Home

Services

Publications and Appearances Why Choose
Laura Athens
Contact
Laura Athens
         
   

 

Call: (248) 426-8800
 Rochester Hills, MI 48307-4946

 

Providing Innovative & Sustainable Solutions

 

Mediation
Mediation is a proactive, voluntary process for resolving disputes in a confidential and collaborative manner that is facilitated by an impartial, neutral mediator. Mediation is useful when parties want to actively participate in negotiating a fair and expeditious resolution of their dispute.

For a brief description of the highlights and benefits of mediation, see Laura’s

Mediation Fact Sheet What to Expect in Mediation

For more in-depth information, see Laura’s articles on mediation:

  Alternative Dispute Resolution in Special Education
  Bullying and Harassment in the Schools and Proactive Solutions
  Confidentiality and Pre-Mediation Resolution Sessions
  Mediation: An Option to Consider
  Overcoming Reluctance to Engage in Mediation
  Seclusion and Restraint Statute and the Role of the Mediator

Arbitration
In arbitration, a neutral third party, the arbitrator, hears testimony, reviews documents and issues a decision. Arbitration is a private, expeditious and cost-effective alternative to litigation in court. Arbitration is useful when mediation is unlikely to result in a resolution because no “middle ground” exists and the parties, for philosophical reasons, desire diametrically opposed outcomes.

For a brief description of the highlights and benefits of arbitration, see Laura’s

 

What to Expect in Arbitration

For more in-depth information, see Laura’s article on arbitration:

  Creating Parameters for Arbitration

Facilitation
Facilitation is a collaborative process overseen by a neutral facilitator who helps keep meetings constructive and productive. In contrast to mediation, which tends to involve disputes that have reached an impasse or resulted in filing of a formal complaint, facilitation may be used at the inception of a conflict to promote positive change and prevent escalation of disputes.

For a brief description of the highlights and benefits of facilitation, see Laura’s

  What to Expect in Facilitation

For more in-depth description, see Laura’s article on facilitation:

Facilitating Positive Change in the Workplace

Restorative Practices
Restorative conferences offer a safe and respectful forum for a group of individuals to discuss a difficult situation, express emotions, describe the impact of the harmful conduct, explore ways to address harm and reach agreement on how to proceed forward. Restorative justice has expanded beyond the criminal justice system to a variety of civil contexts including domestic violence, child protective, eldercare, employment, medical malpractice and school disciplinary matters. Restorative practices are focused on healing, restoring dignity, repairing the harm, improving behavior and strengthening communities.

For a brief description of the highlights and benefits of restorative practices, see Laura’s

  What to Expect in a Restorative Conference

For more in-depth description, see Laura’s article on restorative practices:

  Role of Restorative Practices in Addressing Discrimination and Harassment

 

Contact Laura to learn more about her services.

Member of Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan

 

Updated: 30 August 2022