A criminal defense attorney with a JD degree from Emory University School of Law, Rhonda Gessow co-authored the book “Criminal Law Advocacy: Trial Investigation and Preparation” published by Matthew Bender, 1982. She worked as a restorative justice mediator for the San Mateo Juvenile Mediation program for 16 years bringing juvenile offenders together with their victims to talk about what happened and work towards an agreement between the parties. She is also a mediator for Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center handling matters of conflict within the county, including conflicts between neighbours, families, businesses, Homeowner’s Associations/owners, landlord/tenant. She has trained other mediators in various programs.