MEDIATION
Many lawyers are turning to mediation to resolve cases. This form of alternative dispute resolution is often used to end a case quickly with a final binding result on both parties. Mediation is conducted by a mediator whose job it is to bring the parties together to foster a settlement. Mediators can be either appointed by the Court or can be chosen by the parties. In some countries certain cases must go to mediation before they can proceed through the court system. For example, in Middlesex County all employment discrimination cases must go through a mediation process. In these cases, the Court appoints a mediator who attempts to resolve the matter through independent conferences with each party. Most of the time a mediator is either a retired Judge or a practicing attorney who may have some experience in the mediation process. Some litigants resist the mediation process because they want a jury to decide their case. However, due to the costs, time and uncertainties of the Court system, it is short sided not to give this attempt to resolve your case or try.
