Our Mediation Philosophy

The Western District of Wisconsin offers court-sponsored mediation with Magistrate Judge and Chief Deputy Clerk Andrew Wiseman.  Mediation is an efficient, cost-effective way to resolve legal disputes when communication between the parties is a barrier, or when the parties' interests are obscured by emotion or rigid legal positions.  The most important factor in successful mediation is a willingness to engage in realistic, good-faith negotiation.  Participation is voluntary and will not affect the progress or deadlines in your case.  Of course, parties are free to pursue private mediation or direct negotiation if they wish.

Initiating Mediation

The pretrial conference order in your case will establish a deadline to submit confidential settlement letters by e-mail to clerkofcourt@wiwd.uscourts.gov.  The court may initiate contact based on these letters.  Attorneys are also encouraged to call Mr. Wiseman at (608) 261-5719 if they believe early mediation would be productive.

Confidentiality and Ethics

Settlement letters and settlement discussions are strictly confidential and will not be used at trial or shared with the judges or other parties.  Any party that feels the mediator has violated confidential or ethical standards is encouraged to submit a written statement to the Chief Judge, with copies to the mediator and all parties.  The Chief Judge will review the matter and take appropriate action.  The mediator will notify the parties of any conflict of interest and will assist in the selection of an alternate mediator.  If a party believes there is a conflict of interest, the party should notify the mediator and the parties so that an alternate mediator may be found.