Mediation & Arbitration
Neutral mediation and arbitration by a retired circuit judge and a 45-year trial lawyer, in person or online, with multiple sessions available daily.
What is mediation & arbitration?
Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach their own settlement; the mediator does not decide the case. Arbitration is a private proceeding in which a neutral hears evidence and renders a decision, which may be binding or non-binding depending on the parties' agreement. Both let parties resolve disputes outside of court, usually faster and at lower cost than trial.
Settle it on your terms
Save time and money by settling disputes outside of court. A mediated resolution ends the matter on terms the parties chose, on a date they chose, rather than on a trial docket eighteen months out, decided by twelve strangers.
Our neutrals
Judge Larry D. Harman served 26 years as a Missouri circuit judge and practiced for fourteen years before taking the bench, primarily as a litigator. He sat on the Missouri Trial Judge Education Committee for more than fifteen years and chaired the Missouri New Judge Orientation Committee. He mediates and arbitrates personal injury, product liability, medical negligence, race and gender discrimination, probate litigation, Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, construction, railroad, and real estate matters.
Logistics
Mediations are conducted during business hours, with flexibility for scheduling adjustments. We offer both in-person and online sessions, and our offices can host multiple simultaneous mediations in a single day with separate caucus rooms.
To schedule, contact us with the case name, parties, dispute type, and your preferred dates. Confirmation typically arrives within 24 hours on weekdays, or the next business day for weekend and holiday requests.
Common questions
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
In mediation, a neutral helps the parties negotiate their own resolution. The mediator has no authority to impose an outcome, and either side can walk away. In arbitration, the neutral acts more like a private judge: they hear evidence and render a decision, which is binding if the parties agreed it would be. Mediation preserves control; arbitration produces finality. Most civil disputes are mediated.
Why mediate with a retired judge?
Because a case's settlement value is largely a prediction about what a court would do, and a former judge can speak to that with unusual credibility. Judge Larry Harman spent 26 years on the Missouri circuit bench and chaired the committee that trained new Missouri judges. When he tells a party how their argument is likely to land, both sides tend to hear it.
Is what I say in mediation confidential?
Generally yes. Mediation communications are treated as confidential and are not admissible to prove liability in the underlying case, which is what allows parties to discuss settlement candidly without fear that an offer becomes evidence. The precise scope depends on the applicable rules and the parties' agreement, and your own attorney should confirm it before the session.
Do you offer online mediation?
Yes. We conduct mediations both in person and online. Our offices can accommodate several simultaneous mediations in a single day, with separate caucus space for each party.
How do we schedule a mediation?
Contact the firm by phone or through our contact form with the case name, the parties, the type of dispute, and your preferred dates. You will typically receive confirmation within 24 hours on weekdays, or by the next business day for requests submitted on weekends and holidays.
Talk with a lawyer who knows this community.
Tell us what you are facing. We will point you to the right attorney and explain your options in plain language. No obligation.