Mediation
[me·di·a·tion | \ ˌmē-dē-ˈā-shən]
noun
CARMINE CORNELIO
BACKGROUND
I was a successful top-rated Lawyer (Martindale Hubble AV rated, Best Lawyers in America, America’s Top Lawyers, etc.) for almost 20 years, handling both plaintiffs and defense cases in Tucson, Arizona. I also was a pro tem Judge. In 2001, I was selected and appointed as a Pima County Superior Court Judge. I served the public in the trial court for 15 years, primarily on the Civil bench. I presided over many jury trials ranging from car accidents to complex malpractice and commercial cases. I would frequently meet with jurors after their verdict to discuss their thoughts on the trial.
MEDIATION SETTLEMENT EXPERIENCE
I began conducting settlement conferences during my years as a pro tem. Because of this experience, I was selected to be the Presiding ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) shortly after I took the bench. For nearly ten years I was in charge of the Courts Settlement Program. In addition to being the “go to” Judge for difficult Civil, Domestic, and Probate cases, I was involved to teaching, writing, and training others in ADR. I have lost count of how many successful settlements I have helped parties and their lawyers reach. In 2010, I received the Justice Award from the Pima County Bar for extraordinary service to judges and lawyers and “Exceptional Skill and leadership in ADR”.
CURRENT MEDIATION & ADR PRACTICE
In 2017, I retired from the bench so that I could work exclusively in mediation, focusing on my passion of helping parties settle and resolve their disputes. Because of my background, experience , and reputation, I am frequently called upon to assist parties and their counsel in the more difficult or complex cases. I often assist in scheduling (with conference calls) the timing of a mediation. Prior to conducting a mediation, I take the time to understand the facts and applicable law as well as the unique dynamics of each case.
“The courts of this country should not be the places where resolution of disputes begins. They should be the places where the disputes end after alternative methods of resolving disputes have been considered and tried.”
— Sandra Day O’Connor
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a process that allows people the opportunity to resolve legal disputes without having to resort to litigation. ADR is designed to be an alternative to resolving a legal dispute through civil trial utilizing a less expensive and time consuming process. The Arizona Courts favor/mandate some form of ADR before trial. Rule 16 of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure requires that a trial judge facilitate the an appropriate use of ADR and should require that parties to a lawsuit submit their case to a settlement conference or private mediation prior to trial.
TYPES OF ADR SERVICES:
Mediation Services
Mediation is one of the primary forms of ADR. It is a dynamic, fluid, and yet structured process. The parties meet with a neutral mediator, who assists them in resolving their conflict through communication and certain techniques of negotiations. The mediation usually begins with a joint session, where the parameters of the process are laid out by the mediator. The parties are then separated, so that individual sessions can occur in a confidential manner. The parties are encouraged to be vocal and participate. Their counsel is always with them, when discussions occur with the mediator. A skilled and successful mediator will use a variety of methods to encourage frank discussions. A mediator should be facilitating in guiding negotiations, and will also be evaluative of the legal, factual and other issues (reality testing). The more experienced and knowledgeable the mediator, the greater chance for success. The goal is to help the parties achieve a compromise, that can be confidential and significantly less expensive, time consuming and certain than a trial. There are, sometimes “out of the box” solutions that could not be achieved in court. Finally, the control of decision making and outcome, is with the parties, not the mediator, judge or jury. Because a settlement is agreed to by all parties, compliance with the mediated agreement is much more likely. If however, there is a lack of compliance, mediated settlements are enforceable in court.
Arbitration Services
Arbitration is another form of ADR. It is more formal, where evidence and testimony is received by the arbitrator, who acts as the selected “judge” to make decisions regarding the parties dispute. Unlike, formal litigation, this process can be quicker, less expensive and confidential. With arbitration, unlike proceeding in Court, the parties can select someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in the area of conflict or dispute. Once an Arbitration decision or Award is made by the arbitrator, it can be enforced in court and reduced to a Judgement that can be executed and collected on.
Neutral Evaluation Services
In this form of ADR, the parties present their cases in a very informal process, to the neutral evaluator. Non-binding opinions are then given to the parties on the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. The parties can then take this information and decide on how to best proceed with resolving their dispute (eg trial, mediation, negotiation, or arbitration).
Virtual Mediation Services
I have been trained in and am successfully conducting virtual mediation. Virtual Mediation allow some (or all) participants to attend mediation without physically being present at a site. Zoom allows us to meet in a main meeting room and establish ground rules. Then Zoom allows for separate breakout rooms, where counsel and their clients can be separated and “locked away” from other participants while negotiations take place. When a settlement is reached, we document it and meet back in the Main room to confirm. If you are interested in these services, please contact me.
Rates | Articles | Testimonials
TWO RULES TO KEEP IN MIND FOR MEDIATION/SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS by Carmine Cornelio
THE ART OF THE BLUFF… RISKS OF TRUMP-STYLE NEGOTIATION IN LAWSUITS SETTLEMENTS by Carmine Cornelio
“Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often the real loser.”
-Abraham Lincoln
Contact
Please contact me regarding availability
Carmine Cornelio
Tucson, Arizona
(520) 591-7236
corneliomediation@gmail.com
Or you may submit your inquiry below and I will contact you as soon as possible.
*indicates required field.
Website Design: Hilary Adorno