Scheduling a Mediation, Arbitrationor Settlement Conference and Costs
1. Select a date and time:
Either party or either attorney contacts Ms. Russell's assistant to obtain available dates and times. The sessions begin at a time agreed upon by the parties, as early as 8:30 am or as late as 1:30pm. Be sure to indicate whether you are seeking time for a Mediation, an Arbitration, or a Settlement Conference. Once a date and time are agreed upon, a Confirmation Letter is sent out to the attorneys and/or participants which confirms the date and time for the meeting and which includes the Agreement to be signed by all participants. The Confirmation Letter will also include the date by which written submissions are to be exchanged and payment of the deposit required to secure the date and time.
2. Location:
Each party will be on a separate device using a unique Zoom
license and link. The Zoom invitation link is sent about 30 minutes
prior to the start of the meeting and can be forwarded to others
participating. The mediator will then switch from one device to the
other during the meeting.
3. Written Submissions for the Meeting:
Each party should submit a written letter or statement which outlines the issues to be resolved, which includes any supporting documents regarding the issues, and which provides a proposed resolution of the issues. The materials must be copied to the opposing party or attorney. The materials need to be received by Ms. Russell and the opposing party or attorney on the date specified in the Confirmation Letter, which is usually no fewer than 2 business days before the meeting. However, special arrangements can be made for a late submission.
4. Cancellation of the Date and Time:
If the meeting is cancelled after the cancellation deadline, a cancellation fee may be retained from the paid deposit.
5. Cost For Mediation and Settlement Conference:
Mediation or a Settlement Conference is significantly less
expensive than a trial. The fee for the Mediation or Settlement
Conference includes time for preparation and for reading the written
submissions in advance of the meeting. The total advanced cost is
based on the number of hours of time reserved. The deposit for a half
day mediation (4 hours) is $1,750.00 (or $875.00 per party if divided
equally) which includes 1 hour of reading and 4 hours of meeting
time. The deposit for a full day mediation (8 hours) is $3,500.00 (or
$1,750.00 per party if divided equally) which includes 2 hours of
reading and 8 hours of meeting time. If you believe your case will
take more than 4 hours but fewer than 8 hours, we ask that you book
4 hours and advise us you may need a little more time. You will then
pay for the extra time used at the conclusion of the meeting.
6. Cost For Arbitration:
Ms. Russell’s hourly rate is $400. The advance payment for Arbitration is based on the issues to be arbitrated. If the advanced payment is not sufficient to pay for the time incurred by Ms. Russell to arbitrate the issues, the additional payment will be due prior to the Arbitration Decision being released.