back

Non-Lawyer Mediation

Mediation is assisted settlement negotiation. Mediators don’t take sides, and are used for the sole purpose of trying to help people reach a settlement. Some mediators will work with clients when neither person is represented by a lawyer. Mediators help the parties identify issues and options, and help them reach agreements.

Positives: Mediators help balance the negotiating power between the parties, and help them stay on track when they are tempted to argue or rehash past events.

Negatives: Mediators are ethically forbidden from giving legal advice to either party. Sometimes, just asking a question can help one person and hurt another. Without independent legal advice, a person might not make informed decisions.

back