Welcome to The Association of Attorney-Mediators, Central Texas Chapter Website

We hope this site will be a resource for you in learning more about mediation and about AAM members.

Our members are among the most respected and knowledgeable lawyers and mediators in the Central Texas area. All must:

If we can answer any questions, please call any of us. Our phone numbers are listed with the information on each member under Member Profiles, and our national number is 1-800-280-1368.

WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Mediation is a way to resolve disputes by asking a neutral person to intercede. Having no bias in the matter, the mediator can help each side think about their goals and work toward a mutually satisfactory solution. When the dispute involves a lawsuit, a lawyer who understands the legal issues in the case is often chosen as mediator.

Sometimes lawyers come to the mediation with the parties, and sometimes the parties meet with the mediator alone, consulting with their attorneys on the side. Everyone may stay in the same room to talk, or the mediator may separate them in order to have more private discussions.

The parties air their differing views, exchange offers and counter-offers, examine their case, and usually reach an agreement acceptable to everyone. Then someone types up that agreement, which may be made legally binding.

WHY USE AN AAM MEDIATOR?

When mediation began to flourish in the 1980's, many lawyers found it an excellent tool for settling lawsuits with less cost and aggravation. Some lawyers liked it so much that they became mediators themselves. They took the basic mediation training courses and began helping people resolve their lawsuits.

The Association of Attorney-Mediators brought together the best of these new attorney-mediators – people with established reputations in the legal community who had also demonstrated their commitment to mediation. They accepted as members only lawyers who had practiced at least 8 years and had the recommendation of three other attorneys. They required that all members receive at least 40 hours of training in mediation and 24 hours in family law if they intended to mediate in that area. Members had to accept the organization's ethical guidlines, provide two free mediations annually, and continue to study mediation by observing other mediators and attending classes.

The result has been an assemblage of the most respected members of the mediation and legal communities, a resource to turn to when you want a mediator that you know is knowledgeable, competent, respected, and diligent. If you will review the membership of the Central Texas Chapter of AAM, you'll find individuals who can provide the best legal and mediation skills available in this area.

Our areas of practice are wide-ranging, covering everything from contracts and personal injury to family law, international law, entertainment, wills and probate, environmental law, administrative and governmental issues, environmental concerns, and employment law.

We hope you'll give us a chance to help you resolve your legal disputes. You'll find detailed information about each member under Member Profiles, and also a searchable database.

You can learn more about our national organization at www.attorney-mediators.org.