Pacific Dispute Resolution, LLC

Accountability, Integrity, Neutrality

Pacific Dispute Resolution, an affiliate of Kirkpatrick & Startzel, P.S., offers mediation as an alternative to going to court. Mediator, Paul L. Kirkpatrick, works with both parties to come to an acceptable resolution to the conflict. He emphasizes confidentiality and fairness and is committed to providing the best possible forum for the parties to make informed, well-reasoned decisions regarding their disputes. Mediation is not only less expensive than going to court but avoids the uncertainty of litigation and typically results in an acceptable outcome to both parties.

To schedule a mediation, please call:

(888) 537-5778

Or click here to send us an email.

The Pacific Dispute Resolution Difference

Almost any type of case can be successfully resolved through alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation. The key is choosing the right mediator for your case. At Pacific Dispute Resolution our senior mediator, Paul L. Kirkpatrick, is exceptionally experienced in all areas of civil litigation and has a proven track record of negotiating favorable resolutions in even the most difficult cases.

Paul Kirkpatrick

Paul is a founding member and principal of the affiliated law firm of Kirkpatrick & Startzel, PS. He has over 25 years of complex civil litigation experience handling a wide variety of cases to include personal injury, municipal / government liability, land use / real estate, civil rights actions, premises liability, contract disputes, products liability, construction defects, insurance defense, and professional negligence and malpractice. Paul represents both plaintiffs and defendants.

Paul was born in Butte, Montana and graduated from Montana State University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law and is currently licensed to practice in Washington, Idaho, and Montana, and is also admitted to the federal bar. Paul trained to be a mediator through the University of Washington School of Law, Pepperdine School of Law – Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, University of Idaho College of Law – Northwest Institute for Dispute Resolution, as well as numerous other course through the Washington State Bar Association.

Paul is based in Spokane, Washington but is available for mediation anywhere in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is assisted negotiation, facilitated by a neutral individual referred to as a mediator. The mediator’s role is not to determine who is right and who is wrong, rather, the mediator assists the parties in reaching a mutually agreeable and beneficial resolution. Mediation gives the parties an opportunity to discuss the relevant issues and address any misunderstandings. Mediation can save relationships and is a great alternative to a lengthy and expensive courtroom battle.

A resolution reached in mediation is reduced to writing in a Mediation or Settlement Agreement, which is a legally binding document.

What are the benefits of mediation?

Mediation is informal, which allows for an open discussion of the issues. This openness allows the mediator to determine the interests of all parties and to fashion a solution that benefits all parteis.

Mediation allows you to have more control over the outcome of your case. Both parties create the solution, rather than a judge or jury.

Medation saves you time. While some courts are scheduling trial dates more than a year out, a mediation can occur whenever the parties choose.

Mediation decreases the expense of litigation. Preparing for and trying a case in a courtroom is usually very expensive. With mediation, you can have your case resolved without the time and financial burden of seeking a resolution in the courts.

Mediation is the future of litigation practice. Many jurisdictions have mandatory mediation rules.

Mediation is confidential. Everything said in mediation is confidential and cannot be used in court. A good mediator also keeps his discussions with either party confidential, unless given permission by the parties. A mediator cannot be called to testify.

Mediation is risk-free. If the mediation is not successful, you can still go back to court and obtain a resolution from a judge or jury.

What types of cases are suitable for mediation?

Paul’s extensive litigation experience allows him to successfully mediate cases in all areas of the law. Cases that are ideally suited for mediation include personal injury, municipal / government liability, land use / real estate, civil rights actions, contract disputes, products liability, premises liability, construction defects, insurance defense, professional negligence and malpractice, estate / probate disputes, landlord / tenant issues, and toxic torts.

To schedule a mediation, please call:

(888) 537-5778

Or click here to send us an email.