Sarah L. Gartner

Mediation is a process by which an independent third-party assists parties in dispute in coming to a voluntary, uncoerced, informed decision, if one is possible. In every dispute, the parties and their issues are unique and, consequently, I believe that it is important to allow the parties to participate in the design of their mediation process. 

In any given dispute, mediation may not result in a settlement of all or even some of the disputed issues. Sometimes, a mediation may settle some issues and/or may refine and clarify some or all of the issues. While a voluntary settlement of all outstanding issues is a good outcome, I believe that it is not to be forced upon the parties. 

As mediator, my goal is to assist the parties in understanding the issues in their dispute, and to assist them in discovering any and all possible resolutions that could be acceptable to all parties. At that point, it is up to the parties to freely decide, with as much information as possible, whether they voluntarily elect to settle some or all of their differences. 

I feel committed to the process of self-determination and I believe in the mediator's role in keeping integrity in the process in order to allow for such self-determination. Consequently, I expect my mediations to be conducted in an efficient, fair, and repectful manner, and I request this of the parties in my cases. 

I believe it is of the utmost importance that the mediator have no conflicts of interest in any given case, so I will not take a case where I feel any doubt as to my total neutrality. In addition, I believe it is essential that the mediator be competent in the area of the dispute and, accordingly, I will not take a case in which I do not feel competent to serve the parties interests. 

I believe in the importance of confidentiality in the process and the result and I take every step to insure that confidentiality of the parties is specifically addressed and is respected and maintained as agreed by the parties.