Benefits of Mediation for Attorneys

Most good attorneys at least consider mediation at some point during a case.  All actions attorneys take during a case are to promote the interests of their clients. In most cases, mediation is the best option for clients.  However, attorneys benefit from mediation too:

• Clients Are Happy.  All attorneys want their clients to be happy. We achieve a sense of accomplishment from a case well-handled. Further, happy clients refer future clients.  Clients who, through mediation, save time and money, preserve relationships and control the outcome of their case, tend to be more satisfied.  Further, there is no risk of a negative ruling.
• Less Outstanding Balances.  As many clients cannot afford contentious litigation these days, attorneys are often left with the decision of either withdrawing from   a    case before it is done or amassing a significant bill that the client may never pay. Mediation helps keep cases affordable, which benefits the attorney as well.
• Help Dealing With An Unreasonable Opposing Party. If the other party is being unreasonable, involving a mediator often helps.  Mediators know how to help parties to consider their positions in a fresh light and assist parties in gracefully backing away from unreasonable positions.
• Help Dealing With An Unreasonable Opposing Counsel. When the opposing counsel is being unnecessarily contentious or unreasonable, it is hard to settle a case.  The other party is usually going to listen to his or her attorney regarding settlement terms.  Mediation gives the other party the opportunity to consider information about his/her case from a trusted person other than his/her attorney.  New information and the opportunity to hear different points of view can lead to new settlement possibilities.

Alona M. Gottfried is a mediator and attorney in Arizona.  If you have questions about mediation, she can be reached at: 480-998-1500 or alona@sglawaz.com.  This is a general interest article only and is not intended to be legal advice.  See a legal professional before making legal decisions. 

 Simmons & Gottfried, PLLC
8160 E. Butherus Dr., Suite #7
Scottsdale, AZ 85260