Commercial and contract
Partnership and shareholder disagreements, vendor and customer disputes, payment, performance and licensing claims.
Resolve it privately. Resolve it well.
Sidebar Mediation brings experienced, neutral mediators to complex disputes, so the people closest to the problem can reach a durable agreement without the cost, delay, or public record of litigation.
- ConfidentialNothing said in session becomes part of a public record.
- NeutralMediators advise no side and decide nothing for you.
- VoluntaryEither party may step away at any point.
- Binding when signedA written settlement is enforceable as a contract.
Control over the outcome is the point
In litigation, a judge or jury decides, on a timeline you don't control. In mediation, the parties shape the result with the help of a skilled neutral who keeps the conversation productive.
For many disputes, that means a resolution in weeks rather than years, at a fraction of the cost, with the relationship still intact.
| Litigation | Mediation | |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | Months to years | Often a single session |
| Privacy | Public filings and testimony | Fully confidential |
| Decision maker | Judge or jury | The parties themselves |
| Cost | Escalates with each motion | Predictable and contained |
| Relationships | Typically strained | Frequently preserved |
Matters we mediate
From closely held companies to individuals, we take on disputes where the stakes are real and discretion matters.
Employment
Separation terms, wage and hour claims, restrictive covenants, and conflicts between employers, executives, and teams.
Real estate and construction
Landlord and tenant disputes, purchase and sale conflicts, boundary and easement issues, contractor and owner claims.
Estates and family business
Inheritance disagreements, trust administration, and succession planning conflicts within family-owned enterprises.
Civil and personal injury
Claims where both sides want certainty, a fair figure, and closure without the expense and risk of trial.
Community and association
Homeowner association, neighbor, and shared-property disputes that are better settled than escalated.
A clear path from first call to signed agreement
- Step one
Intake
A confidential call to understand the dispute, the parties, and the outcome you want. We screen for conflicts of interest before anything else.
- Step two
Preparation
Each side submits a brief private summary. We set the date, the format, and who needs to be in the room, including counsel.
- Step three
Session
In person or by video. The mediator sets ground rules, then moves between joint discussion and private conversations to find common ground.
- Step four
Agreement
Terms are written down and signed before the session ends. If you don't settle, every option you had before remains open.
The best result is the one both sides can live with, reached before either has spent a fortune proving a point.
Questions we hear first
Is what I say in mediation confidential?
Yes. Every participant signs a confidentiality agreement, and statements made in session generally cannot be used as evidence if the matter later proceeds to court. Confidentiality rules vary by jurisdiction, so we review them with you at intake.
Do I need an attorney?
You are not required to have one, and many people attend with counsel. Mediators are neutral and do not give legal advice, so we recommend consulting an attorney before and after your session.
What if we can't reach an agreement?
Nothing is lost. Mediation is non-binding until you sign, and you remain free to pursue arbitration or litigation. Many matters that don't settle in the session do so shortly after, once each side has a clearer view.
How long does a session take?
Most sessions run between half a day and a full day, depending on the number of parties and the complexity of the issues. Larger matters can be scheduled across multiple sessions.
Can the other side be required to attend?
Mediation is voluntary, but many contracts and courts require or encourage it. If the other party is reluctant, we can contact them on your behalf in a neutral, low-pressure way.
Do you mediate remotely?
Yes. Sessions can be held in person, by secure video, or in a hybrid format, which makes it simpler to include parties in different locations.
Begin with a confidential conversation
Share a short summary of the dispute. We'll respond within one business day to discuss fit, timing, and next steps. There is no obligation, and initial inquiries are kept confidential.
Prefer email?
hello@sidebarmediation.com
hello@sidebarmediation.com