Biblical Conciliation / Mediation / Arbitration
Very few legal cases ever reach a courtroom. The vast majority are settled out of court through alternatives to litigation. In many instances, this is a significantly better option for one or more of the parties involved. While trials can be effective in some situations, it is important to understand that not every legal claim needs to end in a prolonged, expensive court battle.
Those involved in legal conflicts often turn to alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration or mediation. Our Hoffman Estates lawyers are qualified to handle cases in litigation and have gained successful results for their clients through alternative dispute resolution methods. We are able to provide effective counsel for businesses and individuals and help them decide when to work through an issue by using arbitration or mediation.
What are Arbitration and Mediation?
Arbitration and mediation are two different types of alternative dispute resolution. Arbitration involves at least one neutral arbitrator, agreed upon by the conflicting parties, to make a decision about the case. The arbitrator examines the evidence of the case and makes a ruling for the parties to follow. The major benefit of arbitration over litigation is that arbitration is a private proceeding. The records and the proceeding are closed to the public.
Mediation utilizes the services of a neutral mediator who negotiates with the parties to find a solution for a dispute. Unlike the arbitrator, the mediator does not make a judgment, but rather facilitates discussion between the parties and attempts to find a solution on which both parties can agree. Mediators often use creative techniques to offer mutually beneficial solutions that might be unavailable in litigation.
When is Alternative Dispute Resolution Effective?
Trial litigation can be a long, public process that can accumulate thousands of dollars in legal fees. One of the most common reasons for resorting to a form of alternative dispute resolution is that it saves time and limits costs. In fact, arbitration functions much like a court case, but the resolution can occur much sooner than in a courtroom.
Alternative dispute resolution can also preserve relationships, which could be important in probate cases involving conflicts between family members. Mediation can be particularly effective because it commonly results in compromise. Both methods of alternative dispute resolution may allow individuals to get what they want without losing friends or business partners.
Of counsel attorney James H. Pluymert has spent years representing faith-based organizations in litigation, mediation, and arbitration, advising on issues concerning corporate formation, contract disputes, employment law, mergers, and internal governance. Mr. Pluymert has handled extensive faith-based negotiations, representing churches and individuals in ecclesiastical disputes and a variety of other matters. He has served as a mediator and arbitrator himself. Mr. Pluymert, moreover, is certified as a Christian Conciliator through the Institute for Christian Conciliation (ICC), an organization dedicated to Biblical peacemaking. ICC-certified coaches provide private conflict coaching, Biblical mediation, church or organizational conciliation, and court-approved Christian arbitration.
What is Christian Conciliation?
Christian Conciliation is a method for dispute resolution that assists in resolving conflict and restoring relationships according to Biblical principles. Truth found in the Bible is used to help people in conflict to be reconciled in their relationships and their substantive disputes. The dispute can be over something material or relational. Conciliation may be used in relational disputes or as an alternative to resolving legal disputes through the courts or secular alternative dispute methods such as traditional arbitration and mediation.
In mediation, the Christian mediator serves as a third party to help people to engage in God-honoring dialogue to resolve their differences. In arbitration, the Christian arbitrator assists in situations where parties agree to be bound by a decision made on their behalf. Established Rules of Procedure are used to ensure a legally enforceable mediation and arbitration process.
If you have a matter that would benefit from faith-based alternative dispute resolution services, the Biblical conciliation, mediation, and arbitration attorneys at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle are ready to help you pursue a peaceful result.
Experienced Legal Representation in Chicago Biblical Mediation and Conciliation Matters
For compassionate, dedicated, and effective legal assistance in matters of Biblical conciliation, mediation, or arbitration, contact the seasoned and knowledgeable Chicagoland church and non-profit organization attorneys at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle, Ltd. , in Hoffman Estates at 847-310-0025, and in Des Plaines at 847-298-5030.
