Policy.     The process of mediation seems to work best when all parties have shared in the payment of the mediation fee.  My policy is to provide mediation services at a reasonable cost.  In fact, the cost to each party is less than each party would spend on costs and attorneys’ fees for a deposition of corresponding amount of time.  You will receive my best efforts toward resolving the dispute.

Time and Duration.     A typical full-day mediation begins at 9:00 a.m., includes a working lunch and continues until completed.  While most sessions conclude by approximately 5:00 p.m., a session may extend into the evening.  Half-day mediations usually begin at 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. and last 3 1/2 hours.  Weekends are available for mediation if requested by the parties or required by scheduling limitations.  If the mediation session occurs on a weekend, a supplemental charge of $200 - $400 will be allocated amongst the parties for support staff overtime and building HVAC costs.

A few cases require more than one mediation session.  If needed, subsequent sessions are usually scheduled by mutual consent at the completion of the mediation day.  If the parties initially request that more than one successive mediation day be scheduled, then the full fee for all scheduled sessions is due and earned upon commencement of the first day of mediation.  

Mediation Fee.     All parties represented by the same attorney are considered a single “party” for purposes of the mediation fee.  All fees are payable prior to the commencement of the mediation. 

Description of Services and Expenses.    

The daily fee includes:      

• Scheduling and administering the session;
• Any pre-mediation attorney conferences;
• Preparing for and conducting the mediation session;
• Conducting the post-session telephone facilitation and correspondence as needed;         
• Refreshments for all present; and
• Lunch for all present  (full day only).
   

Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy.     A cancellation or rescheduling fee is charged only if the mediation is canceled or rescheduled 14 days from the scheduled mediation date.  In such event a $100.00 fee is charged to the party or parties canceling or rescheduling the mediation.  If a party fails to appear without notice, the party will be charged the half-day fee.