Frequently Asked Questions

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution resolving disputes between two or more parties with concrete effects. Typically, a mediator assists the parties to negotiate a settlement. Mediation can be used to resolve disputes of any magnitude. ¹

Mediation can save fees and costs associated with a trial.

Video mediation saves travel time and expenses which are usually passed on to you, the client. All of our mediation is conducted via video meeting unless in-personal mediation is preferred.

Robert Palmer is a highly skilled mediator, having mediated hundreds of cases from routine motor vehicle collision cases to complex multi-party construction and medical malpractice disputes and a wide variety of types of case in between.

• Business & Commercial Disputes
• Construction Claims and Lawsuits
• Employment Related Claims
• Government Contracts and Claims
• Insurance
• Intellectual Property
• Medical and Dental Malpractice
• Professional Liability
• Real Estate
• Torts
• Trust, Wills and Estate Disputes

Before the mediation, Mr. Palmer will request a detailed position statement and any significant court filings, to provide insight to the real issues in the dispute.

Expect Mr. Palmer to have phone conversations with counsel to discuss specific issues in the mediation, in an attempt to get a sense of stumbling blocks that might exist in the case.

Mr. Palmer will encourage counsel to make concise but detailed opening statement and presentations – those can be critical in each settlement.

If mediation does not result in a complete settlement of the case, Mr. Palmer frequently continues to work with the parties, making every attempt to work to a suitable resolution without an expensive and time-consuming trial.

Abbreviated as ADR, alternative dispute resolution refers to any method of resolving disputes without litigation. Public courts may be asked to review the validity of ADR methods, but they will rarely overturn ADR decisions and awards if the disputing parties formed a valid contract to abide by them. Arbitration and mediation are the two major forms of ADR. ²

The main advantage of this form of dispute settlement is that it allows the parties themselves to control the process and the solution. Mediation is also an informal alternative to litigation. Mediators are individuals trained in negotiations, who bring opposing parties together and attempt to work out a settlement or agreement that both parties accept or reject. ³

Survey results of participants in mediation consistently demonstrate a high satisfaction rate with both the results of the mediation and with the process itself. In mediation, the resolution is determined by the parties and is not imposed on them. Settlements achieved in mediation are upheld easily by the parties, and the agreements reached help to foster future positive relationships. ²