For those who are not familiar with the aim and concept of mediation, it is, quite simply, a session or series of sessions that allows opposing parties to work together in coming to an agreement on their own terms in a less intimidating and confrontational environment.

Retired Maryland judge John A. Tisdale, along with other mediation attorneys, are openly encouraging the public to consider mediation as a means of conflict resolution. Tisdale offers services for divorce mediation and business quarrels to come to agreement without the parties having to resort to taking things to court.

Mediation Lawyer Comments On How Mediating Is Entirely Different Than Going to Court

“I've really had to adjust because I'm so used to telling people what the answer is, and in mediation, that's the last thing you want to do,” said Tisdale when comparing the mediation process to his experiences as a judge.

New Laws Make Civil Mediation Agreements More Meaningful

New laws have taken effect this month making all mediation meetings completely confidential. Linda Hardman, executive director of CALM, a Maryland nonprofit organization that helps residents find mediation services, said that the confidentiality law will aid her and her fellow mediation lawyers to create more deep and meaningful agreements.

“It's only with people feeling that their story's not going to be told to someone else that they really want to share and get down to the heart of the matter, to bare their souls, Hardman stated.

CALM is one of 20 Maryland mediation programs that receive government grants from the state. They handle more private civil mediation as well as sessions mandated by the court.

Another mediation entity in Maryland is MACRO, which stands for Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office, is court-related and focuses on supporting community mediation programs. Julie Linkins, a resource director for MACRO stated that Maryland and the MACRO office are becoming quite the authority on mediation as a means of conflict resolution. She stated that people from around the country and the globe are flocking to Maryland to learn more about the mediation process.