What is mediation?
Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that is conducted outside a court proceeding. It is often referred to as alternate dispute resolution because it is a viable alternative to traditional litigation. It is a voluntary, confidential and designed to lead to resolutions satisfactory to all participants.
Who can mediate?
Participants may include individuals, companies, governmental entities or private organizations.
What types of issues or cases can be mediated?
Just about every issue that can be filed in court can be resolved through mediation. These issues include, but certainly are not limited to, contract disputes, auto accidents, employment issues, claims of civil rights violations or discrimination, personal injury and real estate transaction.
Why use a mediator?
A mediator is a trained individual who works directly with the participants at a time and place convenient to the participants to identify issues in dispute. The mediator will not decide the outcome but will assist the participants to reach an agreed upon outcome.
Why mediate?
The reasons to mediate are numerous and compelling.
Why choose SM&L for mediation?
To utilize the extensive experience and skills of SM&L’s founder, Attorney/Mediator, Betty A. Stemley. As an attorney for nearly 35 years, she litigated numerous complex cases in Maryland State courts and in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Case types included personal injury, automobile accidents, civil rights, employment, discrimination, police conduct, regulatory compliance and others. During litigation, she was introduced to the practice of mediation to resolve civil rights litigation. She was trained in facilitative and transformative mediation beginning in 1995 and continuing through to the present. Ms. Stemley successfully completed a performance-based assessment and has been approved as a mediator in several State circuit courts. She currently offers her services throughout the State.
To engage Ms. Stemley or to discuss mediation services further, contact her at bastemley@stemleylaw.com or leave your contact information in the space indicated below.
