Calkins Academy of Dispute Resolution
'That lawyer is worthy who lightens the burdens of others'
Resolution Through Alternative Dispute Resolution
Welcome to Calkins Academy of Dispute Resolution, a firm dedicated to finding resolution through mediation, arbitration, and other forms of ADR. 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, or mock trial that will serve the client’s needs.
Richard M. Calkins has served clients in over 2100 mediations. Calkins was a founding partner of the Chicago law firm of Burditt and Calkins former Dean for Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa.
Choosing a Mediator
Mediation brings a third-party neutral to the negotiating table to help the parties find resolution. For mediation to have a chance at success, the most important decision is who assumes that third-party neutral position. When selecting a mediator, parties need to ascertain not only the training and skills of the mediator, but also their ability to draw on the full spectrum of all ADR mechanisms. Consideration should be given to the form of mediation used – trial, conference, or caucus. Consideration should also be given to the mediator's experience and the approach he takes – playing devil’s advocate, being evaluative, being a facilitator, and/or being a peacemaker.
Peacemaker Approach
Richard Calkins uses caucus and conference mediation styles, and peacemaker techniques with both. He seeks to find common ground not only to resolve differences, but also to help parties find a sense of peace and even healing. He is experienced with all forms of ADR and can advise both parties and counsel on the best ADR mechanism to resolve their particular dispute.
Please let us assist you in your ADR needs, provide mediation services, train you to mediation skills, and/or assist you in how to better represent a client in mediation. This website also provides information concerning the ADR treatise, Lane & Calkins Mediation Practice Guide.
Contact us at r.calkins.law@gmail.com
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