Southern California has a new dual legal team business that’s unique to the Valley. Kelly Bennett, founder of noted local law firm Bennett & Bennett, APC, and Mayor Emeritus of the City of Murrieta, has joined with retired Judge Sherrill Ellsworth to form an elite justice experience known as ‘Smart Court’ and companion service ‘Bennett-Ellsworth Consulting’. The excitement these two exhibit in their new venture is palpable as they discuss both the business and personal aspects of their work. Their ability to work as a team is also evident in the interplay they share during an interview, often finishing each other’s sentences or expanding on the other’s remarks.
“We are excited about this opportunity to provide a team approach of private judges, mediation and arbitration services through Smart Court,” according to Judge Ellsworth. Bennett adds, “my 24 years of experience as a trial lawyer and mediator brings one perspective to a case while Judge Ellsworth’s 18 years on the bench brings a different perspective. Working together we can provide a level of service that clients simply can’t find anywhere else.”
Smart Court can be either complimentary to, or an alternative to the court system. For example, parties to a dispute may wish to confer with Smart Court prior to going to court as a preparatory step. Attorney Bennett can tell them if they have a case or not, detail the legal framework and give them an idea of the time and cost involved. Judge Ellsworth can then step in and give them the courtroom overview, how the case will be perceived by the court and a likely outcome. With the Bennett-Ellsworth 360ᵒ approach, a roadmap is created so you get your case completed quickly and within budget.
Many times, complainants may simply decide to proceed with mediation for a number of reasons. First, it can proceed immediately. No waiting months to get on the court docket while you’re running up attorney fees. Second, it’s an opportunity for you to work things out rather than have a judge make a decision for you. Third, there’s a guarantee of individual quality time to be heard. Whether mediating or arbitrating, the Bennett-Ellsworth duo spend significant time on each case, ensuring it gets the attention you deserve.
We all know the court system is severely backlogged, short of space and lacking in judges. Once you finally make it to court, a decision is usually rendered in less than 5 minutes in many cases, with little opportunity for you to tell your side of the case. Fourth, your privacy and confidentiality is assured within Smart Court. No sitting in a courtroom full of spectators, neighbors or reporters. Your issue is the only one discussed in a private office environment. Finally, cost. With even minor lawsuits costing into the tens of thousands of dollars, the average team mediation by Bennett and Ellsworth is often reaches agreement during a four hour session or a full day at the most, resulting in significant savings in legal fees, court costs and emotional tolls.
When Smart Court is not in session, Bennett-Ellsworth Consulting is available as government or organizational consultants. With both members having led large organizations, i.e. courts, cities and private companies, their team approach can be instrumental in helping an organization effectively manage conflict, avoid legal pitfalls by making sure appropriate policies and procedures are in place, and that the workplace is both safe and productive.
Kelly Bennett has been practicing law and serving as a private judge, mediator and arbitrator since 1991. Ms. Bennett has over 24 years of trial and professional dispute resolution experience in family law, real estate, construction defect and employment issues. She is a two time bar association President and is an appointed Judge Pro Tem for the Riverside Superior Court. Ms. Bennett was the first woman elected to the Murrieta City Council where she served from 2006-2014 as a council member, Vice-Mayor and Mayor and chairwoman of the Western Riverside Council of Governments.
Sherrill Ellsworth began her career in 1987 as a business and real estate trial lawyer. Appointed as a Commissioner to the Riverside Superior Court in 1996, she was subsequently appointed as Judge by the Governor where she served until her retirement in 2014. Her extensive courtroom experience includes founding the Veteran’s Court, serving as both a Supervising and Presiding Judge at Riverside County Superior Court and presiding ovrt family law, complex civil litigation and felony criminal trials. She effectively oversaw the modernization of statewide court management systems, worked for improved fairness and access for juveniles and was appointed to the prestigious California Judicial Council by the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.
For more information please phone 951-719-3456 or go to www.smartcourt.biz.