Employment mediation is defined as a structured negotiation in which a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between employers, employees, legal counsel, and, when applicable, insurance representatives to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, which is called a settlement agreement. Unlike litigation, mediation fosters open communication and collaboration, helping parties find solutions that address legal, financial and emotional concerns. Parties control the outcome of the process, and their settlement agreement is enforceable in court, acting as a contract.

Our panel of retired judges and seasoned attorneys have settled numerous employment disputes throughout the multiple decades that ADR Systems has been in business. These have included:

• A dispute involving plaintiff’s claims of sexual harassment by a supervisor and retaliation in violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act and Civil Rights Act of 1964

• A dispute involving claims that an employer failed to compensate the plaintiff with commissions for out-of-state sales per the terms of his employment contract

• A dispute involving a senior vice president of human resources with possible enormous exposure for defendant because of gender discrimination claims; parties settled in pre-suit mediation using a structured negotiation process

Parties to employment disputes enjoy various advantages when they mediate their dispute at ADR Systems.

Faster Resolutions: Mediation can resolve disputes in weeks or months rather than years, reducing the time burden on plaintiffs and defendants

Cost Savings: Avoiding lengthy court battles saves money otherwise spent on legal fees, expert witness costs and administrative expenses.

Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, mediation is confidential, protecting reputations and sensitive information.

Reduced Stress: Mediation fosters a collaborative rather than adversarial atmosphere, reducing emotional strain for all involved.

Greater Control: Mediation removes the uncertainty and risk associated with litigation, where outcomes can be all-or-nothing; both parties have a say in the outcome of the case rather than leaving the decision in the hands of a judge or jury.

Preserved Relationships: Open dialogue allows employers and employees to maintain professional relationships when possible.

Experienced Neutrals: ADR Systems’ panel of mediators consist of retired judges and seasoned attorneys with decades of hands-on knowledge of the disputes before them and an ardent passion for resolving them.

Mediation is a practical solution for many employment disputes. It is particularly beneficial when parties seek a resolution that prioritizes confidentiality, expediency and cost-effectiveness.

If you are representing clients involved in an employment dispute and want to pursue mediation as an alternative to litigation, explore our Find A Neutral page to review the bios of mediators with experience settling employment disputes.

Submit your employment case through our Neutral Availability Form or Contact Form.