How to select a mediator
The selection of a mediator is a critical decision. Factors
in the choice of a mediator include formal education and training,
professional background, experience as a mediator, style and
philosophy of mediation practice, and personality. The best
ways to obtain information about a mediator are to (1) interview
the mediator, and (2) ask others in the field.
You may want to start by contacting a prospective mediator
for an initial interview by phone. Many mediators offer a
short initial consultation (e.g., 30 minutes) at no charge.
Suggested questions for the mediator include the following:
- How much formal training have you taken in mediation
and conflict resolution?
- Where did you obtain that training, and when?
- How many disputes have you mediated?
- What types of disputes have you mediated? (Any similar
to mine?)
- Do you specialize in any particular types of disputes?
- What special skills as a mediator can you offer in my
dispute?
- What is your style and philosophy of mediation?
- How do you typically get started with a mediation?
- What are your mediation fees?
You may also want to gather information about a prospective
mediator from other sources, including previous mediation
clients, from colleagues and from directories and websites.
From these sources, you can find out more about a mediator’s
background, experience and reputation.
Many mediators belong to state or national professional organizations.
In Maine, many practitioners belong to the Maine
Association of Dispute Resolution Professionals, which
maintains a list of members on its website. A strong regional
group is the New England Chapter
of the Association for Conflict Resolution, which maintains
a directory on its websit. Many mediators belong to one or
more national organizations, such as the Association
for Conflict Resolution, the Dispute
Resolution Section of the American Bar Association, or
the American Arbitration
Association. You may also find mediator listings on mediate.com’s
Locate a Mediator Directory.
Note: The authors of this web site have not evaluated
the credentials of the ADR practitioners listed on the rosters
of these organizations. Agencies hiring mediators should be
sure to make an independent evaluation of the qualifications
of such professionals
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