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29 Sep, 2020 by Wlh
Victoria did an amazing job helping me through the most difficult time of my life. She’s incredibly genuine and caring. I had all of my questions answered promptly, and she always spoke with me directly. I truly appreciate all her hard work to swiftly allow me to heal and move forward.
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29 Sep, 2020 by Anonymous
Truly robbed me and did absolutely nothing to help my case but took all my money. They put me in a worse position then I started out in and left me high and dry without funds to fight my case. She has endangered my children. I will never be the same
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29 Sep, 2020 by Hm
Thank you for your help, determination, courage, analytical skills and hard work. I appreciate that you never gave up on me or my case and you arranged mediation to resolve the matter quickly out of court. I would not hesitate to recommend your firm to anyone in need of a sound Attorny. Thank you again!
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04 Sep, 2018 by Gwen
Mary was recommended by a friend. I was a mess and very stressed. The way Mary treated me it felt like we were family. She was very supportive, helpful and held my hand through my messy divorce. I highly recommend her! Thank you Mary!
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31 Aug, 2018 by Wanda
I have had the pleasure of working with Mary twice dealing with child support. She was always quickly available, pursed all avenues thoroughly and was my trusted advocate. She successfully presented my cases in mediation and before a judge. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney that will professionaly represent their case and be a trusted advocate.
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28 Aug, 2018 by Cheryl
I hired Mary to represent me in a complex divorce case and I highly recommend her as a skilled, thoughtful and thorough attorney who cares deeply about doing the right thing. Mary is a professional, well organized, forward-thinking, lawyer with the ability to see and respond to what is most needed in the moment. She is a tenacious litigator when needed and a pragmatic, fair-minded negotiator. I would highly recommend Mary Nardi for anyone in need of a skilled attorney to represent their best interests.
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11 Jan, 2022 by Anonymous
I'll refer to the business for whom I once worked that hired this person as the 'company'. Incompetence doesn't begin to describe this 'attorney'. He once left a deposition during which he proffered an elaborate collection of evidence to the other side in a powerpoint presentation and complained that maybe he had given away too much. Yeah, maybe everything. Our position in the case had just been severely worsened by him. It was like it was his first time, and this wasn't that long ago. He's an amateur at best, but too old for that. That case and several others were NEVER concluded by him despite years of repeated direction to settle the cases: Each and every one got worse with his involvement. All cases were settled by the company shortly after he abandoned them. It wasn't difficult. There's a reason he's no longer with any his previous firms and working alone. He would end his work with the company by taking legal action against that company on behalf of a former employee. Yes, he not only violated attorney/client privilege but he then attacked his own client. To my knowledge, at no time did he ever resign or withdraw from working for the company with whom I worked: He simply went to work for the other side without notice. Is that a thing? His poker buddy was the one who got him hired by the company. When his poker buddy got fired, he immediately turned on the firm. He worked with his poker buddy to attack the company, even going so far as to provide a false affidavit with extraordinary claims of money owed. This was withdrawn almost immediately when it was pointed out the legal risk of this false claim and how obviously fake it indeed was. What kind of attorney does this? This should have gone to the Florida Bar, he should have been disbarred. No formal complaint was ever filed, this is the kind of 'person' you're best just getting as far away from as possible. No complaint of any kind was filed previously, it was assumed this 'attorney' would fabricate some legal premise to continue unwarranted attacks. To this day, he continues to work with his poker buddy, hooking him up on failed construction projects. I pity the client. They've no idea what they're getting into - one is as incompetent as the other. Avoid this man at all costs. He shouldn't even be allowed to practice. Know that rules do not apply him. If that works for you, here's your man.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Mediation Lawyer Can Do for You

A mediation lawyer specializes in resolving disputes outside of the courtroom through a process called mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation lawyers can represent clients in various matters, including divorce, business disputes, employment conflicts, contract issues, personal injury claims, and more.

Unlike litigation, mediation is a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, often leading to faster resolutions and preserving relationships between the parties involved.

When Should I Hire a Mediation Lawyer?

Consider hiring a mediation lawyer when you’re involved in a dispute and want to avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court. Common reasons to hire a mediation lawyer include:

  • Divorce or child custody disputes: A mediation lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement on issues like property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements without going to court.
  • Business or contract disputes: For disagreements such as contract disputes, partnership conflicts, or intellectual property issues, a mediation lawyer can assist in resolving the matter through negotiation.
  • Employment disputes: Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes can be addressed through mediation to find common ground and avoid lawsuits.
  • Personal injury cases: Mediation can help both parties agree on compensation in cases like car accidents or slip-and-fall claims without a prolonged court battle.
  • Property disputes: Disputes over property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, or boundary disagreements can be settled more amicably through mediation.
  • Family or inheritance disputes: Mediation can help resolve conflicts over wills or trusts without further dividing the family.

What Does a Mediation Lawyer Do?

A mediation lawyer provides a range of services to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation and mutual agreement. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Representing your interests: Acting as your advocate during mediation to ensure your rights are protected and you understand your legal options.
  • Preparing for mediation: Reviewing the facts of the case, gathering necessary documents, and advising you on potential resolutions.
  • Facilitating communication: Helping to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between parties to clarify points of contention.
  • Negotiating settlements: Assisting in negotiating fair and balanced settlement terms that are in your best interest.
  • Drafting mediation agreements: Preparing the official mediation agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement, which is often legally binding.
  • Avoiding litigation: Aiming to reach a settlement that eliminates the need for a court trial, saving time and resources for both parties.
  • Handling complex legal issues: Explaining the legal implications of various settlement terms in cases with complicated legal matters.

How Are Mediation Lawyers Paid?

Mediation lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment methods include:

  • Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on experience and case complexity.
  • Flat fee: For simpler mediations, some lawyers may offer a flat fee covering all legal work involved in the process.
  • Retainer: In ongoing or complex cases, a retainer may be required as an upfront payment billed against as work progresses.

Discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the cost of mediation services.

How Much Does a Mediation Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a mediation lawyer depends on several factors, including the case's complexity, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the dispute. General cost estimates include:

  • Hourly rates: Typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
  • Flat fees: For simple mediations, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Total mediation costs: Can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases, up to $10,000 to $50,000 or more for complex disputes.

Always request a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand total expenses.

Top Questions to Ask a Mediation Lawyer

Before hiring a mediation lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case.
  3. What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
    Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
  4. How long will the mediation process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests.
  6. Can we pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if necessary?
    Ask about other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, if mediation doesn't resolve the conflict.

How to Check the Credibility of a Mediation Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable mediation lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary history.
  • Look for mediation experience: Review their website or professional profile for specialization in mediation and successful case histories.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Check platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google for client feedback.
  • Ask for references: Request references from past clients familiar with their mediation skills.
  • Check for certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Relevant documents: Any materials related to the dispute, such as contracts, emails, financial records, or court filings.
  • List of key issues: A detailed list of the main points of contention that need resolution.
  • Timeline of events: A chronological account of events leading up to the dispute, including prior resolution attempts.
  • Goals for the mediation: Be prepared to discuss your desired outcomes and areas where you're willing to compromise.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Any queries about the mediation process, fees, or their approach to dispute resolution.

Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide the best possible advice for resolving your dispute through mediation.

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