“Peace cannot be kept by force;
it can only be achieved by understanding.”
– Albert Einstein, December 1930
Tennessee Rule 31 Listed Mediator
Jack Wade is a Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator in Tennessee. Mediations are conducted in accordance with the standards and ethical guidelines established under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 and the policies of the Tennessee Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission. These standards promote neutrality, fairness, and professionalism in the mediation process.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the mediation process. Communications made during mediation are confidential and are generally not admissible in court proceedings except as provided by law. During private caucuses, information shared with the mediator will only be disclosed to the extent the mediator believes doing so may facilitate resolution and will otherwise remain confidential between caucuses as specifically instructed by the parties. Additional details regarding confidentiality protections and any applicable exceptions are set forth in the Agreement to Mediate.
Agreement to Mediate
All mediations are conducted pursuant to the written Agreement to Mediate, which sets forth the terms governing the mediation, including mediator neutrality, confidentiality protections, fee arrangements, cancellation policies, and the mediator’s status and protections under applicable law. By participating in the mediation, parties and counsel acknowledge and agree to these terms.
Mediation Statements
Counsel are encouraged to submit mediation statements in advance of the session to assist the mediator in understanding the issues in dispute. Statements may be exchanged among counsel or submitted confidentially for the mediator’s review only. Advance submission allows the mediation session to focus more efficiently on resolution.
Settlement Documentation
If the mediation results in settlement, the parties will typically reduce the essential terms of the agreement to writing before concluding the mediation session. Unless otherwise agreed, counsel for the parties are responsible for preparing any formal settlement agreements or related documentation following the mediation.
Mediation Fees
Mediation services are billed in accordance with the current Rate Sheet, which outlines the mediator’s hourly rate, travel time rate, mileage reimbursement, and administrative fees. A copy of the rate sheet is available below. All mediation services are provided pursuant to the terms outlined in the Agreement to Mediate, which governs scheduling, fees, confidentiality, and other conditions of the mediation process. Counsel and parties are encouraged to review the agreement in advance of the mediation session. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, mediation fees are typically divided equally among the parties. Payment arrangements, billing procedures, and administrative fees are described in the Rate Sheet and the Agreement to Mediate below.
