Barbara Ann Armstrong

I had never met Ms. Armstrong and I have no experience with her office prior to my mediation. I am simply stating my opinion of my experience, and the quality of service I received from her office. Before I tell you about my experience with Ms. Armstrong, let me assure you that I feel I "won" my case... and walked out with a decent settlement. Do I thank Ms. Armstrong for that? Absolutely not, I thank my attorney and the specific circumstances surrounding my case. Ms. Armstrong appears to form quick judgments and prejudices against you even though she is  "not there to judge you".  I found her disposition to be condescending, authoritarian, and borderline insulting. She went beyond asking questions of what you want or making points about a counter offer from the other party by adding her own brand of sarcasm and bluntness. I believe she is quick to draw assumptions about people instead of relying on the details and evidence of a case.  She was entirely snowed by the party in the other room and treated me accordingly, almost to a point of being disrespectful. Be warned, you will be on her turf, and subject to her opinions and judgments of you. I was polite, well dressed, professional, and passionate about my case, none of which really seemed to have a positive influence on her, rather she seemed annoyed by me. I do know that she has a positive relationship with my attorney and I did not feel that it really made a difference one way or the other. My attorney was actually fairly quiet through the whole process and Ms. Armstrong was making most of the decisions; she is definitely a high pressure mediator. She talks fast, flies through legal terminology, and tries to get you to give ground where you absolutely shouldn't, all in order to get a settlement quickly. No doubt so she can move onto to the next case to collect another several hundred dollars from someone else. I would definitely NOT recommend the services of this mediator. Ask your attorney to find someone who has a better record and reputation for being professional, equitable, and respectful. I certainly found those fundamental qualities to be lacking in my experience with her.