Construction projects are complicated undertakings, involving multiple parties, tight deadlines, and significant financial commitments. When disagreements arise—whether over contracts, schedules, or workmanship—they can quickly threaten to derail progress.
That’s where mediation comes in.
What Is Mediation?
A quick level set: mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike litigation or arbitration, mediation emphasizes collaboration, with the parties determining the outcome. The mediator guides the discussion, fosters understanding, and encourages creative problem-solving, and the parties themselves control the resolution, if any.
“Mediation gives parties control over the outcomes—while saving time, money, and relationships.”
- Tracey B. Frisch, Division Vice President, Mediation, AAA®
In construction, where relationships matter and delays are costly, mediation offers a practical way to resolve disputes without the time, expense, and uncertainty of going to court. The parties can select the mediator of their choice, whether an attorney with construction experience or an industry professional—it’s a matter of expertise.
Why AAA Mediation for Construction Disputes?
Construction disputes are uniquely complex. They often involve technical issues, multiple stakeholders, and overlapping contractual obligations. Traditional litigation can be slow, expensive, and adversarial, adding further strain to already challenging projects.
Mediation, by contrast, offers:
- Speed: Mediation sessions usually can be scheduled quickly, avoiding months of delay.
- Cost-Effectiveness: By streamlining resolution, mediation saves both legal fees and project costs.
- Flexibility: The parties and mediator can adapt the process to meet the specific needs of the parties and the project.
- Preservation of Relationships: Mediation emphasizes collaboration, which can be critical when parties must continue working together.
Why AAA Featured California Construction Mediators?
Not every mediator understands the intricacies of construction disputes. That’s why AAA created the AAA Featured California Construction Mediation Panel. Each of the 20+ top-rated construction mediators on the Panel combines dispute resolution skills with deep industry experience. Many have worked as attorneys, engineers, or project leaders on major construction projects.
They bring:
- Real-World Insight into construction practices and challenges.
- Credibility that helps move parties toward resolution.
- Efficiency in managing scheduling, case support, and payments.
- Results-Driven Focus to help parties reach practical, business-minded solutions.
“AAA mediators don’t just know dispute resolution; they know construction.”
– Michael R. Powell, Regional Vice President, Construction Division, AAA
Keeping Projects Moving Forward
From contract interpretation disputes to multi-party conflicts on mega-projects, the AAA’s California construction mediators provide a credible, efficient way to keep projects on track. By cutting through complexity and focusing on resolution, mediation not only resolves disputes, it helps ensure construction projects continue to move forward.