Mediation is a tool that can work well for some legal cases. As trial dates draw closer, judges will oftentimes order all parties to mediation. This might be because there has been little progress made throughout the case, or because the judge can see a clear resolution that the participants in the lawsuit either cannot see or do not want to entertain.
A case does not have to be a lawsuit to go through mediation. Negotiating an agreement before it ever gets to that point is usually the most efficient use of time, money and energy. Sometimes the objective perspective of a professional can keep a disagreement from evolving into a legal battle. Both parties can discuss the factors with the mediator knowing the goal is not a day in court, but a swift conclusion instead.
Aside from court reporting services, Huseby works with qualified mediators to help people resolve their cases. It takes skill, patience and willing participants to bring mediation to a successful conclusion.
Our mediators are a neutral third party, just like our court reporters. This makes it easier for litigants to put faith in the mediation process. They know that we are unbiased and will bring a fresh perspective to the case. After careful study of the issues and allegations involved in the case, the mediator will take the time to speak to both parties and consider different ways to settle the case that everyone involved can live with.
Lawsuits are mentally, emotionally and financially draining. People spend a lot of energy and money on them. The longer a case goes, the more expensive it gets. Settlement is not possible for every case. We look at every case carefully before we take them on.
Sometimes all that is needed is an opportunity for both sides to discuss the sticking points with those involved. What may have been important to case resolution in the beginning may no longer be a crucial hurdle to resolving the case.
Sometimes the key factor is restitution. This may come in the form of payments to the plaintiff, but there are other ways people may want to be compensated in addition to money. A sincere apology or admittance of wrong-doing may go a long way in ending a disagreement. Contingencies on publicity or disclosing the settlement terms may be another factor in finding a conclusion that all parties can live with.
One of the most crucial parts to mediation is having a neutral site where things can be discussed and mediated. Huseby’s court reporting agencies have conference room facilities where neither side has the advantage. It is an unbiased, confidential comfortable atmosphere.
