Employment & Workplace Mediation

Resolve workplace disputes before they become public lawsuits

Employment cases are personal, stressful, and slow. Mediation gives an employee and an employer a confidential setting to reach terms — often a separation package, a reference, or a policy change — in far less time than a claim would take.

Matters we mediate

Why people choose mediation here

Confidential by design

No public filing, no press coverage, and no permanent record of the accusation on either side.

Faster closure

Employment claims can take years to reach a hearing. A mediated agreement can be signed the same day.

Practical outcomes

Mediation can include things a court will not order — a neutral reference, a written apology, a changed policy.

Mediation is led by Michelle C. Ross, a former Administrative Law Judge with the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board who has heard employment matters from the bench. Both sides are welcome to bring counsel.

How Mediation Works

Five straightforward steps from conflict to closure.

No court filings, no endless discovery, no drawn-out procedures. Here's exactly what happens when you mediate with Bench Mediators.

  1. Free intro call

    30 minutes, free

    Tell us what's going on in plain language. We'll explain whether mediation fits your situation, how it could work, and how fast it could move. No obligation, no legal jargon.

  2. Both sides agree to mediate

    Usually within a week

    We reach out to the other party and invite them to the table. Mediation is voluntary — but most people say yes once they understand it keeps everyone in control and out of court. Everyone signs a simple agreement to mediate.

  3. Prep session

    About an hour per side

    You meet with the mediator privately to share your side, your documents, and what a good outcome looks like for you. You'll know exactly what to expect before the main session.

  4. Mediation session

    Varies by matter

    Everyone meets by phone, video, or in person — together and in private breakout conversations — with the mediator guiding the negotiation. Many disputes settle in a single session. You stay in control; nothing is decided for you.

  5. Written agreement

    Same day or within days

    When you reach a deal, it's put in writing as a binding settlement agreement. You leave with closure, certainty, and a result you chose — not one imposed on you.

Book a Free Consultation

Tell us what's going on. We'll tell you honestly if mediation fits.

Fill out the form and we'll get back to you within one business day — or reach out directly, whichever you prefer.

Confidential. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client or mediator-client relationship.