Welcome to the website of Calkins Mediation Services and Training, a firm dedicated to finding resolution through mediation, arbitration, and other forms of ADR.

Richard M. Calkins was a founding partner of the Chicago law firm of Burditt and Calkins and is a former dean of the Drake University Law School.  He is presently a full time mediator/arbitrator and adjunct professor at Drake University Law School in Des Moines and John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

It Is As Peacemaker The Lawyer Has His Greatest Opportunity

Please let us assist you if you are seeking mediation/arbitration services, seeking training to become a mediator or an ADR professional, or are seeking information on better representing your clients in ADR.  This website also provides information concerning the ADR treatise, Mediation: A Quest For Peace and Mediation Practice Guide, co-authorized by Dean Calkins and Fred Lane of Chicago, Illinois.  Finally, a quarterly newsletter is provided covering cutting-edge issues in ADR.

How To Choose A Mediator

Mediation brings a third-party neutral to the negotiating table to help the parties find resolution. However, a mediator should also assist counsel to select the best form of ADR – mediation, arbitration, summary jury trial, focus study, mock trial or binding mediation that will serve the client’s needs.

When selecting a mediator the parties need to ascertain not only the training and skills of the candidates, but their ability to draw on the full spectrum of ADR mechanisms. Also, consideration should be given to the form of mediation used by a candidate – trial method, conference method, caucus method. And the experience of the candidate and the approach they take – playing devil’s advocate, being evaluative, being a facilitator, being a peacemaker should be considered.

Peacemaker Approach

Dean Calkins uses caucus and conference mediation and peacemaker techniques with both. He seeks to find common ground which not only resolves a matter, but helps the parties find a sense of peace and even healing. He is very familiar with all forms of ADR and can advise the parties and counsel as to the best ADR mechanism to resolve their particular dispute.