Mediation Philosophy

Approach to Mediation

At Andretta Dispute Resolution, my strategies keep the parties focused and solution-oriented. I emphasize the confidentiality and speed of mediation, as well as its low cost and versatility compared to litigation.

Even though the result will be a binding contract between two parties which needn't follow legal precedent, I believe the mediator or arbitrator should be an attorney well grounded in the letter of the relevant law. The parties involved frequently request to know what the outcome would be if they reached impasse during mediation and were forced to litigate. Such reality checks can be invaluable in the mediation process.

If the parties are at an impasse and request me to do so, I will suggest possible compromise solutions. It is important to recognize that the mediator is at all times a neutral and, therefore, is representing neither of the two parties. Also, if the parties reach impasse and request it, the mediation can be turned into an arbitration. After the settlement agreement is signed, I tear up my notes so that if the settlement doesn't succeed, it would be useless for a court to call me as a witness in any subsequent litigation. Confidentiality is sacred in this process and the only instance in which it may be breached is if the welfare of a child is at stake.

Description of Practice

What sets my practice apart from others is my desire, not only to reach a workable settlement, but also to set the parties on the road toward healing their relationship. When people come to my mediation table they must adopt a win/win attitude and recognize that that will involve compromise. Once the negotiation has resulted in a settlement agreement that suits both parties, they can continue as employer / employee, as parents cooperatively raising minor children, as landlord / tenant or as small business / customer or contractor with a more civil approach to each other.

Mediation Experience & Profile

In the mid-eighties I opened a solo practice which continues to date. I have mediated or arbitrated several hundred cases in that time, beginning pro bono for the DC Superior Court and the Better Business Bureau. These primarily involved workplace disputes and various forms of employment discrimination, family and alternative (gay) family law, landlord/tenant disputes and small business/contractor/consumer claims.

Read More >> Lynn Andretta, Attorney / Mediator Profile

[ Top ]