What Happens Before the First Mediation Session? An Empirical Study of Pre-Session Communications

Research

What Happens Before the First Mediation Session? An Empirical Study of Pre-Session Communications

Illustration of a laptop with people, charts and communication icons
Illustration of a laptop with people, charts and communication icons

This article by Roselle L. Wissler and Art Hinshaw published in Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution reports the findings of a study of more than 1,000 mediators in different mediation settings and dispute types across eight states that begins to fill the gaps in our empirical knowledge of what happens before the first formal mediation session. 

Resources

Video and Podcast

Episode 4: The MRU is an innovative alternative response program that dispatches trained community mediators to handle lower-level emergency 911 and police calls across the City of Dayton. Since 2022, the AAA-ICDR Foundation has supported the creation and expansion of the MRU, funded a professional program evaluation, and helped develop an implementation guide for communities interested in launching similar initiatives.

Video and Podcast

Episode 2: How do we bring dispute resolution to everyone, not just those who can afford court? In this episode of the AAA-ICDR Foundation Podcast, American Arbitration Association President & CEO Bridget McCormack joins host Tracey Frisch to explore how the Foundation scales access to justice through mediation, community partnerships, and practical innovation.

Video and Podcast

Episode 3: AAA-ICDR Foundation Executive Director Tracey Frisch sits down with Foundation Chair Bruce Meyerson to reflect on the Foundation’s origins, evolution, and impact.