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Our goal is to provide quality mediation services at a price that delivers true value to the attorneys and their clients, while allowing the mediators to be fairly compensated. We also strive to provide quality administration and facilities that are conducive to dispute resolution and comfortable for attorneys as well as their clients. Even in a routine civil case the expenses faced by the parties are alarming. In addition to each party paying their own legal fees, the out-of-pocket costs for supplemental charges is a large expense factor. For instance, the customary charge by the court reporter for a deposition in a routine case is more than $250 for a 50 page deposition. It costs $200 to just file a suit and get one defendant served. In the simplest injury case, an independent medical examination and issuance of a report is at least $500-$1,000. All of these expenses are necessary to the overall preparation of the case, but they do not cause a definite result. By contrast, a properly conducted mediation conference in a case has at least a 70% chance of producing a settlement. That is certainly a definite result. When a settlement is achieved, the cost saving value of the conference far outweighs the cost. The per-party charge for the conference in a routine case is usually less than the cost of the next deposition. The charges for the mediator are split between the parties, unless they agree otherwise. Our charges for a mediation conference are based on an hourly fee for the mediator, together with an administrative charge of fifteen dollars per side. This fee includes the actual time spent in the conference and any time spent by the mediator reviewing the file in preparation. Generally time spent generating reports to the court and for any necessary later telephone conferences with the parties to achieve a settlement are also included unless they are excessive, in which case the mediator will inform the parties. Each side can generally expect to pay between $65 to $85 per party per hour depending on the case. Co-mediation is also available for an increased rate. We are in the business of promoting settlement of cases, so if the case is settled just before the conference, or if the case is cancelled by mutual agreement and is reset with our offices, there is no charge for the cancellation. The attorneys are responsible for making prior financial arrangements with their clients. The costs of the mediation conference are due upon the conclusion of each session. The party or counsel may pay these charges by credit card if it is convenient for them. Please advise our secretary before the conference that a credit card will be used and she will make the appropriate arrangements. |
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