DUNLAP MEDIATION

Mediation is attractive for several reasons. One of the primary reasons people mediate is because it offers them an informal and quick method for resolving disputes. If parties are already embroiled in litigation, there is a high probability that the federal, circuit, or county court judge will order the parties to mediation before they can proceed to trial. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are resolved at mediation thereby saving parties considerable expenses associated with trial preparation and the actual trial.

Mediation is also effective in situations where litigation appears to be imminent, but no lawsuit has been filed. This is called pre-suit mediation. In some instances, the legislature has actually mandated that parties participate in pre-suit mediation before filing a lawsuit. Pre-suit mediations offer great potential for resolution since parties are generally less entrenched in their positions and attorneys fees and costs are usually lower at this early stage. Pre-suit mediations are conducted in the same manner as mediations involving ongoing court cases. 

At a mediation conference, a mediator brings parties together and facilitates communication. The mediator is a neutral party who helps the parties view their dispute from a different perspective. The mediator will often test each party's positions and seek to determine their real interests. By doing this, the mediator can help parties remove some of the "emotions" and help them appreciate that fighting over the "principle" clouds their ability to make sound business or personal decisions.

Mediation also empowers the parties to make decisions that will offer them the greatest benefit. The possibilities for resolving any given dispute are countless and are only limited by the creativity of the parties, their attorneys, and the mediator. If the parties are unable to resolve their dispute at mediation, they relinquish to the judge all of the power to make a decision that could impact them for the rest of their lives.

Mediation sessions often last less than four hours and are far less expensive and stressful than the rigors of discovery depositions, document preparation, trial preparation, and attendance at trial.

What did you like best about the training?

"Everything! The information was presented efficiently and very effectively. I learned an incredible amount of information and Eric kept my interest the entire time. I really enjoyed the learning experience."

"This was a great experience that I will recommend to any and all looking to do mediations."

"The training addressed various learning styles through a variety of instructional strategies: visuals, PowerPoint, simulations, examples. Eric is a very effective trainer and maintains an excellent rapport with students."

"Very engaging - great examples - Mr. Dunlap kept us involved with questions, statutes and rule reviews, etc."

"The program was well administered. Students were engaged and actively involved."

"Eric has a great style. He keeps the class moving along with his enthusiasm and real-world examples. Eric conducts his classes in a manner that engages all participants. He creates great dynamics and a very supportive atmosphere."

"Thank you for sharing your expertise and a top-quality education of mediation."

"Wonderbar! Finally someone who engages students in the learning process. Thanks so much for all the wonderful instruction.!"

"The training was informative and uber fun. Thank you for everything."

"Eric was very good presenting and ensuring that the audience was engaged."

"Eric's personal experiences were very helpful/useful. Great teaching style. Truly excellent job. [The class] was extremely informative and I learned a lot."

"The simulated mediations were fun. Eric's teaching style is well-received. He's very knowledgeable and I think he's a very good teacher. Great course - well worth it."

"Very good training! Instructor provided helpful information throughout the training via his experience."

"Excellent, professional, complete, well-paced, and - - fun."

"This training class is one of the best I have seen. A+"

"Very informational - helped me see things from another viewpoint (mediator) rather than adversarial. It was fun! Great Class!!"

"Really liked the class and you taught it very well."

"[The class] gave me an opportunity to experience what it's like to be a mediator."

"Enjoyable atmosphere, the time seemed to go by quickly."

"This was spectacular. I learned so much."