Scope of Mediation Practice
- Business Civil (general)
- Commercial Contracts
- Professional Fees
- Education
- Employment
- Landlord – Tenant
- Real Estate
Approach to Mediation
TESTIMONIAL: "Dr. Goetz was able to do what a retired judge (previous mediator) could not do. In fact, the previous mediation crashed and burned shortly after it got off the ground. Dr. Goetz's demeanor and skills showcased his compassion, intelligence and perseverance to drive home a fair resolution. He came prepared and was able to spot, absorb and work with the subtleties of the emotions which was as important as the underlying facts. Most impressive! Dr. Goetz exemplifies what is best about mediation. He showed respect for each party's position but was able to eventually bring them together through an understanding of the law, the economics of the situation and the emotions of the litigants. Truly skilled work!" - Ed Stark, Esq., Cron, Israels & Stark
The goal is to settle and based on the hundreds of cases I have mediated, that is our most probable result.
But settlement is not a one-day event; it begins the moment Dr. Goetz receives your matter. After confidentiality is memorialized in writing, he begins discussions with pre-mediation Zooms and potentially some exchanges of documents. Discussions are thorough and result oriented—what risk, economic and otherwise, do the parties incur by not reaching a mediated settlement? A study of California cases revealed that, in cases that did not settle, 61% of the time plaintiffs received better offers in mediation than the ultimate trial or arbitration results. Dr. Goetz believes his job is to generate offers that, in weighing all possible outcomes, are in an acceptable range to consider settlement for both sides. It is also his job to use his economics and practical background to work with counsel and the parties on their risk assessment as a way to negotiate the best possible outcome, within a realistic and reasonable range, so that the parties do not end up on the wrong side of the 61% statistic.
Dr. Goetz’s experience as a mediator, law school dean, temporary judge and arbitrator provides him a sense of equity and fairness that ensures a fair process for all parties involved. His focus on listening and facilitating understanding is at the center of his practice. Your matter will be handled expeditiously and with all avenues for settlement fully explored.