We recognize the importance of mediation each October, thanks to Chief Justice Carlos Muniz of the Florida Supreme Court, who proclaimed the third week of October as Mediation Week. This week allows us to focus on the importance of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or mediation as an effective substitute for litigation. Rather than expensive litigation and court trials, mediation offers a productive way for attorneys and clients to work together toward a resolution that avoids the drawn-out—and often very public and costly—processes of other legal proceedings. This week allows us to consider the many benefits of mediation and celebrate the process.

Attorneys should always keep their clients as the topmost priority, which means offering them the best options for legal resolution. That might be going the mediation route rather than trial to achieve the most favorable outcome. One of the benefits of mediation is that the often adversarial relationship between opposing counsels is short-circuited by a nonpartisan third party, which leads the discussions. Mediation can be beneficial in situations involving child custody, the division of marital assets, or business relationships that have gone sour—all scenarios where emotions may be high. And if tensions get too out of control, a great mediator will know when to have everyone take a break and return later to resume negotiations.