MICHAEL STARR MEDIATION SERVICES

Michael's approach to mediation is that there no such thing as a good or bad settlement -- only better or worse than the alternative. The focus of any mediation must always be on forward-looking workable solutions to the parties' dispute. This philosophy is shaped by Michael's experience in labor relation and mediation in the context of collective-bargaining negotiations... Michael seeks to create an atmosphere conducive to the resolution of disputes by being respectful, patient, calm and persistent; helping each side effectively, but cooperatively communicate its rationale for settlement and range of acceptable outcomes... Ultimately, Michael's goal is to earn the trust of the parties as to what negotiation strategies are most likely to achieve acceptable responses from the other party and as to what is realistically achievable from the other party at that particular moment in time. He takes seriously that the role of the mediator is to facilitate the parties' own resolution of..