Mediation and Arbitration

We provide an alternative.

Some cases just need a trial. It sometimes happens that sincere, honest disputes about claims, values, evidence, the law or the facts leave litigants and their lawyers no choice but to let a court resolve what they cannot. This is the American way, a system of civil justice defined in our constitutions and statutes, and played out daily in our courtrooms since Colonial days.

But there are other ways, too. The vast majority of claims and lawsuits are resolved without jury trials with the use of direct negotiations or through arbitration or mediation.

With lawyers licensed to practice in Minnesota and Wisconsin, we service a wide range of legal practice areas with our services including:

Arbitration

Arbitrations vary according to their purpose, but in general, they are mini-trials: Cases are presented to individuals (“arbiters” or “arbitrators”) who are selected by the parties because of their special background, training or experience. The arbitrator’s background makes for expedited, and generally less expensive, case presentation, often with more predictable results.

Mediation

Mediation on the other hand allows the parties to craft their own solution or settlement with the assistance of a neutral intermediary (“mediator”). Unlike arbitration or jury trial, mediation is self-directed: Litigants and their lawyers make the decisions and control the outcome. Also unlike arbitrations and trials which produce “winners” and “losers,” a successful mediation creates only compromised, settled cases.