward
We help parties uncover thoughtful, innovative options that lead to mutually beneficial resolutions. Our approach emphasizes clarity, creativity, and long term value—minimizing risk, strengthening relationships, and guiding clients toward outcomes that stand the test of time.
Continual Advancement in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Excellence
We blend active practice with ongoing learning, development and research, ensuring our methods remain at the forefront of the field. This continual investment in learning allows us to offer clients sharper analysis, more advanced strategies, and fresh, well grounded insights that meaningfully strengthen their position in any negotiation.
Media Appearances
Raphael Lapin with Aljazeera advising on a complex international dispute
This video includes excerpts from a discussion between Aljazeera and Raphael Lapin, regarding the international dispute in Africa involving the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Raphael Lapin with The WAY to WOW Show on Mediation in Probate & Trust Disputes
Raphael Lapin explains how mediation resolves probate and trust disputes more efficiently while protecting estates and family relationships. He covers when mediation works best, how counsel should prepare, and why it is often the smarter strategic choice.
“Working With Difficult People” — Interview on The Way to Wow Show
Watch this great interview with Raphael Lapin on The Way to Wow Show! In the interview hosted by Kevin Bemel, Raphael discusses his book, “Working with Difficult People.”
Raphael Lapin Discusses Dealing with Difficult Family Members
Raphael Lapin returns to The Way to Wow Show to continue his discussion on how to deal with difficult people. In this interview, Raphael focuses his attention specifically on difficult family members.
The Components of a Successful Mediation
What are the necessary ingredients that make for a successful mediation? Is there a difference between a great mediation and an average mediation? How is mediation different from arbitration and litigation?
Bullies
Raphael shares how he resolved a school bullying dispute through a restorative, empathy-driven approach, bringing everyone together to express remorse and find healing instead of punishment.
Insights on Dispute Resolution
A lot of us forget about the cost of conflict, and the cost of not being able to manage conflict effectively. Raphael tells about the inner workings of conflict resolution, dispute resolution, and mediation and arbitration.
Mediation: Raphael Lapin’s Recipe for Success
There IS a difference between an average and a great mediation. So what is Raphael Lapin’s secret? What strategies does he employ to anticipate the interests of the other party? How does he help parties follow through on their commitments?
Insights on Dispute Resolution
Mediation in Probate & Trust Disputes: Protecting Family and Legacy
I have seen families literally destroyed by trust disputes. When a loved one dies, whatever slights and rivalries existed among…
Mediation vs. Arbitration vs. Litigation: Your Dispute Resolution Options Explained
When a dispute arises, most people assume there is only one road: litigation. In fact there is a whole spectrum…
Divorce Mediation: How to Find the Right Mediator (and Why It Beats Court)
Divorce is painful enough without turning it into a war. Yet the litigation system is built for battle: two sides,…
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