MEDIATION

 

The best mediations lead to a satisfactory resolution for all parties involved.

Providing expert, efficient and cost-effective services in the following areas: employment and workplace (including wrongful dismissal), business and commercial (including partnership and shareholder disputes), construction, insurance (including personal injury and disability claims) and estates.

Discover the advantages of mediation in unlocking dispute resolution.

 

Self-determination

The parties control the outcome. The parties have the opportunity to participate equally and work towards a resolution that meets their needs and interests, which can often lead to more durable and satisfactory agreements.

Confidentiality

Mediation is confidential, providing a safe space for parties to discuss sensitive issues without fear of public exposure. This encourages open communication and allows parties to explore creative solutions without the risk of information being used against them later.

Savings

Mediation saves time and costs by offering a quicker, less adversarial and more informal dispute resolution process compared to traditional litigation, reducing legal fees and allowing the parties to get on with their lives sooner.

The Mediation Process

A neutral third-party facilitator guides disputing parties through constructive communication, exploration of interests and collaborative negotiation to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of their issues.

Pre-mediation conference (PMC)

Before the mediation session, the mediator meets with counsel, and sometimes the parties, to address process and logistical issues. The PMC ensures everyone is prepared for mediation, increasing the chances of a successful outcome.

Setting the tone

A mediation session is much like a facilitated business meeting. The mediator introduces the process, sets the ground rules for discussion, establishes credibility, builds trust and sets the agenda for the meeting.

 

Discussion of issues & interests

With the mediator's assistance, the parties and their counsel explore the legal issues and uncover the underlying interests beneath those issues. At times this occurs in the presence of all participants (joint session) and at other times in private (caucus).

Moving to resolution & agreement

The mediator helps the parties narrow the issues and explore options for resolution. The mediator invites the parties to exchange settlement offers, frequently doing so by shuttling between each side, with the goal of achieving agreement on terms of settlement for all issues.

A trusted neutral practitioner of mediation.

Bernard Morrow possesses a 30-year track record of successfully mediating the most challenging cases, achieving positive outcomes in more than 1500 disputes.

Recognition

2023 recipient of the OBA Award of Excellence in ADR in recognition of exceptional contributions and achievements in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Membership

Member of the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, affiliated with the US-based National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals.

Credentials

Awarded the Chartered Mediator (C. Med) designation by the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC), Canada's only professional designation for practising mediators.

  • I enjoy working with Bernie. He is able to make both sides feel comfortable that their concerns are impartially and thoroughly addressed. Bernie offers thoughtful, well-prepared insight into my cases, and both sides are satisfied with the experience. Bernie provides excellent value for his services.

    Toronto Commercial Litigation Counsel

  • I would characterize Bernie as someone with the highest integrity and professionalism. He possesses a keen sense of awareness of the significance of such attributes as discretion and impartiality in the execution of his role as a mediator. I know when I use Bernie as a mediator that we will get a balanced process.

    Toronto employment lawyer

  • Bernie's role as a mediator was important at several points in keeping the parties moving forward. He worked hard to get issues resolved. He cut through the nonsense well – and kept us on track…I liked Bernie and would definitely use him again.

    Toronto insurance defence counse

  • I have participated in numerous mediations with Bernie acting as mediator and have found him to be extremely effective in settling cases. He is always well prepared, fair and highly skilled in assisting the parties in resolving their disputes. I would not hesitate to recommend Bernie as a mediator.

    Toronto construction litigation counsel

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Fees are determined based on the nature of the work, the complexity of the issues and the number of participants involved. For information regarding fees, please contact our office.

  • Mediation services are available to self-represented disputants as well as those represented by lawyers or paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.

  • Mediation duration varies depending on issue complexity and parties' negotiation readiness, with civil litigation cases typically scheduled for half or full-day sessions, while others may span multiple sessions over weeks.

Ready to work with Morrow Mediation?