As a mediator, I help parties tackle problems rather than each other. The traditional legal paradigm is of parties whose lawyers are like gladiators, going to battle in a war of good versus evil. After all the evidence is gathered and presented in an elaborate and expensive process, a neutral judge decides who wins and who loses. Mediation is a completely different mindset. The view of mediation is that disputes arise when values and interest are in conflict, but this doesn't mean either side is "evil". With positive communication and facilitation by a neutral mediator, parties are empowered to find win-win solutions, keep the resolution of their conflict private, control their own outcome, are more likely to find healthy solutions that meet all key interests, and are more likely to be able to preserve their relationship so they can continue to work together in the future. And mediation is more cost effective because it finds win-win solutions without escalating hostilities.