Disputes are an inevitable part of running a business — whether between partners, vendors, clients, or employees. The real question is how to resolve them efficiently while protecting your company’s reputation, time, and bottom line. For many Illinois business owners, mediation has become the smarter, more strategic choice compared to traditional litigation. While lawsuits can be costly and disruptive, mediation …
What is Mediation? (Part 2)
In yesterday’s post, I noted what mediation is NOT. Well, this is what mediation IS: Mediation is a Conversation Put simply, the role of the mediator is to facilitate a conversation between the parties The mediator is not there to listen to testimony like a trial or arbitration. Albeit “heated” at times, a mediation session is conversation focused. Mediation Allows …
So What Exactly is this Mediation Thing?
I have been blogging lately about mediation – but what is it exactly? Mediation is a type of Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) and is sharply different than arbitration. A mediator does not make the decision about the outcome of the case; instead, the parties (and their attorneys, if applicable) work toward a solution together. The mediator helps to facilitate this …
What Happens in Mediation Stays in Mediation
Because of my work on the Rule 1:40-12 Roster of Civil, General Equity and Probate Action Mediators in New Jersey (and recent mediation training in New York), I was reviewing the New Jersey Uniform Mediation Act this week. I wanted to stress something to my readers that may or may not be clear: (almost) everything that happens during mediation is …

