Odell S. Holmes, Jr. , Ret’d

“Since I think it is most important to understand a Mediator’s philosophy and approach to Mediation, I address mine, before listing any other qualifications which you may deem important.

I have been mediating with TAMS since its inception almost 35 years ago.
I am committed to the process and believe that it works. I have seen it work in nearly every Mediation that I have handled, and in some, where I thought it wouldn’t. Rather than that being a tribute to me, it does speak to the fact that people who are engaged in litigation desire to resolve their differences in a friendlier forum where the ultimate resolution of their problem is within their control rather than in a courtroom. I tell participants in the Mediation that they can be the “architect” of their own agreement rather than leaving it to the uncertainty of a decision by a judge or a jury. Certainly, it is that “trading off” of certainty for the uncertainty of the adversarial process that motivates people to resolve their differences, aside from the delay and expense of litigation. I have been fortunate enough to have assisted in that process in a wide spectrum of cases, including personal injury, insurance claims, employment cases, contract disputes, deceptive trade practices cases, and many others.

Settlements range from a minimal amount to over a million dollars in cases that I have mediated reflecting the balance I try to bring to the process as an impartial and neutral Mediator. Given the opportunity, I would bring my talents, efforts, and commitment to the objective of settling your cases." -Judge Odell S. Holmes, Jr.