Are some mediators better suited to handle certain types of cases?
It is true that some mediators are better suited to handle the same types of cases that they handled as lawyers. That having been said, the skill of a mediator is not so much knowledge of a particular area of the law as knowledge of the settlement process and the methods of achieving settlement. Therefore, there are many good mediators who are quite successful in settling cases in areas in which they have never practiced law. The key in choosing a mediator is the experience, training, reputation and skill set that the individual mediator brings to the table. The best mediators are those who listen attentively to both sides of the case and make every attempt to really understand the case, before they offer any opinion as to possible settlement options. These are the kinds of mediators who are most successful in bringing people together and assisting the parties in the settlement of their dispute.
