We're In This Together

Settle Your Case

Having represented both sides as an attorney enables me to bring a balanced approach to the negotiation process.

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ABOUT US

Charles Schoemaker

Charles Schoemaker bring more than 30 years of litigation experience to the dispute resolution arena in areas of major injury and complex litigation.

He has had the opportunity to resolve conflicts in business and contract disputes.

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    As an attorney, I have representation both plaintiffs and defendants. I was a partner at a firm which handled the defense of major injury and complex litigation cases for insured and self-insured clients.

    An argument is not a contest of who can yell the loudest

    Practice Areas

    • Mediation

    Mediation is a way to resolve legal disputes outside of the courtroom. It is less formal and takes less time, making it easier to deal with the various disputes that are bound to arise in personal life and business.

    • Business & Contract Disputes

    If you find yourself in the middle of a business or contract dispute, you might be wondering what can be done to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

    • Personal Injury Mediation

    Personal injuries occur all the time and many of them result in protracted and frustrating legal battles. They might involve automobile collisions, slip and fall incidents, dog bites, workplace injuries, and more.

    • Arbitration

    Arbitration can be used in both business and personal disputes. Using an alternative dispute resolution method such as arbitration to settle a dispute helps you improve the odds that all parties involved will be happy with the process and the outcome.

    MORE PRACTICE AREAS

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does civil mediation last?

    Each case is different, so civil mediation may last for different amounts of time. In some cases, civil mediation may take half a day. Many cases are resolved in a full-day session of civil mediation. However, others may take more than one day. As long as the parties are making progress, civil mediation can continue until the case is resolved in a mutually-satisfactory manner.

    What happens at civil mediation?

    At civil mediation, a neutral third-party mediator helps guide the parties in structured negotiations. Using effective communication techniques and dispute resolution skills, the mediator uncovers the interests of the parties, helps them better articulate their positions and finds areas of agreement. If the parties reach an agreement, the mediator drafts this agreement.

    What are the five stages of mediation?

    The five stages of mediation include:

    • Convening mediation – Convening mediation involves getting the parties to agree to mediation to resolve their dispute. They sign an agreement that outlines the mediation process and services the mediator will provide. They then schedule a mediation session.
    • Opening – During the opening session, the mediator explains the process of mediation and lays down the ground rules. The parties give an opening statement about their perspective of the case.
    • Communication – During this stage of mediation, the parties explain their position and share information with the mediator. The parties may exchange information privately or in front of each other.
    • Negotiation – The mediator may take offers and counter offers back to the parties until they reach an agreement.
    • Closing – The mediator drafts a contract that memorializes the agreement of the parties.

    How do I prepare for civil mediation?

    If all goes well, you will settle your dispute at civil mediation. Therefore, it is important that you are just as prepared for mediation as you would be if your case was going to trial. Be sure that you are familiar with the facts of the case and bring any evidence with you that supports your position.

    Is a civil mediation agreement legally binding?

    A civil mediation agreement is typically a binding contract that can be enforced as such. However, the parties may need to take an extra step if there is ongoing litigation and they want the agreement to be made part of an official court order. In this situation, they may present the agreement to the judge to incorporate into the order. The agreement can then be enforced as part of the court order.