Services: Mediation and Negotiations

I've spent 40 successful years successfully mediating and negotiating conflict issues and contractual agreements.

I have negotiated successful Legal Separation Agreements, two party disputants to multi-party disputes. I have negotiated in life and death situations, community issues and substantial deals in the corporate arena.

I have Mastered the art of Negotiation, as a result from the years of experience, various situations, environments and education.

I am seen above with Mr. Daniel Shapiro one of my Professors from Harvard University and who I admire. Professor Dan Shapiro was   

​Named one of the top 15 professors at Harvard University, Daniel Shapiro, Ph.D., is founder and director of the Harvard International Negotiation Program, associate professor in psychology at Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital, and affiliate faculty at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School.  He consults regularly for government leaders and Fortune 500 companies and has advised everyone from hostage negotiators to families in crisis, disputing CEOs to clashing heads of state. 

Shapiro has traveled around the world working to resolve identity-based conflicts, from ethnic wars in Yugoslavia to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

There are several types of mediation, each designed to address different contexts and needs in resolving disputes. Here’s a summary of the main types of mediation along with their descriptions I may provide for your conflict:

1. Facilitative Mediation: In this approach, I as the mediator acts as a facilitator who guides the parties in a structured dialogue. The mediator helps clarify issues, improve communication, and encourage mutual understanding but does not suggest outcomes or make decisions for the parties. The focus is on helping the parties reach their own solution.

2.  Evaluative Mediation: This type of mediation involves I as the mediator providing my professional opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of each party's position and the likely outcomes if the case were to go to court. Evaluative mediation which can guide the parties toward a resolution based on legal evaluations of the matter and issues. 

3.  Transformative Mediation: Transformative mediation emphasizes personal empowerment and recognition between the parties. The goal is to help parties understand each other’s perspectives, foster empathy, and transform their relationship. This type of mediation is particularly useful in situations where parties have an ongoing relationship, such as family disputes or preparing legal separation agreements.

4.  Narrative Mediation: In this approach, I as the mediator helps the parties reframe their perspectives by exploring the stories they tell about the dispute. The mediator assists the parties in identifying underlying beliefs and values, enabling them to construct a new narrative that allows for resolution and change.

5. Interest-Based Mediation: Instead of focusing purely on the positions of the parties, interest-based mediation seeks to identify the underlying interests and needs driving each party’s position. By understanding these interests, I as the mediator can help the parties find solutions that satisfy their core needs.

6.  Online Mediation (E-Mediation): With the rise of technology, online mediation has become increasingly common. This type uses digital platforms to facilitate mediation sessions, allowing parties to participate remotely. It can be particularly advantageous for those who are unable to meet in person due to geographical or logistical constraints. Most of my practice is using Online Mediation via Zoom Conferencing.

7. Court-Ordered Mediation: This form of mediation is mandated by the court as part of the litigation process. Parties are required to attend mediation sessions to attempt resolution before proceeding with court proceedings. I as the mediator may or may not be selected by the court. However, if the court as insisted the matter attend mediation prior to any further court appearances I can be chosen outside of a court appointed mediator.

8. Community Mediation: Typically used to resolve disputes within a community setting, such as neighborhood conflicts, I as a community mediators focus on restoring relationships and ensuring ongoing peace within the community. 

9. Family Mediation: This form of mediation addresses disputes related to family matters, including separation, child custody, and other family-related issues. I perform family mediations to help the parties navigate emotional challenges while focusing on the best interests of the children involved.

10. Workplace Mediation: Used to resolve conflicts in a workplace setting, in this type of mediation I help address interpersonal disputes between employees or between employees and management, aiming to improve workplace relationships and productivity.

Each type of mediation has its own unique approach and benefits, allowing parties to choose a method that best fits their circumstances and goals for resolution.

 I am and have been a licensed paralegal for years and recognized as in excellent standing by the Law Society of Ontario and the Paralegal Association of Ontario. 

My current practice focuses exclusively on the field of mediation, where I strive to facilitate constructive dialogue and resolution for all parties involved.

Mediation is more cost effective than the legal route and results and preserves relationships. A less contentious approach resulting in saved monies and relationships. 

With my legal education and experience I am able to bring to the table a tremendous understanding in the legal areas of any disagreement. 

Using a mediator instead of a lawyer or paralegal for resolving disputes can offer several benefits, particularly in contexts such as family law, business conflicts, and community disputes. Here are some key advantages of opting for mediation:

1. Cost-Effective: Mediation is often less expensive than hiring a lawyer for litigation. Mediation typically involves lower fees because it requires less time and fewer resources than a court proceeding.

2.  Faster Resolution: Mediation can lead to quicker resolutions compared to the court system, which can be prolonged due to scheduling, legal procedures, and possible appeals. Mediation sessions can be arranged at the parties' convenience.

3. Control and Flexibility: Mediation allows the parties involved to have more control over the outcome. They can work together to craft solutions that meet their specific needs and interests, rather than having a judge impose a decision.

4.  Confidentiality: Mediation is generally a private process, meaning that discussions and agreements made during mediation are not typically disclosed to the public. This confidentiality can promote open communication and honesty.

5. Less Adversarial: Mediation fosters a collaborative environment rather than an adversarial one. This approach can help preserve relationships, making it particularly beneficial in family disputes or ongoing business relationships.

6.  Improved Communication: Mediation encourages constructive dialogue between parties, which can improve communication skills and relationships moving forward. This can help reduce animosity and foster cooperation.

7. Higher Satisfaction Rates: Parties often report higher satisfaction rates with mediated agreements compared to court decisions. Mediation allows for creative solutions that reflect the interests of both parties.

8.  Focus on Interests: Unlike litigation, which often emphasizes winning or losing based on legal rights, mediation focuses on the interests and needs of the parties involved, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes.

9. Supportive Environment: Mediators provide a supportive atmosphere to help parties navigate difficult discussions with empathy and understanding, which can make the process less stressful.

10. Compliance and Accountability: Agreements reached in mediation are typically more likely to be followed voluntarily since they are mutually created by the parties, leading to greater compliance compared to court orders that may feel imposed.

In summary, while both mediators and lawyers play valuable roles in conflict resolution, mediation offers a more collaborative, cost-effective, and timely alternative that focuses on the needs and interests of the parties involved.