How does mediation work in the ADR Program?
The neutral mediator guides parties through an informal process to resolve their issues. The mediator helps parties work together to reach an agreement that meets their needs without necessarily conforming slavishly to their original positions. The mediator will usually start the mediation session by giving each party an opportunity to explain the issues. Often, the mediator will meet privately with each party (where they are more likely to speak more freely) to understand the parties’ situations better and explore and assess options. The mediator may ask questions that will aid parties in assessing the merits of their positions, help them converse in an atmosphere free of name calling and posturing, identify potential settlement options, float trial balloons, and probe participants’ realistic alternatives. The mediator’s role may shift gradually during the session. A skilled mediator will initially begin to instill an atmosphere of reasonableness and build the parties’ trust in the me
