Filter by

star star star star star
23 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
I reached out to Mr. Baer with a tricky family case. He handled it with understanding and legal expertise. His ability to address the case in it multiple levels allowed me to get a resolve without having to go through a hearing with another family member. He gave me the peace of mind when I needed it most. I am grateful for his services and clear ability to negotiate extremely Complicated matters.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
21 Jun, 2023 by Elyse
While I had wish we met during different circumstances, I reached out to Mr. Baer when I was going through a civil battle. It was instantly apparent that from our first moments of communication that Mr. Baer was both well versed and qualified to represent me. Aside from his extensive experience with the legal system and various cases, Mr. Baer also has a very endearing way about him. Going through any legal ordeal is very taxing on an individual, but he walked with me through every step. If there is any future issue that arises, I would not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Baer as he is and forever will be my lawyer of choice.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
07 Feb, 2023 by Alice
Hiring appropriate counsel for family matters can be an extremely intimidating & daunting task. Last year, my husband & I were saddled with said task due to an inevitable court battle. This would be my first experience going to court and to say I was fearful would be an understatement. The unavoidable reality was that this court ruling could & would change the trajectory of my daughter’s and subsequently, my life. My husband suggested we meet with the associates at Baer Romain & Ginty. So I set up an interview to see whether this firm was right for us. My initial conversation was with Jennifer Hulnick. She was a straight shooter, which I really appreciated. She told me the reality of the situation and not want I wanted to hear. She was also punctual, understanding, very informative and knowledgeable about the law. We had plans to move forward with her as our counsel but due to scheduling conflicts, Stephen Baer ultimately represented my husband & I in our upcoming court case. I met Stephen the morning of our first court hearing. Although we didn’t have time to meet in person prior to this, he made sure I was ready for the proceedings via phone & email. That first meeting marked the beginning of our client-attorney relationship that lasted several months. During this period, I found Stephen to be beyond thorough, courteous and attentive. He made sure I was fully prepared for all court matters, executed our paperwork thoroughly & without error, he was timely every time and helped me to understand every aspect of our case. Stephen was always available to me and rarely missed my calls but if he did, he would call me back that same day. Stephen’s attitude and his years as an experienced attorney helped give me confidence as I walked with my husband and daughter through unfamiliar territory. I knew my family was in good hands with Stephen as our attorney. Our court case was settled quickly and we were granted everything we wanted and more. My satisfaction with this experience is beyond anything I could have imagined. I recall crying uncontrollably the day I had to make the call to Baer Romain & Ginty because I didn’t know what the future would hold. On the day of our ruling, I remember smiling so hard my cheeks hurt and taking a picture in Stephen’s office that is displayed proudly in our home. I would choose this law office every time my family & I need counsel. They truly care and have the best interest of their clients at heart.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
07 Mar, 2024 by The father with the little 9 u ripped out only thing i
i would never hire this woman Shes a liar doesn't care about kids hence why she told my x file PFAs on my wife and I to obtain custody and i had slow custody now she ripped the child outate the only thing she ever known and is danger with the way the mothers using again sick sick sick sick she should be ashamed of her self.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
13 Dec, 2022 by Rick
Deborah has been a strong and successful advocate for clients in pursuit of family, legal support. She is both professional and empathetic in providing counsel. In most domestic cases there will be a party on the losing end. Either by virtue of the facts of the case and/or as a result of their own behavior. Writing a false and misleading evaluation of the opposing counsel is their way of deflecting from their own short-comings. Keep that in mind when you read these reviews. Deborah Brand is an experienced legal professional who has the ability to understand and sympathize with her client's while at the same time providing a strong representation of their case and delivering positive results. She is highly respected by her peers in the legal community. I fully endorse and recommend Deborah Brand.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
15 Aug, 2020 by Mike
Deborah Brand - I found to be a Very professional no nonsense attorney. Deborah listens and acts thoroughly to address the issues at hand in a timely efficient manner. She’s caring and knowledgeable. Debrorah articulates situations well across multiple disciplines to people with varied knowledge of the legal system. She’s able to successfully communicate to those at all levels. I would recommend her to others that may find themselves in a situation requiring her services. It’s a difficult field dealing with people in high emotional states but she handles it well.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.