INITIAL LETTER TO OPPOSING PARTY
[DATE]
[NAME OF OPPOSING PARTY]
[ADDRESS OF OPPOSING PARTY]
RE: [DESCRIPTION OF DISPUTE]
Dear [MR./MS.][LAST NAME OF OPPOSING PARTY]:
I am a mediator volunteering with Legal Aid of North Carolina to mediate disputes brought by Legal Aid clients. [NAME OF LANC CLIENT] has approached Legal Aid for representation in connection with a claim between you and [NAME OF LANC CLIENT] for [DESCRIPTION OF DISPUTE]. Legal Aid has suggested that this dispute might be suitable for mediation before resort to the courts.
Mediation is a voluntary process. As the mediator, I am neutral and do not represent any party. My job is to help the parties explore options and negotiate a resolution to the dispute. A successful mediation is one in which the parties reach an agreement and avoid court proceedings. The mediation process is described in more detail on the enclosed Agreement to Participate in Mediated Settlement Conference.
I have agreed to conduct a mediation between you and [NAME OF LANC CLIENT] at [LOCATION OF MEDIATION] for up to three hours at no charge to either of you. Please contact [MEDIATOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION] to schedule the mediation no later than [14 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS LETTER]. If you do not elect to participate in mediation, I will report that fact to Legal Aid and [NAME OF LANC CLIENT], and the parties will then have the option to pursue resolution through the legal process. If you elect to participate in mediation, it will be necessary for you to sign and bring with you to the mediation the enclosed Agreement to Participate in Mediated Settlement Conference which describes the process.
Very truly yours,
[NAME OF MEDIATOR]
cc:[NAME OF LANC CLIENT]
Enclosure: Agreement to Participate in Mediated Settlement Conference
FOLLOW UP LETTER TO OPPOSING PARTY
[DATE]
[NAME OF OPPOSING PARTY]
[ADDRESS OF OPPOSING PARTY]
RE: [DESCRIPTION OF DISPUTE]
Dear [MR./MS.][LAST NAME OF OPPOSING PARTY]:
On [DATE OF PREVIOUS LETTER], I wrote to you inviting you to participate in a voluntary mediation of your dispute with [NAME OF LANC CLIENT]. A copy of my previous letter is enclosed.
To date, I have not heard from you. If I do not hear from you within ten days from today, I will assume that you are not interested in mediation and that you prefer to resolve this dispute in court. I hope that is not the case and I stand ready to offer my services free of charge to assist you and [NAME OF LANC CLIENT] to reach a voluntary resolution of this dispute.
If you are interested in scheduling mediation, please contact [MEDIATOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION].
Very truly yours,
[NAME OF MEDIATOR]
cc: [NAME OF LANC CLIENT]
SCHEDULING LETTER
[DATE]
[NAME OF LANC CLIENT]
[ADDRESS OF LANC CLIENT]
[NAME OF OPPOSING PARTY]
[ADDRESS OF OPPOSING PARTY]
RE: [DESCRIPTION OF DISPUTE]
Dear [NAMES OF PARTIES]:
You have agreed to mediate your dispute identified above. The mediation is to be held on [DATE] at [LOCATION], beginning at [TIME]. The mediation will last up to three hours.
As a reminder, you must sign and bring with you to the mediation the Agreement to Participate in Mediated Settlement Conference which I previously sent to you.
I look forward to working with you to resolve your dispute.
Very truly yours,
[NAME OF MEDIATOR]