Mediation

Mediation is a structured, confidential process in which a trained, neutral mediator helps parties in conflict negotiate a mutually agreeable settlement of their dispute.

In other words, mediators help people have respectful, productive conversations so they can work out solutions to their disagreements.

Because mediated agreements are the result of the parties voluntarily working together, compliance rates are very high.  People are more likely to follow through on what they agreed to do!

The process is also more efficient, cheaper, faster, and less adversarial than having lawyers battle it out in court.  Mediation communications are protected by law so parties can feel comfortable engaging in good faith negotiations without risk.

Mediators are not one-size-fits-all.  When you are stuck in conflict, it’s important to find a mediator with the right skills, personality, and philosophy for your situation.  Attorney mediators can ensure that settlements are informed by the relevant law while they help the parties construct their own approach to resolution.  Warmth helps, too.  When people recognize they are in a safe place for an open and honest dialogue, they begin to engage in the kind of collaborative problem-solving that leads to settlement.

Thanks again for a productive day.  Your orderly, purposeful mediation format, your legal/business grasp, and your inter-personal skills make you an astoundingly effective and efficient mediator. You make it look easy–but that’s clearly because you bring so much experience, education and training to the table. I truly admire your skills.

— Partner in family-owned real estate development firm

My clients tend to be individuals and organizations who would rather address their conflict privately, without resorting to expensive litigation in the court system.  As an attorney-mediator, my approach is informed by the applicable law, but my focus is on the people involved and the opportunities for creative problem-solving.  I work hard to protect on-going relationships and, where possible, create guidelines for improved communication in the future.

For example, in a Bridge Mediation,

• Family businesses, small firms, and start-ups resolve business conflicts while protecting and strengthening their organizational values and culture.
• Divorced parents address new challenges that arise as their kids get older, and thereby improve their co-parenting arrangements.
• Non-profit organizations bridge personality differences, strategic challenges, and professional grievances.
• Educational leaders and faculty resolve disagreements before they endanger professional reputations or student outcomes.
• Medical and professional partnerships work through crises or stubborn problems, reach agreements, and develop follow-up plans.
• Divorcing couples work out fair settlement agreements and constructive co-parenting plans
• Families figure out how to accommodate adult children living at home or decide how best to transition aging parents into appropriate care.

The kinds of challenges that will benefit from a Bridge Mediation: