How Does a Mediation Work?
Understanding the Role of Mediation in a Civil CaseAt a certain juncture in your case, you may encounter the option to engage in mediation. Understanding the fundamentals of how mediation functions can be essential in making this decision. Let's explore some key aspects of mediation that can provide clarity:
Voluntary Participation: Mediation is entirely voluntary. You have the freedom to choose whether to participate or not. Importantly, nothing that transpires in mediation is binding unless all parties involved agree to it. Confidentiality: Mediation proceedings are confidential. Anything discussed during mediation cannot be used in a trial if the case doesn't reach a settlement. Your privacy is protected in this process. Structured Process: Mediation follows a structured approach, although the specific details may vary depending on the mediator. A neutral mediator is appointed to facilitate the process. Their role isn't to pass judgment on who's right or wrong but to aid in reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. Typically, you'll engage in a joint session where all involved parties, along with the mediator, convene. If you have legal representation, you won't be required to speak during this session. Following that, the mediator will conduct private sessions with each party, shuttling back and forth until either an agreement is reached or one or more parties decide to conclude the session. Mediation is a valuable option for resolving disputes amicably and efficiently. Understanding its voluntary, confidential, and structured nature can help you make an informed decision when it comes to your civil case. Learn more here about mediation. |
We're Here to Help.OR
|
Questions About a Civil Lawsuit?
Our Solutions Roadmap is a quick and easy way to share the details of what you are facing and receive preliminary feedback from a member of our team. Use the button below to get started- it is 100% confidential and 100% free.
Meet Our Trial Attorneys
Emily Smith-Lee is the owner and founder of slnlaw. She is a 1996 graduate of Boston College Law School. She was previously a partner at the Boston office of a large international firm, where she worked for thirteen years, with a focus on complex business litigation. In 2009, she started the firm that became slnlaw. She has been recognized as Massachusetts Superlawyer each year since 2013, and in 2018 earned recognition as one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's Lawyers of the Year for a precedent-setting victory at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. She has written a book on employment law: Rules of the Road, What You Need to Know About Employment Laws in Massachusetts, and helped thousands of clients with business and employment disputes. Emily has handled cases at every level of the state system, in the federal trial court, and before the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
Elijah Bresley: Eli is a 2014 graduate of Seton Hall Law school, and has worked with slnlaw since 2020. He previously worked for a boutique employment law firm outside of Boston, and then for the Labor and Employment department of a large Boston firm. He also spent a year clerking for the judges of the Superior Court in Hartford, Connecticut. Eli has successfully defended numerous employers in the MCAD, and litigated other business and employment disputes throughout the state court system and in the federal trial court.
Sharleen Tinnin: Sharleen is a 2010 graduate of Northeastern University School of Law, and has been with slnlaw since 2023. Prior to joining slnlaw, she worked with King, Tilden, McEttrick & Brink, P.C. on complex civil litigation matters. She previously worked for the United States Department of Justice, and received an "Excellence in Justice" award in 2017. Sharleen has litigated both plaintiff and defendant cases in the state court system, MCAD, and the federal trial court.
Emily Smith-Lee Rated by Super Lawyers loading ... |