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Farhi Approved By NJ as a Mediator

On Behalf of | Feb 6, 2023 | Firm News

Photo of Michael Farhi
Law firm partner Michael Farhi has been approved by the New Jersey court system to serve as a mediator in lawsuits and pre-lawsuit disputes in the state.

Where? He will be confining the scope of his mediations to estate disputes, debt collection, civil rights, breach of contract/commercial transactions, assault and battery, defamation and Law Against Discrimination claims. Since COVID, most mediations are done by Zoom, but Mike will mediate in person whenever requested.

What is it? Mediation is a cost-effective dispute resolution process in which an impartial third party – the mediator – facilitates negotiations among the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable settlement. The major distinction between mediation and arbitration is that, unlike an arbitrator, a mediator does not make a decision about the outcome of the case. The parties to a dispute, with the assistance of their attorneys – or the parties themselves – work toward a solution with which they are comfortable. The purpose of mediation is not to decide who is right or wrong. Its goal is to give the two sides the chance to (1) express feelings and diffuse anger, (2) clear up misunderstandings, (3) determine underlying interests or concerns, (4) find areas of agreement, and, ultimately, (5) incorporate these areas into solutions devised by the parties themselves.

Who’s mediation for? Mediation can happen if for or after a lawsuit is filed, or non-criminal and non-traffic charges brought in a local court. While mediators are usually chosen by other lawyers, two people, who may be neighbors, or otherwise involved in a dispute, can choose a mediator themselves. The benefit can be a less expensive out-of-court resolution of differences and avoidance of the stress of uncertainty and the wait, sometimes weeks, months or longer, for closure.

Why this matters. Mike said this about his appointment:

I’m very proud about this approval to join other mediators in New Jersey who work to resolve disputes before they go to a trial. There are many fine mediators, including retired judges. What I can offer is cost-effective practical experience acquired over 43 plus years as a lawyer handling many different types of disputes between people, between families and between businesses, achieving solutions that each side finds acceptable. Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows that I handle problems calmly, diligently and with careful analysis. I know how to listen and learn and I respect and understand opposing points of view. That’s what makes a good mediator

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