Meet the Team
Stephen Sulmeyer
Facilitator and Trainer

Psychologist, lawyer and mediator Dr. Stephen Sulmeyer helps people in conflict get to the human heart of disputes. Drawing on more than 20 years of mediation experience, he helps parties in conflict to understand as deeply as possible what is at the root of their conflict in order to resolve it.
“Talking honestly and openly about the emotional as well as the legal aspects of a dispute tends to lead not only to resolution, but also more robust, enduring and satisfying agreements.”
Known for his emotional and intellectual intelligence and his capacity to blend the two, Stephen specializes in disputes involving close professional and family relationships, as well as commercial and business disputes. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the founder and former president of Integrative Mediation Bay Area, an organization that brings together psychotherapist, financial industry and attorney co-mediators in challenging cases.
Career Experience
- Facilitator and Trainer, JAMS Pathways
- Adjunct Professor, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, 2000-2003
- Founder and President, Integrative Mediation Bay Area, 2008-2018
- Founder and Settlement Panelist, Interdisciplinary Settlement Conference Program, Marin County Superior Court, 2008-2024
- Mediation Panels, Marin and Alameda County Superior Courts, First District Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, 2005 - 2024
- Judge Pro Tem, Small Claims Division, Marin County Superior Court, 2004-2005
- Member, Dispute Resolution Section, Bar Association of San Francisco, 2002-2024
- Member, Board of Directors, The Mediation Society of San Francisco, 2021-2024
- Law Offices of Stephen H. Sulmeyer, 1993-1998
- Attorney, Graham & James, 1983-1984
- Attorney, Morgan Lewis, 1989-1990
- Clinical Psychologist, intern/psychological assistant 1999-2004, licensed clinical psychologist 2004 -2024
Background & Education
- Ph.D., Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
- J.D., Stanford Law School
- B.A. (with distinction), Stanford University
Insights & Publications
- Instructor, Bargaining in the Shadow of the Heart: Integrating Emotional and Intellectual Intelligence in Collaborative Practice, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Aug.–Sept. 2023
- Panelist, Beyond the Barriers: Working With Non-Material Interests, Practica Collaborativa, Italy, June 2022
- Panelist, "Reflecting on the Emotional and Psychological Dimensions of ADR," Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, The Hawai'i State Judiciary, Aug. 2022
- Co-Author, "The Interdisciplinary Settlement Conference: A Grass Roots Alternative for Resolving High-Conflict Parenting Disputes in Lean Times," Family Court Review, Oct. 2015
- Co-Author, "Managing the High-Conflict Litigant," California Courts Review, Fall 2008

Work Vision
To approach every conflict holistically and bring about the fullest understanding between the parties
Values
Dedication, robust emotional and intellectual skills, creativity, compassionate curiosity, integrity

Areas of Focus
Workplace, government, higher education, partnerships and corporations, health care, intellectual property, commercial