Mediation & Arbitration

The business world and court systems have begun to rely more heavily on and, in many instances, require the use of alternative dispute resolution prior to the presentation of a case at trial. The expenses of litigation can be reduced and a quicker resolution of disputes obtained through proper implementation of various forms of alternative dispute resolution. Mateer Harbert has several attorneys who are experienced in alternative dispute resolution.

It is the firm's goal to assist clients in choosing the method most suitable to their circumstances and to employ that method effectively.

Mediation has become the major form of alternative dispute resolution and is utilized in almost every lawsuit. Mateer Harbert's litigation skills are brought to bear in this arena through negotiation and risk analysis and have produced favorable settlements for our clients. In addition to representing clients at mediations, five of the firm's senior attorneys are Federal and State Court Certified Mediators. Their years of experience in advocating our clients' causes make them extremely effective as mediators in identifying the risks and motivations of the parties, developing a consensus and negotiating mutually satisfactory compromises for the litigants.

Arbitration is another type of alternative dispute resolution. It is commonly utilized in many types of business disputes and is growing more popular in other types of litigation. The firm is a member of the American Arbitration Association. Several of the firm's attorneys serve as arbitrators for the AAA and as private arbitrators. We have found that the litigation skills honed in the courtroom serve the firm's clients well in the arbitration arena.

Steven R. Bechtel
Ronald A. Harbert
James R. Lussier
William G. Mateer
Lawrence J. Phalin
Larry J. Townsend