UPDATE EFFECTIVE JUNE 22, 2023:
I WILL CONSIDER MEDIATIONS ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS, BUT ONLY IF BOTH PARTIES ARE REPRESENTED BY LICENSED GEORGIA ATTORNEYS.
Mediation Services
I have spent over thirty-five years involved in courtroom battles in state and federal courts throughout the state of Georgia. It has been challenging and rewarding. So, with all this litigation experience, why did I become a mediator?
It is precisely my litigation experience that drew me to mediation. Time after time, I have seen parties who have been fighting for years at great personal and financial expense resolve their disputes through mediation in a single day. As a mediator, rather than argue for one side or the other, I remain totally neutral. I call upon my experience, knowledge and skills to help the parties come together and reach a mutually satisfactory settlement.
How do I do this? First, I listen carefully and attentively to both sides. I do my utmost to understand each side’s perspective and the facts underlying the conflict. I identify obstacles to settlement, and I develop strategies for overcoming those obstacles. Then, I aid the parties and their attorneys with their negotiations. When a settlement is reached, a written agreement is prepared and signed then and there. Mediation is so rewarding, that I now devote the majority of my time to mediation rather than litigation.
The bottom line is, with the right mediator, mediation works! It works when prior attempts at settlement have failed utterly. It works when both parties think it won’t. It even works when both lawyers think it won’t.
How does mediation work? My office is designed as a Mediation/Arbitration center with ample conference room space and offices. On the day of mediation, I have everyone meet together to go over the mediation process. Among other things, I explain that my role is that of a "neutral" who does not take sides or show favoritism. If they want, each party is given an opportunity to explain their side of the case in the presence of the other party. Then, I meet privately and confidentially with each party, moving back and forth between them and helping them negotiate with each other. The goal is to reach a complete settlement that satisfies all parties. No result can be imposed upon either party since the process is voluntary and each party is directly involved in negotiating his or her own settlement. As the mediator, I am there to help, not to decide who is right or wrong. I explore alternative solutions that may not have been considered by the parties or which may not even be available through the courts. Once a settlement is reached, with the parties input, I draw up a settlement agreement which is typically signed right then.
What about the cost? I quote and charge an hourly rate which the parties divide equally. My fees are significantly less than those charged by the big mediation firms which add multiple surcharges and administrative fees on top of those charged by the mediator. I charge for my time and expertise and nothing more. Parking, food and drinks are free. So is the good night's sleep you will get once your dispute is resolved.
What if mediation doesn't work? First, know that most of the time mediation results in a settlement. If, however, the mediation does not result in a settlement, neither party has sacrificed any legal rights or remedies. The parties are free to leave mediation and fight in court. Alternatively, if mediation is unsuccessful, I will offer the parties the option of resolving their lingering disputes with arbitration which, if desired, can occur immediately following the mediation. (See Arbitration page.)
Do I have to have an attorney to mediate? The answer is "no." Mediation can be conducted with or without attorneys.
How do I retain you as a mediator? Either you or your attorney can contact me by email. Click on the Contact page for information.
I WILL CONSIDER MEDIATIONS ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS, BUT ONLY IF BOTH PARTIES ARE REPRESENTED BY LICENSED GEORGIA ATTORNEYS.
Mediation Services
I have spent over thirty-five years involved in courtroom battles in state and federal courts throughout the state of Georgia. It has been challenging and rewarding. So, with all this litigation experience, why did I become a mediator?
It is precisely my litigation experience that drew me to mediation. Time after time, I have seen parties who have been fighting for years at great personal and financial expense resolve their disputes through mediation in a single day. As a mediator, rather than argue for one side or the other, I remain totally neutral. I call upon my experience, knowledge and skills to help the parties come together and reach a mutually satisfactory settlement.
How do I do this? First, I listen carefully and attentively to both sides. I do my utmost to understand each side’s perspective and the facts underlying the conflict. I identify obstacles to settlement, and I develop strategies for overcoming those obstacles. Then, I aid the parties and their attorneys with their negotiations. When a settlement is reached, a written agreement is prepared and signed then and there. Mediation is so rewarding, that I now devote the majority of my time to mediation rather than litigation.
The bottom line is, with the right mediator, mediation works! It works when prior attempts at settlement have failed utterly. It works when both parties think it won’t. It even works when both lawyers think it won’t.
How does mediation work? My office is designed as a Mediation/Arbitration center with ample conference room space and offices. On the day of mediation, I have everyone meet together to go over the mediation process. Among other things, I explain that my role is that of a "neutral" who does not take sides or show favoritism. If they want, each party is given an opportunity to explain their side of the case in the presence of the other party. Then, I meet privately and confidentially with each party, moving back and forth between them and helping them negotiate with each other. The goal is to reach a complete settlement that satisfies all parties. No result can be imposed upon either party since the process is voluntary and each party is directly involved in negotiating his or her own settlement. As the mediator, I am there to help, not to decide who is right or wrong. I explore alternative solutions that may not have been considered by the parties or which may not even be available through the courts. Once a settlement is reached, with the parties input, I draw up a settlement agreement which is typically signed right then.
What about the cost? I quote and charge an hourly rate which the parties divide equally. My fees are significantly less than those charged by the big mediation firms which add multiple surcharges and administrative fees on top of those charged by the mediator. I charge for my time and expertise and nothing more. Parking, food and drinks are free. So is the good night's sleep you will get once your dispute is resolved.
What if mediation doesn't work? First, know that most of the time mediation results in a settlement. If, however, the mediation does not result in a settlement, neither party has sacrificed any legal rights or remedies. The parties are free to leave mediation and fight in court. Alternatively, if mediation is unsuccessful, I will offer the parties the option of resolving their lingering disputes with arbitration which, if desired, can occur immediately following the mediation. (See Arbitration page.)
Do I have to have an attorney to mediate? The answer is "no." Mediation can be conducted with or without attorneys.
How do I retain you as a mediator? Either you or your attorney can contact me by email. Click on the Contact page for information.