Thomas Crum, The Magic of Conflict
In mediation, the parties have control over the outcome of their dispute. The mediator is a trained facilitator who assists the parties in exploring options for resolution, while the ultimate decision-making power remains with the parties (not the mediator, a judge, or a jury).
Mediation is confidential, so parties can feel comfortable sharing information with the mediator without concern that it will be disclosed to the other party without their permission or that the information will be used against them later.
Many people think of mediation later in a dispute after a lawsuit has been filed, discovery has closed, and a case is proceeding to trial. While mediation at this stage has significant success in helping parties reach a resolution, mediation also may be valuable at any stage of a dispute – even before or shortly after a lawsuit is filed. Mediating disputes at these early stages can often yield positive results allowing the parties to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation or set the stage for more focused discovery and a later resolution.
Ardis neutrals can also assist parties in mediating discovery disputes to avoid costly motion practice and reduce delays.
Ardis provides in-person, virtual, and hybrid mediation services.