Jeff was one of the first mediators I worked with as a newbie attorney way back in the late 90s, and I have mediated with him  ever since.   He was so kind.  I learned so much from him.  I always appreciated how he validated me and built me up in front of my clients.  He was a class act.  So sad to hear about his passing yet so grateful to have worked with him.  

Nancy Yaffe
Fox Rothschild

I was so very saddened to just learn of Jeff’s passing.  He was a law school classmate, friend to me, and the very best mediator I had ever had the privilege to work with.  In all those roles he exhibited an inner calm, thoughtfulness, composure, care, and confidence.  He was a proud generational family man, always eager to share pictures. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Jeff was my teacher in several of my courses at Pepperdine almost 25 years ago.  He is one of the teachers I remember the most clearly.   On the whiteboard he wrote in huge letters “The right agreement at the wrong time is the wrong agreement.”  He left that statement up over the course of several classes.  In my mediations today those words are still with me.  I am so saddened to learn of his passing.  We think of our best teachers as superhuman.  He certainly was.

I was fortunate to work with Jeff. He worked tirelessly to get settlements for my clients. But what I remember most was when he turned to me (25 years ago) at a mediation and asked me to share my plans for retirement. I told him I was at that moment considering options and was leaning towards teaching law. Without hesitation he said: “No, you’re going to be a mediator.” The rest, as they say, is history. Thank you Jeff. You were a great friend and mentor. Thank you Amy, for sharing the man, the legend. I will continue to mediate and will always urge myself to do my best to live up to his confidence in me. When I get in a tough spot, I will continue to ask myself: What would Jeff do? He personified the best in our profession and did so with passion. I will never forget him. 
Troy Roe

Our deepest condolences to Jeff’s family. I met Jeff in law school at Southwestern. I believe he was in my section and generally sat towards the back row, always focused in class. I also had a couple of mediations with him, as did my husband Scott Diamond. It was like old home week on those occasions. Once you share the experience of law school, you always have that bond. He was an artful mediator, and a good person.

We had so many successful mediations with Jeff we do not know where to start. We could share so many stories but one we like is the day Candy and I showed our outrageous hiking photos (with our custom Skinz nylon hiking outfits, and us flying the LA County Sheriffs H-3 Helicopter) on computer behind closed doors with Jeffs staff while Jeff took numbers into the defense room. Jeff would then come in and get a new number and then ask quietly what he missed and we would rewind the photos to where he left off. This went on for hours until we settled the case. And it was a great settlement. Candy & I will greatly miss you Jeff. 
Amy we so enjoyed breakfast with you folks in Carmel. I am sure you will remember those crazy photos referenced above.... Best Wishes to you and your family at this difficult time.

Dear Krivis family,
Jeff was a great inspiration in my life  going back to the 90’s.   He handled many mediations in those days when I was representing Kmart.  As a trial attorney, I was so impressed with his skill and ability to settle cases that I was encouraged and inspired to develop my own mediation practice.  I started with Judicate West in the early 2000’s thanks to Jeff, and was an early member in the IAM group.   I was appointed to the bench in 2003, and just retired and have come full circle as a retired judge mediating again with Judicate West.   Jeff was a prominent figure in my professional development and he will be missed.  A Mensch and truly wonderful and kind person.  A light has gone out.  May his memory be a blessing to the family and it will always be a blessing for me.  May his soul rest in peace.  My condolences and sympathy to the family, Judge Linda Marks (Ret.)

Jeff and I go back 20 years and had a friendship that carried forward as I moved through three firms and he expanded his mediation practice.  Shortly after we started mediating together, we developed a lasting friendship from sharing family photos and videos to discussing our vacations or planned vacations and what each of our family members were up to.  On this occasion in the photo, I brought a religious client of mine to a mediation and he insisted on putting tefillin on Jeff and me, which of course put on without hesitation.  Jeff, you were not just my go to mediator, but a friend.  May your family be comforted among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.  Much Love, Joel Glaser

Jeff was one of the most professional and most kind attorneys I have ever known.  He was fantastic at his job and wonderful to those he worked with.  He genuinely cared.  Jeff mentored me throughout my career and was one of the voices that gave me confidence to start my own business.  The legal profession, community, and all those who knew Jeff will miss him dearly.

My deepest condolences to Jeff's family and friends. Jeff was such a important and treasured part of the legal community. How lucky we all were to have known him. I remember one of my earliest mediations was with Jeff and he was one of the first mediators I worked with who made me believe in the process. He will be missed.

I have known Jeff since we both started as lawyers.  I think Jeff conducted the first mediation that I attended.  It was a new concept and he was so excited about it.  I have used him more than 200 times and in every instance he made me feel so important.  He was a terrific calming influence in both rooms and always made my clients feel special.  When I became a mediator two years ago he was one of the first to congratulate me and support me.  When I learned of his passing my first thought was back to a CELA conference in Monterey California a few years ago.  Gene Moscovitch sponsored a "hootenanny" and I remember walking in and seeing Jeff on guitar and John Weiss on banjo.  We all sang folk songs late into the evening.  Both are now gone but I still have that memory.  I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend in person but just wanted to share that memory

Sara, Amanda and I are so sad to hear of Jeffrey’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. 
Vivian Meimin

Jeff was the epitome of integrity and professionalism. A uniquely gifted neutral with great insight and patience. Beyond the law, I loved talking baseball with him.  Deepest condolences to his wife and family.  Rest in peace Jeff, you are going to be missed but your legacy of civility and humanity will live on forever.

Jeff was a pioneer and a super-star  in the field of mediation. He was an excellent listener and a kind and compassionate person. 

He was the mediator in several life and health insurance cases that I handled, and I learned a lot about settling cases from him. When I first told him I would like to be a mediator some day,  he was very encouraging and supportive and gave me copies of two books he had written. 

He was a wonderful person and a terrific mediator,  and he will be missed by everyone who knew or worked with him. 

Maggie Levy

I had a few mediations with Jeff when I started my practice 8 years ago. He didn’t let my lack of experience hurt my case. Instead, he made my arguments carry weight in the other room. He also said he liked my social media posts and to continue being active on social media. My condolences to his family.

Every time we saw Jeff he was smiling, surrounded by people who love him. We will always miss our beloved cousin.

I was so sad to hear of Jeff's passing.  I first met Jeff as a mediator in 2007, when he was already at the top of his game.  Of course, he settled the case.  I next learned how to be a mediator from Jeff in 2014 at Pepperdine's Strauss Institute.  He was a mentor, but most of all he was a “mensch,” with the qualities one hopes for in a friend or trusted colleague.  Being a mensch is a person of integrity, morality, dignity, with a sense of what is right and wrong.  To be a mensch is to be supportive, understanding and to be calm in troubled times.  Jeff was a mensch.  May Jeff’s memory be for a blessing.

I’m so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing.   When I became a judge, Jeff encouraged me to stay on social media and just be transparent about my life.  Our paths did not overlap much, but I always valued having him as a sounding board.  May his memory be a blessing

Extending my deepest sympathies to all of us who are filled with sorrow as we mourn the untimely loss of Leader, a Family Man and a Dear Friend who touched each of us in his own special and effortless way. 

Jeff, 
With a smile we can all envision you at the Pearly Gates of Heaven mediating the entry of those who are on the fence of being let in.  
Thank you Jeff for everything you have gifted to us in one way or another. 

Amy and Family,
 Blessings to all of you along with many thanks for sharing Jeff with us.

I am  so sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing. He was skilled and kind. The last time we worked together, he saw something in the background of my video screen and asked about it. He took such an interest in my father’s World War II experience that he called me after the case  was done  just so he could hear the whole story and share his own.  He was curious and caring and will be missed. Peace to his family.

The void created in the world by the passing of Jeff is enormous;  the impact he had on the thousands of people that knew him and the legacy he left as a person and a dispute resolution pioneer will be treasured.  Jeff was a friend, mentor and colleague of mine.  His kindness,  patience and attentive interaction that he gave to everyone he met was a special gift from God. This world is a better place because Jeff was here and served as a minister of God for all.
Amy, I am so sorry for the loss you and your family have suffered and I pray God continues to love and support you through this difficult time.

Jeff Krivis was a compassionate brilliant expansive thinker and practitioner for what was possible and good.  His colleagues at IAM and in the mediation field will miss him dearly. He has left a legacy of problem solving wisdom that relied on being gentle, thoughtful, and hopeful.  He lived what he practiced as a lawyer mediator and husband. He adored you, Amy, and we felt his love as his friends.  What a gift he gave.  I'll listen for his gentle wise voice and hope to hear it.  I hear it now. Sending love from Baltimore.  Louise Phipps Senft

Jeff was an innovative pioneer, gentle leader and a complete professional in the world of dispute resolution. He will be sorely missed by me and so many others whose lives and careers he touched. 
-Steve Serrratore

I am so saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was such a kind man, treating us and our clients with such grace and compassion.  He will be so missed.  May his memory be a blessing.

I feel so sorry that I could not have a chance to share words with you sooner, and could not catch up for a drink we talked about several times after you sponsored my term at the KCLA. I know your professional experience and wisdom truly contributed my successful practice, and there are many like me who respect you not only for that but for your caring nature in this profession, often a hard combination. I will miss you...

Jeff was one of the most honorable individuals I have known.  His soft spoken, unbiased, and collected thought process was a rare virtue in this day and age.  My condolences and prayers to his family.

Sahag Majarian

Jeff's wisdom, demeanor, and compassion were matched by his conviction that, with patience, the most intractable parties could be made to see reason. He was so kind and helpful, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jeff was excellent at his work and, equally importantly, he was a genuine and generous person. He will be missed by many and made an impact on the lives of thousands.

Peter M. Hart

I am so sorry for the loss of a great man. Loved by everyone. Never did he say anything negative about any human being. I wish we would have taken that train trip. Never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.  Andy Bryman

I have know Jeff for over 40 years.  He was a wonderful person. He was a friend and great mediator. He will be missed. My condolences to his family

Jeff was a mentor, friend and inspiration.  We have lost a treasure of wit, creativity and sagacity with his passing.  He had a wide and loving circle of family, friends and colleagues who mourn the loss of his warmth, wry smile,  and wisdom.   A bright light has been lost far too soon, but I will think about a life well lived and a legacy Jeff has left behind in this time of sadness.  May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

Skill, tenacity, relentless effort, one of the best mediators to walk the planet.   Jeff will be sorely missed.  Please accept my most humble condolences.

Jeff was the the epitome of class, professionalism and integrity.  He was a brilliant mediator.   He was compassionate, intelligent and knew how to broker very complex and sophisticated deals.  He had so many outside interests and was always a pleasure to talk to.  He will be missed so very much.  My deepest condolences to his family.

In 2002 when I started my mediation practice, I had not known Jeff very well.  But nonetheless he took the time to share a meal with me, along with his insights about getting started.  I will always remember him for his keen mind and big heart.  So very sorry to hear of his passing.

Some of my first mediations of my career were with Jeff. He set the tone for not just how to navigate the practice of law but also life for so many. He will be greatly missed.

Truly a sad day indeed to hear about Jeff's passing.  Jeff was one of my first professors at Straus Institute and ultimately became a trusted mediator and colleague over the years.  It was, and remains, an honor to have known him and he will be sorely missed.

Jeff Krivis was a great inspiration to me. He is the REASON I became a mediator. His book became my bible.
He was a kind and generous man and most generous with his teachings.
I met Jeff at Pepperdine University, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.
He will be sorely missed by people like me, who was one of his mentees to the multiple clients he helped resolve conflict insurance issues.
Brilliant to work with. 
I offer my deep and sincere condolences.
Rest in Peace dear friend.
Thank you for your guidance.
With love and gratuity,
Viktoria Amini

Jeff was a calming voice in the intense and sometimes stressful world of litigation and mediation.  He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

I’m so, so sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing.     Like I’m sure so many of us have experienced over the years, Jeff’s kindness and professionalism literally changed my practice.   His advice and guidance in navigating the plaintiff’s bar - even more than his mediations - was a true gift.     May the Krivis family be blessed for the time they had with this giant of a man, and blessed knowing that he has touched so many people.  My deepest condolences.

Jeff:

You lived a wonderful and full life, even though it was cut too short.

Life on earth is a little less civilized but heaven just got better.

Thanks for being you and we will see each other again one day.

Dan Holzman

Jeff was not just a mediator. He was my friend. He inspired me.  We talked about rock and roll .  I gave him my Bob Dylan memorability for his collection..  I am devastated for the loss of this remarkably human being. He loved his beautiful wife and family. Jeff will always be in my heart and memory.

My heart is broken. Jeff was such a wonderful man and friend. I will miss him so much. His commitment to helping resolve the differences between adverse parties so entrenched in their opposing positions is a testament to Jeff. He worked far and beyond what many mediators were willing to do. Our friendship was much deeper than that. Jeff lived and enjoyed life every day and always talked about his life with his family. I already miss our constant communications and will never forget all that he had taught me regarding living life to its fullest. My family is praying for yours.

Jeff was a special man. I so enjoyed talking to him about life and business. He had the perfect sense for you case but also was so caring about my life as well, always lending wise advice. He was a friend and mentor and I will miss him dearly.  He spoke so highly of his family whenever I saw him.  My deepest condolences to all those who loved him,

I am simply devastated to hear about the untimely passing of Jeff Krivis, who was a Gentle Giant within the California employment law and mediation community.  Jeff's calm demeanor, sharp analytical mind, and his passion for things other than the law made every mediation experience I had in his offices enjoyable.  Jeff often resolved our most difficult cases and treated our clients with dignity and respect and hand-delivered them the closure they often desperately needed.  Jeff's mediation style was a direct reflection on who he was as a person - kind, intelligent, passionate, and human.  

He will be missed.  Please accept our sincerest condolences to Amy and his family.  -Alisha & Jeff Ranen

I am very sorry to learn about Jeff’s passing. He was a wonderful man who was loved and respected by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy

To Amy and the Krivis Family,

We are deeply saddened to hear about your loss.  Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this challenging time. Jeff was a remarkable person, and his memory will surely live on in the hearts of everyone who knew them.

 You and your family are in our thoughts.

With sympathy and unwavering support

Ellen and Greg Simon

Jeff was truly a lion of the California mediator’s bar, and helped resolve countless cases for me and my colleagues over the year. I always felt like my clients were in good hands with Jeff, and his calm demeanor and professionalism were always appreciated. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time, but know that his legacy will live on.

OBITUARY

Jeffrey Lee Krivis

March 8, 1956 – August 23, 2024

Groman Eden Mortuary & Eden Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services