There are many mediators to choose from in the Los Angeles area with knowledge of the law and mediation. Stephen S. Strick is a widely respected ADR Specialist with more than 30 years’ experience. He currently serves on the American Arbitration Association’s National Roster of Arbitrators, its Commercial Panel, Large, Complex Case Panel, Federal Communications Panel, Panel of Mediators, and the ICDR International Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators. He also serves as a neutral arbitrator on the International Institute of Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR) Panel of Distinguished Neutrals, the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) International Panel of Neutral Arbitrators, and is a charter arbitrator with the UK’s Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Mediation has risen in popularity as an effective Alternative Dispute Resolution technique due to the time saved, lower costs, and privacy offered compared to a lengthy court trial. Mediation allows the disputing parties to work together to form a resolution that works for everyone.

There are many benefits to choosing mediation over a court trial in the Los Angeles area.

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• Mediation is best considered when there is willingness for compromise on both sides

• Lower Cost over court trials.

• Privacy for the parties – Most mediations are confidential.

• Time Savings compared to a court trial – Mediation agreements may be obtained after a few hours or in sessions over a few weeks instead of the potential years it may take in court.

• Informal setting – Without the rigid structure and rules of the courtroom, mediation allows parties to be more informal during discussions and more comfortable.

• Satisfaction of the resolution between the parties – Since the disputing parties are working together to find a suitable resolution, they generally feel more satisfied after the mediation is complete.

• Without a winner and loser, feelings and relationships may stay intact.

• The chosen mediator facilitates negotiations between the disputing parties and keeps the conversations on track and focused on the goal of reaching a mutual resolution.

• The mediator acts as a neutral buffer between the disputing parties to keep the negotiations focused which reduces or eliminates hard bargaining tactics and posturing.

• Mediation allows all parties to meet at the bargaining table to discuss the settlement.

• Mediation allows each party has the opportunity to educate and influence their counterparts. This gives the opportunity to let the parties see each other’s views.

• Mediation often gives the parties an idea of what would happen in a court trial.