Mikhail Bogomolny interprets at mediations in Los Angeles and Southern California: civil and personal injury cases, employment and business disputes, workers' compensation and family matters. He is a California-certified court interpreter with 17+ years of experience, so the Russian-speaking party understands every offer, every condition and every word of the settlement before signing it.
Why does a mediation need a certified interpreter?
A mediation often ends with a signed agreement that settles the case for good. Whatever the party signs, they have to understand fully. Offers and counteroffers move fast, the language is legal and financial, and a misunderstood word can cost money. A certified court interpreter conveys the meaning exactly, stays neutral and keeps everything said in mediation confidential.
How does Mikhail work at a mediation?
- Joint session: interprets the mediator's opening, the parties' statements and the attorneys' presentations
- Private caucuses: works in the room with the Russian-speaking party and their attorney while the mediator moves between rooms
- Offers and numbers: amounts, deadlines and conditions are conveyed exactly, nothing rounded or summarized
- The settlement: sight-translates the term sheet or settlement agreement before it is signed
- Long days: mediations often run a full day; Mikhail is booked for the whole day, not by the hour
Which mediations?
Personal injury and auto accident cases, employment disputes, business and contract disputes, landlord-tenant matters, workers' compensation and family and divorce mediations. He also interprets at depositions and workers' compensation proceedings, so he often already knows how such cases unfold.
How to book
Call or email with the date, the location or video platform, the type of case and the expected length. Attorneys and mediators can book directly; so can the party. More for law firms: working with attorneys.
Frequently asked questions
Who hires the interpreter for a mediation?
Usually the party who needs the interpreter, or their attorney. Sometimes the mediator or both sides arrange it together. Mikhail can be booked by any of them; he stays neutral either way.
Is what is said through the interpreter confidential?
Yes. Mediation communications are confidential, and the interpreter is bound by the same confidentiality and by the court interpreter's code of ethics.
Can the mediation be held by video?
Yes. Mikhail interprets mediations in person and by Zoom or Teams, including private breakout rooms for caucuses.
Will he translate the settlement agreement?
He sight-translates it on the spot so you understand it before signing. If a written certified translation is needed later, he can prepare one.