Mediating Contractor Board Disputes

No one benefits when a dispute with a licensee cannot get worked out or settled and has to proceed to an actual Hearing before a Contractor’s Board.  Legal fees are generally not recoverable, and there is always a possibility of an appeal.  Could a policy of submitting an unresolved dispute with a licensee to non-binding mediation help save time and money and come to a more amicable solution?  Should a Board institute a policy of mandating mediation prior to any hearing?  This session will explore the pros and cons of non-binding mediation in this context and help attendees think through whether or not their own board and staff should provide mediation as an option in those few cases and disputes that are headed to a full board hearing.  In addition, the speakers, with the help of a few volunteers, will present a fact pattern and conduct a mock mediation as way to show attendees the process of mediation, and will participate in determining what settlement, if any, should be agreed upon by the parties. 

For more information about the event, please view the NASCLA website.