Mediation and Arbitration | Pelham, Alabama
Mediation and arbitration are forms of alternative dispute resolution that have been gaining in popularity in recent years. As the terms suggest, mediation and arbitration are collaborative and non-combative approaches to legal problem solving.
Generally, both mediation and arbitration are less time consuming and, therefore, less costly than traditional approaches to dispute resolution, especially litigation.
Respected Appellate Mediator
Douglas Key, the founder of our law firm, Key, Greer, Frawley, Key & Harrison and Wayne Thorn a retired Circuit Court judge, are respected arbitrators and mediators who have been listed on the Alabama State Court Mediation Roster almost since its inception. With more than 65 years of combined experience in the practice of law, attorneys Douglas Key and Wayne Thorn are s highly regarded in the Alabama legal community for their deep knowledge and keen judgment. As a result, they are frequently called upon to serve as mediators.
Retired Circuit Judge Wayne Thorn has over 30 years experience and has dealt with a wide variety of cases both in private practice and on the bench. As a result of his experience, he is often hired to serve as a mediator.
Typically, mediators are selected by lawyers for the opposing parties in a dispute. Our firm mediators engage in both private and appellate mediation.
Appellate Mediation
Mediation at the appellate level has been available in Alabama since 2004. All civil law matters — ranging from divorce to personal injury and probate actions — are eligible for appellate mediation in Alabama.
Role of the Mediator
The role of the mediator, as described by the National Center for State Courts, is essentially threefold:
- to encourage both parties to develop a realistic sense of their case
- to clarify the distance between the opposing parties
- to bridge the gap between the opposing parties
Normally, according to NCSC, it takes more than one session to reach a successful settlement. Nevertheless, the advantages of mediation are clear. Among the benefits, NCSC notes that cases settle much faster with mediation — generally within 90 days. Furthermore, NCSC reports at least two-thirds of the attorneys who have participated in mediation approve of the process.
Contact Our Law Offices · 205-987-2211
If you are an attorney seeking the assistance of an approved mediator for family mediation, divorce mediation or other private mediation, please contact the law offices of Key, Greer, Frawley, Key & Harrison for additional information about our mediation and arbitration services.
