Consulting & Review

For Mediation Support

Parties in mediation can benefit enormously from review and consultation with an independent attorney. That is why when I mediate, I always strongly recommend that each party consult with individual counsel. And I perform that valuable service for individuals whose mediations are conducted by other professionals.

There are many significant benefits offered by obtaining independent advice with your mediation:

Individual legal advice from an attorney who is duty-bound to serve only your interests. This is different from the general legal information you can expect to receive from a mediator. In their neutral role, attorney mediators are explicitly precluded from providing specific legal advice to one party or the other.
The ability to ask questions and explore options with a knowledgeable professional outside of the mediation setting. So you can ask and consider possibilities you might not feel comfortable raising in the company of the other party. And you get to do it on your own schedule.
The confidence of knowing that you have had your agreement fully vetted by your own attorney before you sign it. So you can be certain you fully understand its terms. You can be confident that the agreement says exactly what you intended. And you can be comfortable that you have explored how it compares to other possible resolutions.
The agreement itself will be stronger and more able to withstand any possible future challenge if both parties have used separate counsel. Because after devoting the time and resources to mediating your conflict, you deserve the security of knowing that the agreement you achieve will endure.