Daniel V. Kohls

Daniel V. Kohls brings more than thirty years of first-chair trial and appellate experience to his work as a mediator, offering parties the perspective of a lawyer who has lived through the full arc of high-stakes litigation. Known for his steady presence, empathy, and practical insight, he is trusted for his ability to translate complex legal positions into clear, realistic pathways toward resolution. Parties value his judgment because he understands what truly drives outcomes in the courtroom and what is required to resolve a case before it reaches that stage.

Daniel’s mediation style reflects the qualities that defined his work as a litigator: thorough preparation, patience, and a sincere commitment to understanding the people behind each dispute. He approaches every matter with the belief that resolution depends on parties feeling genuinely heard. He creates space for that to happen, particularly for plaintiffs and individuals who may not have felt fully seen during the litigation process. At the same time, Daniel does not shy away from engaging with difficult issues. He is candid when needed, persistent when parties are at an impasse, and skilled at identifying the understated opportunities for movement that can shift a negotiation from stalled to productive.

A hallmark of Daniel’s approach is his ability to help parties move out of the adversarial frame of mind and toward evaluating what they want their future to look like. Drawing on decades in the courtroom, he guides parties through both the risks and opportunities inherent in their positions, helping them reexamine leverage, exposure, and desired outcomes with clarity rather than emotion. When progress slows, he uses time strategically, whether through brief pauses or sessions that continue the following day, allowing perspective to reset and productive thinking to emerge.

Daniel’s credibility as a mediator is rooted in a distinguished legal career focused on complex business litigation, professional liability, and legal malpractice matters. As Partner and Managing Partner at Hansen, Kohls, Sommer and Jacob, he led the Sacramento office while maintaining an active practice that included numerous jury trials and significant appellate work. He was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates in recognition of his trial expertise. His appellate experience includes published decisions such as Portico v. Harrison, Panakostav. Hammer Lane, Abdelhamid v. Fire Insurance Exchange, and Kreeger v. Wanland. This depth of experience enables Daniel to help parties understand how their disputes may unfold if not resolved and the potential consequences of allowing a case to reach verdict.

Outside the courtroom, Daniel brings the same energy and curiosity that define his professional work. Known for his enthusiasm for adventure, he enjoys adrenaline-inducing activities such as bungee jumping and motorcycling, reflecting a temperament that embraces challenge with both confidence and discipline. This balanced mindset informs his mediation practice and reinforces his ability to guide parties through difficult conversations toward resolutions that are meaningful and lasting.