Oregon Mediation Association

Promoting collaborative and equity-informed conflict resolution.

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You are here: Home / Find a Mediator / Choosing the Right Mediator

Choosing the Right Mediator

What Makes a Great Mediator?

  • Good listener
  • Neutral
  • Understands parties’ interests
  • Fits with your preferred “style” (more on Mediator Styles)

What Qualifications Does a Mediator Need?

  • Oregon does not have one statewide standard for all mediators.  Quality can vary widely between practicing mediators so vetting a potential mediator is important.
  • Mediators who are OMA members agree to abide by OMA standards of practice.
  • Most reputable mediators operate under OMA training and experience guidelines or according to local Community Dispute Resolution Center rules.
  • OMA certification (in development) signifies a designated level of training and experience.
  • For some cases, including court ordered cases, additional guidelines may apply.

Questions to ask when talking to potential mediators:

  • What are your fees? Do you calculate them daily, hourly, etc.? How long would you expect a case like mine to take?
  • What kind of training and education do you have? How do you keep your skills fresh?
  • How would you describe your experience?What kinds of disputes have you worked with in the past?  How long have you practiced?  Do you have an area of specialization?
  • How would your past clients describe you?  Can you provide any references?
  • What are your professional memberships?  What ethical standards to you follow?
  • What are our next steps?

Five Steps to Choosing a Mediator

  1. Decide what you want from mediation
  2. Get a list of mediators
  3. Look over mediator’s written qualifications
  4. Interview mediators
  5. Evaluate information and make decision

A full list of ideas for finding, evaluating, and choosing the right mediator can be found in the Consumers Guide To Mediation.

News and Announcements

  • Registration is Open
  • Conference RFP Presenters
  • 2022 Fall Conference November 4 + 5
  • Black Lives Matter – In Pursuit of Equity Informed Mediation
The Oregon Mediation Association

Welcome to OMA

Conflict is a natural part of life. Managed correctly, conflict can positively transform lives and relationships. Mediators are trained to understand the source of conflicts and identify a path away from adversarial positions toward positive growth and change. Mediators create a safe space to have difficult conversations. The Oregon Mediation Association works to build greater awareness of mediation as a useful conflict management tool.

OMA in a Nutshell

OMA is a network of practitioners and supporters who are committed to the development, support and advocacy of mediation in Oregon.

Mission

OMA's mission is to help Oregonians transform the way they confront and resolve conflict in their personal lives and in their communities.

Contact Us

Main: 503-872-9775
[email protected]
7307 SW Beveland St, Ste 200
Tigard, OR  97223

JOIN OMA

Click to Join! We welcome you to our vibrant community.

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