1. After we all agree that I am the right mediator for the case, I will send each party an intake form and schedule an individual pre-mediation session call.

2. After the pre-mediation calls, we will schedule our first Mediation Session that will last 2-6 hours
   The Mediation Session will start with Opening Statements from the mediator and parties
   Then we will follow with an Exploratory Joint Session. After that joint session, we will have other Joint Sessions or Individual Sessions (Caucuses).
   We will then start the Negotiation Stage and hopefully conclude with a drafted Agreement called a MOU or Memorandum of Understanding.
   If not, an additional Mediation Sessions may be scheduled. 

3. After the Mediation Session, the MOU is converted into a formal, legally binding contract agreement by an attorney and is finalized and signed and all parties get their signed copy of the agreement.

I believe that every case is unique because every person is unique and every circumstance is different. But I also believe that having experience on a type of cases can make a huge difference. It helps me better understand the parties, ask the right questions and better frame the core issues at stake.This specialized understanding is crucial in guiding parties toward effective and lasting resolutions.
Here are some of my areas of expertise:

• Workplace & Employment Disputes (wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, Team or Departmental Conflicts, etc...)

• Business & Commercial Disputes (Contract Disputes, Customer/Client Complaints, Vendor Disputes, Construction Conflicts, etc...)

• Real Estate Disputes  (Landlord-Tenant Issues, Neighbor Disputes, HOA Conflicts, etc..

• Personal Injury & Civil Disputes (Motor Vehicle Accidents, Small Claims Cases, Interpersonal Disputes) 

It depends... Wiling parties can settle a simple case in less than 2 hours. But a complex case with multiple unprepared parties can take days and never come to an agreement. Once I hear more about your case, we will have an individual pre-mediation session. I will make sure I properly understand the case and that all parties are well prepared. After the pre-mediation sessions, we'll agree on our first mediation date and the number of hours reserved for it. 

Our rates are clearly explained here

We are striving to keep mediation affordable while giving our best.

While every case presents its own unique complexities, the core of what I do remains consistent: I focus on the people. I come to each session with a well-honed set of processes and tools, certainly, but my ultimate priority is always the individuals involved and their interactions.

My primary goal is to cultivate a safe, neutral space where everyone feels genuinely comfortable expressing their views and emotions. This isn't just about airing grievances; it's about creating an atmosphere where genuine collaboration can begin. The toughest hurdle, in my experience, is often the lingering acrimony that has built up over months or even years, eroding the trust and respect that once defined the relationship—be it professional, amicable, or deeply personal. Yet, it's precisely this foundational respect and a developing trust in the process that allows parties to move beyond their positions and truly collaborate on a sustainable solution.

Absolutely! For straightforward matters, online mediation can be significantly faster and more cost-effective.

However, when dealing with more intricate situations, in-person sessions often prove beneficial. In such cases, a hybrid approach—alternating between online and in-person meetings—can offer the best of both worlds.

If an Agreement is Reached:

If you and the other party reach an agreement, I will draft a document called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This document outlines all the key terms of your agreement. It's often drafted at the end of the session, and both parties will review and sign it right there. 

I will then send this MOU to your attorney, or to an outside attorney, who will transform it into a legally binding contract. This final contract is a formal, legally enforceable document that will be sent to both parties for signatures.

If an Agreement is Not Reached:

If you don't reach a full agreement, you will need to decide on the next steps, which could include further negotiation, another mediation session, or pursuing litigation.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of mediation, designed to create a safe space for parties to speak openly and candidly without fear that their statements will be used against them later. It is what makes the process "non-binding" until a formal agreement is signed.

Here's a breakdown of what that means in practice:

1. The General Rule of Confidentiality

In mediation, "confidential" means that:

• Communications are privileged. Anything said, written, or created specifically for the purpose of the mediation cannot be used as evidence in a subsequent court case or legal proceeding. This includes offers, admissions of fault, settlement proposals, and even the "vibes" of the session.

• The mediator is a neutral third party. The mediator is legally and ethically bound not to disclose information from the mediation to a court or any outside party, with very few exceptions. They cannot be subpoenaed to testify about what happened in the session.

• The process is private. Mediation sessions are not open to the public, and no official record (like a court transcript) is made of the proceedings.

This principle allows parties to explore potential solutions, admit weaknesses in their case, and compromise without worrying that these actions will harm them if the mediation fails and they end up in court.

2. Non-Binding and Exceptions

While the discussions are non-binding, there are important exceptions to the rule of confidentiality:

• The Final Agreement: If you reach a settlement, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) you sign, and the subsequent legally binding contract are specifically an exception to the confidentiality rule. The entire purpose of these documents is to be enforceable and used in court if one party breaches the agreement.

• Information Relayed to the Court: When a court orders mediation, the mediator will send a report back but this report is brief and focuses on the session's outcome, not the details. The report will include the following information: Date and Time of the session(s), Attendance of all required parties and their attorneys, and the Outcome (Full Agreement, Partial Agreement, Impasse/No Agreement).

• Threats of Violence or Criminal Activity: Confidentiality is not a shield for illegal acts. If a party makes a threat of serious bodily harm or discusses a crime, the mediator may be obligated by law to report it.

• Abuse or Neglect: In cases involving child custody or family disputes, mediators are often "mandated reporters" and must disclose credible allegations of child abuse, neglect, or harm to a vulnerable adult.

• To Prove a Breach of a Legal Duty: In rare circumstances, confidentiality may be pierced to address a claim against the mediator or the mediation program, such as allegations of fraud or coercion during the process.

3. Extra Confidentiality in Caucuses

A "caucus" is a private, individual meeting between the mediator and one of the parties (and their legal counsel, if any). This is a crucial element of mediation and has an extra layer of confidentiality.

When a mediator meets with you in a caucus, you can speak even more freely. The mediator will ask for your permission before sharing any information with the other party. The default rule is that nothing you say in a caucus can be shared with the other side unless you specifically give permission. This allows you to discuss sensitive issues, your "bottom line," or confidential business information that you would never want the other side to hear directly.

4. Discoverability During a Trial

This is a critical distinction: while information discussed in mediation is generally not admissible in court, information that exists independently of the mediation is still discoverable.

For example:

• If you admit in a mediation session that you were negligent in an accident, that admission cannot be used against you in court.

• However, if during the mediation, you mention that you have a specific document (like a police report or a receipt) that is relevant to the case, that document itself can be subpoenaed and used in court. Its existence is a fact that is discoverable, even though it was mentioned in a confidential setting.

In essence, mediation protects the conversation and the statements you make, but it doesn't protect the underlying facts or evidence that existed before the mediation began.

The Agile method from software development can be adapted to mediation by making the process flexible, iterative, and focused on quicker resolution. Instead of a single, long session, it involves a series of shorter, adaptive meetings designed to address specific issues as they arise, prioritizing open communication and collaboration to find practical solutions efficiently. This approach helps the parties reach a resolution faster and keeps the process moving forward. 

The Agile Method revolves around 4 principles:

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools:
   This emphasizes the unique needs, emotions, and communication styles of the parties involved. A good mediator prioritizes building rapport, active listening, and facilitating direct, open dialogue between individuals, rather than strictly adhering to a predetermined sequence of steps or relying heavily on standardized forms and templates. The human element and dynamic interaction are paramount. 

2. Working agreements and shared understanding over comprehensive documentation
   While the goal is to leave mediation with a Memorandum of Understanding, the parties' genuine understanding and commitment to their common solution are more valuable than leaving mediation with an attorney-drafted, legally dense document created without their full buy-in.
   "Working agreements" refer to the ongoing, iterative development of mutual understanding and consensus during the mediation process. This can include informal understandings, partial agreements, or a clear grasp of each other's perspectives and interests, even before a MoU is drafted. The focus is on clarity and shared meaning, which can evolve. 

3. Client collaboration over rigid contract negotiation
   This highlights the importance of the parties actively participating in crafting their own solutions. Instead of the mediator or attorneys dictating terms or engaging in a traditional, adversarial negotiation dance, collaboration means empowering the parties to brainstorm options, weigh consequences, and collectively construct an outcome that meets their needs. The mediator facilitates this collaborative problem-solving, rather than acting as an arbiter or solely focused on getting signatures on a pre-written Memorandum of Understanding. 

4. Responding to change over following a plan
   Mediation is often an unpredictable process. New information, shifts in emotions, or emerging interests can alter the landscape at any moment. An agile mediator is prepared to adapt their approach, reframe issues, or explore new avenues as circumstances evolve, rather than rigidly adhering to an initial agenda or pre-conceived strategy. This allows for flexibility and responsiveness to the dynamic nature of conflict resolution. 

My role as a mediator is to help parties reach a mutually agreeable settlement. I cannot enforce laws, issue judgments, or determine guilt or innocence. Therefore, I cannot mediate a case involving criminal charges or fraudulent activity.

Additionally, I will not mediate cases with a:

• Power Imbalance: Like threats, bullying, domestic violence etc. I will only take a case with a language barrier or a mental incapacity if we can remediate the power imbalance (with an interpreter or a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for example)

• Lack of Willingness: Mediation must be voluntary. Mediation is a not a strategy to delay court. For cases that are required to go through mediation, I will evaluate during the pre-mediation call if both parties are ready to negotiate in good faith.

• Lack of Authority: The parties must be able to make decisions or agree to a settlement