Business, contract, property and employment disputes can be expensive, especially if you have to go to court. A skilled mediator can help you avoid extensive courtroom litigation, working with all parties to find a mutually agreeable solution to your contract, business, employment or civil case. Because so much depends on choosing the right mediator, below are a few traits to look for before making your decision.

5 Qualities You Need in a Mediator

1. A Reputation for Integrity

For mediation to be a success, it’s crucial that you choose a professional who will give all parties confidence that they will have a fair and efficient process for reaching a mutual resolution. Look for a mediator who has experience and who has been trained in mediation skills and who adhere to ethical principles and practices. Check out the Hawaii State Judiciary Guide site and ask advisors, associates and attorneys for recommendations on skilled and experienced mediators for the kind of dispute that you have.

2. A Positive Attitude

Legal disputes can create a deeply negative atmosphere, especially if they’ve been brewing for awhile. Often, when people are involved in conflict, they become defensive, negative and wary. The best mediators have a positive approach to problem-solving that helps people to have a safe and productive discussion to find practical and sometimes creative solutions to even the most entrenched conflicts.

3. Specific Experience

When meeting with potential mediators, find out whether they’ve handled similar issues in the past, and how recently. Coming up with solutions that protect the rights and interests of all parties often requires a detailed understanding of a specific area of the law.

4. People Skills

Being a good mediator requires much more than legal expertise. The most effective professionals can also work with a wide range of personalities, including people who may be difficult or reluctant to negotiate. 

5. The Ability to Understand the Material

Commercial legal disputes, especially those involving contract, business, insurance or employment law, can be complicated. A streamlined mediation process requires a professional with the capacity to understand and work with complex business and legal matters and the personal organizational skills to keep it all in order.

With over 40 years’ experience and a reputation throughout Hawaii for integrity and a creative approach to even the thorniest legal issues, Lou Chang Mediation & Arbitration will help find a solution to your dispute. His services as a mediator have consistently earned him the respect of his peers, who have named him Lawyer of the Year in 2013, 2016, and 2018 in the fields of mediation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. To get in touch and discuss your case, visit his website or call (808) 384-2468.