Extensive Experience Representing Clients Through Mediation for Employment Discrimination Claims
Litigation is highly effective, but the process can be more difficult than some people expect. It is not the right tool for every situation. Fortunately, mediation and arbitration are alternatives to litigation that offer many tangible benefits. Our law firm provides reliable, results-focused mediation and arbitration services to clients throughout the New York City area. When you have an employment law dispute, our Long Island employment lawyers can assist you with mediation for employment discrimination claims – as well as other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options to resolve the dispute as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Under New York law, mediation and arbitration are both forms of alternative dispute resolution that can be used in a wide variety of legal cases, from family law to employment law, to avoid litigation. Although mediation and arbitration are both types of ADR, it is important to understand the differences between them. Whether you need assistance with an employment contract dispute or a wrongful termination case, our attorneys can speak with you about the potential benefits of mediation or arbitration.
At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our Queens employment attorneys for mediation for employment discrimination claims have the skills and knowledge to protect your rights. We have deep experience representing clients in mediation proceedings and arbitration proceedings. No matter the specific circumstances of your case, our legal team is ready to help you find the best path forward. Call our Queens or Long Island law office now for a confidential, no obligation review of your case.
Understanding Mediation and Arbitration for Employment Discrimination Claims
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration, and is one preferable to the other when it comes to resolving an employment dispute? While both mediation and arbitration are forms of ADR, we want to clarify the similarities and differences between them.
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third-party known as a mediator helps the disputing parties to communicate, negotiate, and ultimately to resolve their dispute. The mediator does not take on the role of a judge or of a figure who hears both sides of the case. Instead, the mediator facilitates dialogue between the disputing parties to help them reach a resolution. If the parties do reach a resolution, then they can enter into a binding agreement to resolve the dispute. Otherwise, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, then the mediation is not binding in any manner, and the parties can move onto litigation.
In arbitration, there is also a neutral third-party known as the arbitrator, but the arbitrator—unlike a mediator—does play a role that is more similar to the role of a judge. The arbitrator will hear both parties’ sides of the case and will make a decision that is typically binding. Unlike mediation, if you are unhappy with the outcome of the arbitration, you cannot take your case to court to be heard by a judge.
Benefits of Mediation and Arbitration in New York
There are numerous benefits to mediation and arbitration, including the following:
- Issues in dispute remain private and confidential;
- Dispute can be resolved more quickly; and
- Dispute can be resolved in a more cost-effective manner.
In mediation, the parties also tend to improve communication skills with one another, which can be beneficial for an ongoing business relationship.
Queens and Long Island Lawyers for Mediation and Arbitration
A form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), mediation is essentially a voluntary, formal negotiation during which the parties can come together before a neutral third party in a good faith effort to resolve their dispute and reach a settlement. While not right for every employment law claim, mediation offers many advantages. It might be the best path forward in your case. Some notable benefits of mediation include:
- Faster resolutions. Courts are busy, which means it can take months just to get a court date. Mediation can be completed in less time, and clients receive settlements sooner.
- Preserve Relationships. As the goal of mediation is to reach a settlement, the process is not directly adversarial. An advantage of this is that it can help preserve relationships between the parties. Mediation is especially useful for employees who wish to/plan to keep working with their employer after the case is resolved.
- Confidentiality. Litigation is public. If you go to court, potential employers may discover that you sued a previous employer, making it difficult for you to find work. Mediation, on the other hand, is confidential. By choosing mediation, you can protect your career.
- Reduced risk. In court, the final decision is up to a judge. You could win or walk away with nothing. Mediation allows you and your employer to work out an agreement that will be beneficial to both sides, leading to a more favorable result.
Our employment mediation lawyers are prepared to mediate cases involving all of the issues we handle, from wage and hour disputes to wrongful termination. Contact our Queens or Long Island law office to find out more about employment mediation.
How Our Attorneys Can Help Your Mediation for Employment Discrimination Claims
Another form of alternative dispute resolution, arbitration is often used to resolve disputes in employment law cases. In contrast to mediation, arbitration is not a voluntary negotiation. Instead, arbitration is essentially a mini, more efficient version of a trial. A neutral third party (the arbitrator) will be brought in to hear the case and act as the judge and the jury. Our experience with arbitration is extensive and includes a variety of venues. Many employment contracts contain arbitration clauses, which we are prepared to handle efficiently and effectively.
Why Trust the Employment Lawyers at Ricotta & Marks
Unlike some other law firms that dabble in many different practice areas, employment law is our exclusive focus. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., we have considerable experience handling complex employer-employee conflicts and our attorneys always carefully consider options for alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. When you call our Queens office, you will have a chance to consult with an employment lawyer who will:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of your employment law case;
- Consider the risks and benefits mediation or arbitration; and
- Craft a legal strategy focused on getting the best outcome.
We are proud to provide personal attention and service to each and every client. Employment disputes are complicated. Cookie cutter solutions are simply not effective. Our Queens employment mediation and arbitration lawyers are selective in the cases we take on—ensuring that every client gets the time and focus that they deserve.
At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our New York employment lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in mediation and arbitration. We are here to protect your rights and help you find the best solution. Contact us now for a completely confidential consultation. You can learn more about the benefits of mediation and arbitration by calling Ricotta & Marks, P.C., at 347-464-8694. Our Queens office is conveniently located within walking distance of several subways. We represent clients in Queens, Long Island, and beyond.