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Showing posts from November, 2020

Litigation-I Win, You Lose vs. Mediation-Win/Win

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  Litigation is a zero-sum game.  It destroys relationships and fosters enmity between the parties.  Parties rarely walk away happy.  Even if they win, the expense of litigation is enormous, and collecting on judgments is difficult. Disputes ultimately resolve, but the focus on winning at any cost can lead to prolonged legal battles.  Living with a lawsuit causes ongoing stress, which can distract you from your business and even have an effect on your health. In a courtroom, the final decision lies with a judge or jury who may not fully grasp the complexities of the case. Parties relinquish control over the outcome, potentially leaving them dissatisfied with the final judgment. Mediation has the opposite effect.   Rather than polarizing people, it enables the parties to attack the issues and not each other.     The process promotes open communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which enables parties to actively participate in crafting ...
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When You Shouldn’t Mediate Your Construction Dispute

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Photo by  Cytonn Photography  on  Unsplash Mediation is a wonderful form of dispute resolution.  It allows the parties to craft their own resolution to a conflict.  It frequently repairs relationships.  Parties tend to comply more with mediated settlements.   That said, there are definitely times when you should not mediate. As a refresher, mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution where the parties attempt to negotiate a settlement of their dispute with the aid of a third-party, neutral mediator.   It is a confidential process.   If the parties come to an agreement, that agreement becomes an enforceable contract.   Since parties have control over whether they come to an agreement, they are much more likely to comply with a mediated settlement than a judgment. So, when not to mediate? When the other side refuses. Mediation is supposed to be a voluntary process.   The parties are supposed to attend a mediation...
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