The Mediation Alternative

Civil litigation is one of the most important tools that individuals and businesses that have suffered a wrong can use to be made whole again. At the same time, going to court can be hugely expensive and time-consuming. And with juries, there is no guarantee that you will prevail, no matter how strong your case seems to be.

Fortunately, much of the time, there is an alternative. Mediation is a form of conflict resolution that can save you time, money and uncertainty. At The Law Office of Gregory D. Smith, I have represented clients in mediation since 1988. From my office in Clarksville, Tennessee, I represent clients across the United States.

Mediation Vs. Litigation

Mediation differs from traditional court in that it is not a combative process. At a civil litigation trial, the parties argue against each other and leave it to the judge or jury to decide the dispute, based upon the law and the evidence. In mediation, the parties work through a neutral third party called a mediator to negotiate a settlement. The settlement typically involves money damages, but it can also include one or both parties agreeing to perform an action, such as rehiring a wrongfully terminated employee.

You have the right to have an attorney represent you during mediation. Besides representing clients, I have sat as a mediator on hundreds of cases, so I have a deep understanding of how mediation works. If mediation is a viable solution in your legal dispute, I will give you the advantage throughout the process. I am prepared to help you through mediation in any type of legal matter, including:

• Employment law
• Real estate disputes
• Intellectual property
• Divorce