The most important element of a successful mediation is the ability of the mediator to control the process. This requires a combination of experience, impartiality, communication skills and knowledge of the subject in process. Lawyers can be zealous advocates for their clients, while still working within a mediation context. The savings in time, money, and emotional involvement are an invaluable benefit to all involved. The following are examples of responses from attorneys who have represented individuals in successful mediations:

SAMPLE LETTERS {2}

SCANLON & GEARINGER CO., L.P.A.
1100 First National Tower
106 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308-1463

Phone (330) 376-4558 (888) 376-4558
Fax: (330) 376-3550

Jeffrey S. Wilkof, Mediator
Mediator's Office
Fourth Floor, Stark County Courthouse
Canton, Ohio 44702

Re: Ann Vs Nationwide Insurance

Dear Jeff:

I was reminded again today what a superb job you did mediating Ann's case. It could not have been accomplished without your willingness to explore a number of different approaches to solving the numerous problems presented by this case. To call your solution "innovative" would be a gross understatement. On behalf of my self, Kevin Hardman, and especially Ann, thank you again for your time and energy.

I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Best regards,

Michael J. Del Medico

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BAKER, DUBLIKAR, BECK, WILEY & MATHEWS
205 Mellett Building
115 DeWalt Avenue, NW
Canton, Ohio 44702

Telephone: (330) 453-4999
Telecopier: (330) 455-0333

Jack R. Baker
Ralph F. Dublikar
Gregory A. Beck
Donald P. Wiley
James F. Mathews
Mel L. Lute, Jr.
Melissa S. Ulrich
Daniel J. Funk
Stephen E. Matasich
Elizabeth A. Warg

August 27, 1998

Jeffrey Wilkof, Court Mediator
Stark County Common Pleas Court
Stark County Courthouse
Canton, OH 44702

RE: Stark County Common Pleas Court

Dear Jeff:

I wanted to take this opportunity to personally commend you for the job that you did during the recent mediation in the above-captioned lawsuit. This was a very emotional and contentious lawsuit arising out of a business relationship, with accusations of misappropriating money. When I suggest that this case be amenable to mediation, I was frankly very pessimistic that the case could be settled due to the emotions involved as well as the dollars. However, before embarking upon a very expensive trial with the accompanying anxiety and emotion, I felt that it was at least worth an effort to settle the case, even if that was highly questionable.

In all of the mediations in which I have participated, this may have been the best job of mediating that I have every experienced. You were able to take a very complicated set of circumstances and quickly get to the nub of the problem. Your persistent efforts, skill and judgment resulted in a settlement of the case under circumstances which I would have thought were virtually impossible.

My clients were opposed to the mediation when it was suggested, but they walked out of the courthouse thoroughly satisfied that their case had been resolved, even though it meant that they had to pay the plaintiff some money. I am quite certain that they will express to you their feelings upon filling out the mediation questionnaire which will be sent to you in the next few days.

In conclusion, I would just like you and the Common Pleas Judges to know that this mediation program is certainly working, and a major reason for that is the work that is being done by both you and Joe Calabretta.

Thank you for a job well done.

Very truly yours

Ralph F. Dublikar

Cc: Hon. John Haas
Hon. Sara Lioi
Hon. Richard Reinbold
Hon. Lee Sinclair
Hon. John Boggins