Deborah Jacobson is a trained mediator, attorney, and systems-change advocate with more than 15 years of experience in high-impact litigation, civil rights, education, and special education law. Representing children throughout her career, she pioneered "relationship-based lawyering" — a practice that prioritizes empathy and trust-building over adversarial argument. Deborah completed the rigorous Mediation Training Program for the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, and is admitted to serve and is an active Member of the Court's Mediation Panel. Through Jacobson Resolutions, she built an ADR system from the ground up and now serves as an active daily mediator for the Oakland Unified School District, where she resolves disputes and transforms systemic conflict into sustainable agreements. Her process ensures every voice is heard while protecting the integrity of the outcome.