The use of the word “neutral” can create certain expectations. And so a question that must be addressed and resolved sooner or later by every mediator is: What does “neutrality” require of me with regard to my formation and use of opinions? We all form opinions, but then what do we do with them? Do we set them aside and act as if we really don’t have them? If we happen to agree with one side or the other with regard to a particular issue, how does that affect our neutrality?
The Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators is of considerable help to us in this area. Thankfully they do not require that mediators be “neutral,” nor do they even use the term “neutrality.” Instead Standard II requires that mediators adhere to the standard of impartiality, which means “freedom from favoritism, bias or prejudice.”
No, this is not just hair splitting. Quite to the contrary. As I explain at the beginning of every mediation, neutrality pertains to positions taken by adversaries, while impartiality pertains to the mediator’s attitude toward parties.
The Task Force on Improving Mediation Quality, which was commissioned by the Section of Dispute Resolution of the American Bar Association in 2008, reported that one of the four essentials to high quality civil mediation practice is “analytical assistance” from the mediator. And one of the commonly accepted practices that is used in providing such assistance is an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of positions.
At the same time however, mediators do not have a license to state their own opinions in a way that is coercive or unwelcome. We should be careful about forming firm and final opinions or letting ourselves be drawn into the conflict. Nor should we try to impose our own solutions on the parties.
To be both effective and impartial we should not think of ourselves primarily as case analysts. That is the role of a neutral evaluator rather than of a mediator. Instead we should stand ready to provide analytical assistance, in an impartial manner, as and when needed to facilitate the resolution of our clients’ disputes.
MICHAEL P. CARBONE is a senior mediator who has also served as an arbitrator and court-appointed referee. His dispute resolution practice has been built over a period of more than 25 years and covers a wide range of fields. His exceptional combination of transactional and litigation experience enables him to handle complex litigation… MORE >
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