Mediation: A Simple, Effective Approach for Resolving Complex Issues

No doubt, many of you have watched a few evening television dramas depicting the mediation process. Scurrying from one conference room to another numerous times, sometimes carrying sandwiches and beverages, the mediator attempts to settle the differences between disputing parties to stave off an impending courtroom battle.

Believe it or not, except for a few embellishments, the television portrayals of mediation are fairly accurate — or at least more believable than the courtroom antics often aired. There is, of course, more detail to the mediation process than what I just described, but the salient point is that mediation can be a valuable tool in settling legal claims before they escalate to the trial level. In fact, in states where mediation is regularly deployed, there has been a 95 percent success rate of resolving conflicts prior to litigation, making it one of the more popular forms of alternate dispute resolution.

Aside from being a positive, upbeat approach for settling legal claims through discussion, negotiation and compromise, the mediation process is quite expedient and cost-effective as compared to lengthy and expensive courtroom litigation. Consequently, to help streamline the legal process, many jurisdictions across the United States are requiring that all disputed claims defer to mediation first before considering any litigious action in a courtroom. In all of the contracts I draft for business or transactional clients, I build in a provision requiring neutral third-party mediation as a preventative measure to avoid litigation.

Neutral mediators can be retained from several sources. For instance, local attorneys who have quality reputations as problem solvers are always a good choice. I often use the mediation services of Christopher Soelling, a well-respected Seattle lawyer. Retired judges, local or statewide, that are trained and experienced in dispute resolution are other prime sources for neutral mediators. There are also professional mediation services available statewide or regionally, or you can contact the American Arbitration Association regarding their professional mediators who serve nationwide.

In all mediations, preliminary documentation is required of all parties to a dispute, including an exchange of position papers or mediation briefs. Generally, two separate sets of mediation briefs are distributed, one for the parties undergoing mediation and the other specially earmarked for the mediator. And as you would expect, there are basic ground rules for conducting mediation.

Ethicsl rules prevent the sharing of confidential information between disputing parties by the mediator. However, with permission, a mediator may share information to encourage settlement. Also, joint sessions of the disputing parties are permitted, but most attorneys involved in mediation waive that right, preferring the process to be conducted in separate rooms with the mediator acting as the “go-between” in negotiations. It is important to note, too, that a mediator does not decide the outcome of any mediation, but acts more like a facilitator working toward solving problems.

Sometimes, mediation is not successful initially, and there can be occasional roadblocks. When dealing with construction claims cases, for example, you need to have an insurance adjustor available on site to make decisions. The same goes for large corporations or multi-claim disputes. You must have someone with authority present during a mediation to sign off on any conditions for settlement.

Eventually, though, perhaps after several attempts, mediation will usually result in a successful compromise between disputing parties. And in some states, like Washington, once a settlement is reached and general terms are accepted, the provisions of a mediation agreement can be legally binding and enforceable when a prepared document is signed jointly by all parties of the mediation.