Mediation: an alternative to court proceedings

When a dispute arises that can’t be worked out between the parties, many turn to mediation as a way to seek compromise.

Conflict and Dispute Resolutions of the Southwest is owned and managed by Ted Ramirez, who said his team focuses on mediation, arbitration, negotiation, ombudsmanship and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

“We also train workplace teams through ‘Leadership in Team Dysfunction,’ thereby improving productivity and profits,” he said.

First opened in 2016, CDRS has offices in both Mesilla and El Paso.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt many small businesses, Ramirez said CDRS has weathered the storm fairly well.

“We’re extremely fortunate to hold national contract agreements with the federal, state and certain [number of] local governments and judicial interests in four states, including New Mexico,” he said. “Our business model has included a larger proportion of video-conference services. Where needed, we have performed services under strict health guidelines of our entities and customers. We also provide services through the Better Business Bureau of El Paso.”

Ramirez said the services CDRS offers can save people time, money and stress.

“Mediation is much better than court right now, because courts are closed,” he said. When opened, it is expected that jury trials will take priority over other issues. Why wait while the legal meter runs or you wait for a judge to decide the outcome? Take control of an outcome that can create win-win.”

He said the process “saves anxiety, time and money by reaching a mediated settlement agreement that can become a binding agreement if both parties agree.”

Ramirez said an important factor in successful dispute resolution is often the skill of the mediator and the tool set s/he brings to the negotiating table.

“We don’t not take sides and are not influenced by attorneys who try to negotiate an agreement,” he said, adding that the opposing parties ultimately decide the outcome.

“What is agreed to or not is in your hands, not an attorney with a vested interest in the outcome,” Ramirez said. “In a courtroom, the final binding decision is made by a judge, even if neither party is particularly happy with the outcome.”

Contact CDRS at 575-336-2210 Las Cruces or ted@swresolution.com or www.swresolution.com.