Mediation has been described as a process of assisted communication with the hopes of reaching an agreement to resolve a conflict. In short, it is a formal negotiation where the parties decide whether or not to compromise to resolve their dispute. The following are five reasons clients choose to mediate their case:

1. Collaborative Process. Unlike trial or arbitration, mediation has no decision-maker. There is no judge, jury, or other finder of fact. Instead, the mediator acts as a go-between and everyone works together to solve the issues at hand to reach the best resolution possible.
2. Control. Each party has absolute decision-making power. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong or who wins or loses. Any idea that could resolve the dispute can be proposed and discussed. There is no point too large or too small since the parties themselves control the outcome of the mediation.
3. Neutral Case Evaluation. Mediators are often times litigators trained in negotiations. Not only do they try to bring parties together to work out a settlement, they often highlight strong points and weaknesses in your case while trying to bring everyone to a middle ground. 
4. Confidentiality. Mediation is generally confidential. Discussions held during mediation and the settlement offers that are conveyed are not admissible evidence should the mediation fail to resolve the case. 
5. Satisfaction. With an active role in voluntarily resolving the dispute, clients are often more satisfied with the outcome of the case and, therefore, are more likely to comply with settlement terms when there is a mediated resolution.

Amir H. Afsar has been practicing law since 2004 and founded Afsar Law Group, A.P.C. in 2008. Amir handles business, real estate, and other civil litigation matters and mediates cases privately and as a volunteer for the Riverside County Superior Court. Amir was recently named one of Palm Springs Life Magazine’s Top Lawyers for the second consecutive year and is the 2012-2013 President of Leadership Coachella Valley. Amir’s undergraduate degree is in Philosophy from the University of Southern California and his law degree is from Loyola Law School. Amir can be contacted at Afsar Law Group, A.P.C. at 760.345.3110.