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

Diversity in ADR

2025 ADR Scholarship recipients at the American Arbitration Association's Diverse Student ADR Summit, highlighting how the scholarship -- and their participation in the Summit -- has shaped their pursuit of careers in mediation, arbitration, and dispute resolution. 

Case Studies

The report documents how structured dialogue programs brought together community members and law enforcement officers to foster trust, strengthen communication, and build lasting relationships amid difficult, polarized issues.

Case Studies

A report from the Cornerstones of Democracy Commission featuring case studies and lessons on how lawyers can strengthen collaboration, civics, and civility. Made possible through the Foundation’s 2024 Annual Grant, this work advances conflict prevention, access to justice, and dispute resolution nationwide.