Mediation Process & Philosophy
Steve Paul's approach as a mediator is to thoroughly devote his extensive legal experience and dispute resolution training, as well as his interpersonal, negotiation and counseling skills to work with each of the parties and their counsel to reach a prompt resolution that is practical, effective, and addresses each party's interests and goals.
Steve's approach is predicated on being straightforward, building and maintaining trust and rapport, and respecting the decisions of counsel and their clients. His approach can combine both evaluative and facilitative techniques as appropriate. While open and direct, Steve is also empathetic to the needs of each party and acquires a deeper understanding of the specific interests, relationships and motivations.
Steve extensively prepares for every case and adheres to high ethical standards. He carefully studies all briefs, exhibits, damage assessments, expert reports, and all other submissions provided by the parties. Where deemed helpful and necessary, Steve may also conduct his own research to gain an understanding of the legal principles governing the dispute.
Steve's mediation philosophy is inclusive, borrowing from his legal career and his mediation/arbitration work and training. His mediation principles spring from the following core dispute resolution values:
- To listen carefully and to encourage and assist those at the negotiation table to do similarly.
- To provide realistic and straightforward feedback regarding the merits, strengths and weakness of respective positions.
- To provide a focused and optimistic outlook, and work tirelessly and efficiently to reach a satisfactory resolution even where the parties appear to be at impasse.
- To assist the parties to work effectively with issues of high emotional content so that clear communications and understandings can occur.
- To provide sufficient opportunity for discussion and analysis of the factual basis for the dispute, but then re-focus attention on the present and future ramifications of either continuing with the adversarial process or coming to agreement and moving forward with practical solutions.
- To improve relationships among parties who will continue to interact with each other, and help them learn how best to handle conflict with each other and other parties in the future.
- To provide the environment in which the parties are the most comfortable and therefore able to make wise decisions in addressing all of their interests and ultimately resolving their dispute.
Combining compassion, intelligence, persistence, discretion and, when appropriate, humor, Steve is dedicated to assisting the parties to think clearly and creatively and ultimately reach resolution.