Virtual Mediation
Our experienced mediators are ready to help guide you through your current conflict from the comfort of your own home or office.
Our experienced mediators are ready to help guide you through your current conflict from the comfort of your own home or office.
West Short & Howell offers virtual mediation services for attorneys, businesses, and individuals throughout the State of Texas. Parties do not need to travel to Georgetown to mediate with N. West Short. Virtual mediation delivers the same structured, confidential process as in-person mediation, with the added convenience of remote participation from any location in Texas.
Mediations are conducted by N. West Short, a certified mediator and Texas civil trial attorney with more than 25 years of experience, including arguments before the Texas Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. View his full profile →
Virtual mediation with West Short & Howell follows the same structured process as an in-person session. The format is adapted for remote participation, but the principles and outcomes are the same: confidentiality, neutrality, and a focused effort toward resolution.
Counsel contacts our office to discuss the matter, confirm availability, and arrange a mediation date. Our office coordinates on mediation materials, pre-mediation submissions, the participation format, and any logistical questions in advance of the session.
On the day of the mediation, parties and their attorneys join through a secure video conferencing platform. Our office will provide connection instructions and confirm platform details in advance so that all participants are prepared to join without delay.
The mediator conducts private sessions with each side throughout the process, mirroring the separate conference room model used in traditional in-person mediation. Each party meets individually and confidentially with Mr. Short to discuss their position and explore options for resolution.
If the parties reach an agreement, the terms are documented and counsel can formalize the settlement. If the matter does not resolve, the process remains confidential and each party retains all of their legal rights going forward.
When counsel or clients are located in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, or elsewhere in Texas, virtual mediation eliminates the need for coordinated travel without compromising the quality of the process.
Virtual sessions can often be scheduled more quickly and with greater scheduling flexibility than in-person mediations, reducing delays in getting to the table.
Eliminating travel time, mileage, and lodging reduces the overall cost of mediation for all parties, making early resolution more economically practical.
Texas courts regularly order mediation as litigation progresses. Virtual mediation satisfies court-ordered mediation requirements and can be arranged promptly to meet court deadlines.
Virtual mediation is subject to the same confidentiality protections as in-person mediation under applicable Texas law. Statements made and materials exchanged during mediation are generally not admissible in subsequent legal proceedings. The private breakout structure ensures that each party's communications with the mediator remain separate and confidential throughout the session.
West Short & Howell's virtual mediation services are available for the same range of civil and commercial disputes handled through in-person mediation, including:
For a full overview of the types of disputes we handle and the mediation process generally, visit our Mediation Services page.
In the right circumstances, yes. Virtual mediation follows the same process as in-person mediation, including private breakout sessions, neutral facilitation, and confidentiality protections. Texas courts and attorneys have broadly embraced virtual mediation as a practical and effective alternative to in-person proceedings. The key factors are preparation, a reliable platform, and a mediator experienced in managing the virtual format.
Our office coordinates the platform details in advance of the mediation session. Participants receive connection instructions prior to the scheduled date. If you have a preferred platform or specific technical requirements, please discuss those with our office when scheduling so we can accommodate them.
Yes, in most cases. Virtual mediation generally satisfies court-ordered mediation requirements under Texas practice. If you have a specific court order with particular requirements, we recommend confirming the format with the court or opposing counsel in advance. Our office is experienced in coordinating virtual mediations on timelines required by court orders.
Yes. Private breakout sessions are conducted separately for each side, just as they would be in separate conference rooms during an in-person mediation. Communications between a party and the mediator in a private session are not shared with the other side without permission. The overall mediation is subject to Texas confidentiality protections applicable to mediation proceedings.
Attorneys and parties can contact our office to inquire about Mr. Short's availability, discuss the matter, and arrange a date. Our office will coordinate on scheduling, pre-mediation submissions, platform details, and any other logistical questions in advance of the session.
Set up an appointment today, so we can see if our firm is a good fit for you.