PROCESS

Pre-Mediation Conference

If you retain me as your mediator, one of the first things we will do is have a pre-mediation conference to discuss the best way to handle your case. At that conference, we will also discuss the agreement to mediate and any logistics. To ensure that everyone is properly prepared for a successful mediation, you should schedule that conference at least two weeks ahead of the mediation session.

Mediation

As a rule, we will schedule mediations to begin at 9 a.m. Although many mediations can be completed in a morning, my calendar will be open all day. I will continue to work with you until you have reached a resolution, or all involved agree that we have accomplished all that reasonably be accomplished that day. If we are unable to find an agreement on the day of the mediation, I will continue to be available to the parties as they work to exhaust all avenues before facing the costs and uncertainties of trial.

Memorialization

When you reach agreement, I will ensure that it is memorialized in appropriate form. In some cases, you can expect to leave the mediation with a signed agreement; in all others, we will produce at least a memorandum that captures the essential elements of the agreement. In this phase of the mediation, as in all others, my role is one of facilitation; you and the other side will be the drafters. While I can assist, by suggesting form and language, the ultimate product is yours and yours alone. Just as you own the process, you own the outcome.

Fees

My standard fee is $1,500.00 per mediation; as a rule this is split equally between the parties. This fee covers the pre-mediation conference, preparation and logistics, and the first three hours of the actual mediation session; after that, my billing rate is $375 per hour. Self-represented parties must pay their share of the standard fee at least two weeks before the mediation. I will send a final invoice promptly after completion of the mediation and will ask that payment be made as promptly. Mileage will be billed only in the case of travel more than 40 miles from my home in South Burlington.