Mediation

Non Binding Mediation: Mediation is a voluntary non binding negotiation process by which an impartial neutral assists in resolving a dispute between two or more parties. It is a non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution. The role of the Mediator is to facilitate communication between the parties, assist them in focusing on the real issues of the dispute, and generate options that meet the interests or needs of all relevant parties in an effort to resolve the conflict and find a mutually agreeable solution. Mediation is designed for parties hoping to reach a mutually acceptable settlement with the help of a neutral hearing officer, but who agree to be bound by the neutral’s decision, should they be unsuccessful in reaching a settlement. The hearing officer begins the process as traditional mediation, but if settlement is not achieved, the parties must proceed to present any remaining issues to the mediator-turned-arbitrator who will, after closing arguments, take the matter under submission. This format is designed as an incentive to be reasonable – and settle – in the mediation phase and/or, after a short cooling-down period, to once again attempt settlement before a binding decision is rendered.