Mediation

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a practice in which disputing individuals and/or parties are guided through a structured process to help them reach an agreement. Participants enter into mediation voluntarily or they can be ordered to do so by the court as a means of preventing litigation.

What does a mediator do?

A mediator is trained to facilitate the process. Mediators do not take sides—their goal is to help the participants determine their own outcome.

What are the benefits of mediation?

  • Allows parties to voice their perspective in a neutral setting
  • Empowers parties to make their own decision
  • Helps avoid costly and time-consuming court proceedings

About my practice

My decision to study mediation was an outgrowth my professional interdisciplinary interests. In my college courses, CLE seminars as well as my published writing, I have been centrally concerned with finding common ground among seemingly disparate ideas. Since the task of the mediator is helping people with seemingly disparate interests reach an agreement, the practice seemed like a natural fit. And indeed, I have found my background to be exceptionally relevant to my work as a mediator.

I am a generalist, meaning I have been trained to facilitate a range of mediations, including but not limited to the following kinds of disputes: landlord/tenant; parent/teen; neighborhood; family/couples; business.

Mediation Education

  • Credential in General Mediation: National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) San Diego, CA, October, 2010
  • Certificate of Completion: "Mediating the Litigated Case," Straus Institute, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, August, 2010
  • Certificate of Completion: Advanced Mediation Skills, Winter Institute, NCRC, February 2010
  • Certificate of Completion: Beginning Course in the Art and Practice of Mediation, NCRC, May, 2009

Published articles on Mediation

"Mediating by the Book: The Value of Stories and Literary Strategies in Mediation Communications," Dispute Resolution Journal, May-October 2010, pg. 44-50

If you wish to schedule a mediation or, for a free phone consultation, please call: 858.793.2518 or email me at: onarussell@yahoo.com