Springfield Mediation Lawyer

Illinois Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution Attorney

Solving disputes through arbitration and mediation

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP can provide for the efficient resolution of disputes in the form of mediation or arbitration as a means to expeditiously and economically resolve differences between parties by a neutral trained in the methods of mediation and arbitration.

Abraham Lincoln stated, more than 100 years ago, that we should “Discourage litigation … Persuade your neighbor to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often the real loser − in fees, expenses and waste of time.”

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of negotiation used to resolve differences outside of the courtroom and is a process that enables the parties to peacefully manage the turmoil and stress often brought about through the court process. It is generally a voluntary negotiating procedure assisted by a neutral mediator. It is not binding unless the parties enter into a settlement agreement and if no agreement is reached the parties are free to proceed to trial in a court of law.

What Is Arbitration?

Arbitration is an adversarial procedure that is often binding. It is a time-tested, cost-effective alternative to litigation. Arbitration is the submission of a dispute to one or more impartial persons for a final and binding decision, known as an “award.” Once the arbitration is agreed to, an award is entered by the arbitrator that is generally final and binding on the parties in the case and is enforceable in the courts.

Our Trained Mediators and Arbitrators

At our office, mediation and arbitration matters are confidently handled by attorney Lorilea Buerkett, attorney Roger Holmes and attorney Roland R. Cross.

• Lorilea Buerkett received her training in advanced mediator techniques and arbitration from the Illinois State Bar Association, which included the completion of full mediations over the course of the training period. She brings 17 years of litigation experience in various areas of the law, including employment and labor litigation, education law, commercial litigation, real estate and family law. She is on the approved list of family law mediators in Sangamon County.
• Roger W. Holmes completed a 22-year career as a trial court judge and was trained as an arbitrator and mediator at the National Judicial College and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln College. Since leaving the bench, he has served as mediator in construction, insurance and civil matters.
• Roland R. Cross is a court approved mediator in Illinois' Seventh, Fourth, Eighth and Eleventh Judicial Circuits.  He has successfully mediated cases in Sangamon, Christian, Morgan, Cass, Menard, Logan and other counties.  He accepts mediation projects by court appointment and by private request. 

As mediators, Lorilea Buerkett, Roger Holmes and Roland R. Cross are trained to resolve conflicts in a nonadversarial, nonconfrontational manner, allowing peaceful resolutions between parties. Mediation assists parties in resolving disputes with a vast majority of litigated cases reaching settlement prior to trial. With the uncertain outcome of decision of a judge or a jury, mediation offers the parties to a dispute more efficient and less costly alternatives to litigation as well as offering the parties a chance to determine their own destiny. An experienced mediator can economically guide you through the process.

Whether you are in need of an experienced arbitrator or trained mediator, Lorilea Buerkett, Roger Holmes and Roland R. Cross are accomplished and respected experts familiar with the legal and business communities across a wide variety of industries and case types. Their conduct is guided by the ethical considerations for alternative dispute resolution. They can assist you in the resolution process and ensure that all parties to a case are treated fairly and equitably.

Contact a Springfield Mediation Attorney

Contact the mediation attorneys at Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP, today to further discuss your case and options.