Edward J. Zorn, Attorney at Law

Edward J. Zorn graduated Cum Laude, and in the top 10% of his class from Western State University, College of Law in 1992. After passing the Bar exam, he continued his employment at the Law Offices of Michael A. Hearn in Orange. The firm represented homeowner associations, buyers, sellers, commercial property owners, contractors and developers. Handling all types of cases including construction defect litigation, Ed was responsible for complete case development including all discovery and presentation of claims at mediation and arbitrations. He also acted as General Counsel to numerous Homeowner Associations assisting them with internal management issues and guiding them through disputes with homeowner members. As a contractors representative he handled both breach of contract, and mechanic lien issues. The vast majority of his cases were resolved through mediation, where he was inspired to grow further in the art of conflict resolution. In 2003 he attended the University of Riverside to obtain a certificate in Dispute Resolution.

While engaged in his own real estate investing activities, Ed obtained his Real Estate Broker license. He developed a passion for consulting and advising clients in both the commercial and residential real estate market. ZEC Realty, Inc. dba Joshua Realty & Loan, serves the Inland Empire community, with Ed serving as the responsible Broker. In 2006, with over $20,000,000 in documented commercial sales, Ed completed the Certified Commercial Investment Manager (CCIM) course, one of the most prestigious commercial certifications in the real estate community. With more than 110 closings in 2008, and supervising and training 10 agents, Ed has experienced many issues and challenges involved in successfully closing real estate transactions.

Ed also enjoys teaching and educating. With presentations and training events at the Inland Empire Investors Forum, The Inland Gateway Association of Realtors (TIGAR), as well as through Title and Escrow companies, Ed has trained well over 350 real estate professionals including investors, agents, and brokers. Ed is also the head coach of the G95 Corona Eagles girl soccer club team, and is currently working closely with his wife, Cinnamon, in starting a Christian High School in Corona.
 
Mediation and Arbitration Experience:

Currently the Ombudsman with The Inland Gateway Association of Realtors (TIGAR), Ed is the first point of contact for both Realtors and members of the public in conflict. He has handled all types of real estate claims ranging from deposit disputes, disclosure issues, buyer and seller breach of contract, ethic violations, to broker and agent employment conflicts. He also serves the California Association of Realtors as a state delegate.

Ed is on the Mediation panel for the Riverside County Superior Courts and the Riverside County Bar Association. He also serves on the invitation only Day of Trial mediation panel in Dept. 1. He also served as a mediator in the County of Riverside’s Department of Community Action. As a mediator in private practice Ed has resolved cases involving all types of real estate disputes including issues involving:

• Purchase and Sale
• Disclosure
• Leases, Landlords and Tenants
• Construction Claims
• Construction Lien and Payment
• Breach of Contract
• Neighbor Disputes
• Investors
• Lenders

Mediating disputes involving real estate combines Ed’s two great passions: being a peacemaker and real estate. Education and growth happen through all of our experiences, and Ed enjoys helping individuals find peace by helping them resolve a conflict.

Ed sat on the Professional Standards Committee for TIGAR for two years before taking on the Ombudsman position. He sat on the 3 member arbitration panel for numerous Association conducted Arbitrations.

Approach:

Flexibility is a hallmark of Ed’s mediation approach. With a strong sense of value to fairness, and justice, Ed balances these attributes with a commitment to peace, and mutual gain. Education of the parties entangled in a dispute is also a large priority, with a focus on informed decision making and self-determination. As a result, both evaluative and facilitative techniques are within his capabilities to use when appropriate and beneficial to the parties.