After over 17 years of complex litigation and trial work, Tripper Ortman founded Ortman Mediation in 2017, bringing a fresh, pragmatic approach to the mediation field.
Since 2017, Tripper has mediated more than 900 cases and has become known for his no-nonsense style and approachable demeanor. As a trusted choice for resolving high-stakes employment disputes, class actions, and complex litigation, his goal is to turn disputes into solutions, with empathy and expertise guiding the way.
Before launching Ortman Mediation, Tripper was a partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, where he specialized in trial work and handling California’s most challenging wage and hour class action cases. Combining both his trial expertise with his complex litigation experience, he is one of the few attorneys to try a wage and hour class action to verdict in California. Tripper’s deep understanding of the law allows him to guide clients toward resolutions that stick.
BEYOND THE BRIEFCASE
Facts You Won't Find On My Resume
I’ve Been on TV
From 1992 to 1996 I hosted a public access TV show called "Talk with Trip” where I covered local events, giving me the opportunity to interview many celebrities and artists like Carlos Santana, Chris Isaak, and Clarence Clemons. I also engaged in various action sports on the show, including bungee jumping from a hot air balloon and driving in a demolition derby. When I say I'm a passionate and exuberant person, I mean it.
During this time I was also called back to a casting interview for the third season–the San Francisco season–of the MTV's longest-running show, “The Real World.”
Interviewing Carlos Santana
Interviewing Clarence Clemons
Bungee Jumping
Driving in the Demolition Derby
Out on the ferry
Coaching water polo
Law Wasn't My First At-Bat
I worked as a ferry and bay cruise boat deckhand on San Francisco Bay from age 15 to 26, and was also a swim/water polo coach and middle school teacher before going to law school.
I Love the Mountains
When I am not in Oakland, I am usually in the Sierra Nevada mountains, skiing in winter and hiking in the summer. I once took Shante’s husband, Allen, on a mountain hike and he now likes to tell everyone that I almost killed him that day. (It wasn't that bad.)
Hiking with Shante's husband and a friend
Bike to the Ballpark
Interviewing Jared Goff
I’m an Oakland Sports Junkie
I hosted a sports podcast for Section925.com (a hyperlocal Bay Area sports blog created by my former middle school students) where I interviewed local athletes and coaches, including the current quarterback for the Detroit Lions, Jared Goff. I’m also the founder and leader of the Oakland Roots soccer “March to the Match” and Oakland Ballers baseball “Bike to the Ballpark.”
Halloween is the Best
Shante and I love Halloween. So much so, in fact, that clients who book a mediation on Halloween and show up in costume are refunded 50% of their mediation fee. And yes, our clients take us up on the offer. And yes, it's totally worth it.
Our Blood Runs Red (and Gold)
Shante and I both are lifelong, die hard San Francisco 49ers fans. We go to at least one game together every year as part of our annual Ortman Mediation retreat.
The whole crew before the game
Shante and I tailgating
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