Mediation & Arbitration

Mette, Evans and Woodside trial attorneys also have extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. We have provided guidance to clients involved in these forms of dispute resolution. In addition, a number of our litigators have served as arbitrators and mediators for other law firms.

Many times mediation and/or arbitration can lead to a resolution without requiring a lengthy and costly trial to settle the matter.

Our Mediation and Arbitration practice helps to settle disputes involving:

• Contract disputes
• Employment issues
• Personal injury cases
• Real estate issues
• Broker and securities disputes

Mediation - brings together parties involved in a dispute, along with their attorneys, to explore and discuss potential settlements that both parties can agree upon. During joint meetings and individual sessions with the parties involved in the dispute, the role of the mediator is to identify issues, offer suggestions and possible settlement options. The mediator's recommendations are not binding on either party. Ordinarily, mediation can provide a faster resolution than what would be required to process the case through the court system.

Arbitration - utilizes a panel of impartial arbitrators, rather than a judge or jury, to make a decision about the matter in dispute. Based on the details provided by the parties involved in the dispute, the arbitrators make a binding decision as to the settlement. Provisions can be added to contracts regarding arbitration to allow for additional control over the process.

Mette, Evans & Woodside represents public and private entities in proceedings before administrative agencies such as the Environmental Hearing Board, the Public Utility Commission and the Board of Claims. We also routinely serve as local counsel to out-of-state corporations in specialized proceedings before our local courts such as intellectual property and patent litigation.