Let the Other Side Pick the Mediator

Mediation should be speedy, economical, and conciliatory. But parties often kick things off with a mediator-selection process that is complex, expensive, time consuming, and adversarial. Avoid this opening skirmish by letting the other side pick the mediator. This engenders cooperation, generates good will, speeds up the process, holds down costs, and introduces you to new mediators you might actually like.