Mediation Mediation involves the resolution of a dispute with the assistance of a third party neutral mediator. It differs from arbitration in that the mediator’s function is to drive the disputants to craft their own resolution rather than to impose a final and binding determination upon them. Mediation is an ideal option to utilize in situations where parties have not explored all the possible solutions to their dispute or need assistance in thinking out of the box to resolve a particular problem. A mediator is trained in listening to disputants, assisting them in evaluating their respective claims and working with them towards a resolution that will satisfy all the underlying interests involved. Not only can mediation be utilized during the course of a litigation to avoid an uncertain judgment, but it should be considered prior to the filing of a lawsuit when disputes arise between employees or between managers and subordinates. It should be viewed as a tool by which to avoid unnecessary disruption in the workplace and an outlet in which to air underlying employee gripes. Ms. Winkler mediates privately and currently serves on the following public panels of mediators: New Jersey Civil Court New York County Supreme Court, Commercial Division New York City Bar Association, Coop Condo Panel She has undergone extensive mediator training at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Commercial Division of the New York Supreme Court, and has completed a mediator apprenticeship program conducted by the New Jersey Civil Court.