Testimonials from Attorneys about Dispute Resolution Services (DRS)
DRS Director, Chris Leick, supervises and provides consultation to all other DRS professionals. She will continue to do so during her 2008 Sabbatical.
"I've always considered DRS to be the Cadillac of mediation. DRS’s [attention to] detail and their practice of keeping everyone informed during the mediation process keeps communication and agreements flowing."
"I have been a family law practitioner for almost 22 years, and am a huge proponent of mediation. I have referred many clients to DRS for mediation and have heard only positive feedback. I have always been impressed by the DRS mediators in their professionalism, competency, creativity and thoroughness. Their Memorandums of Agreement are excellent."
"I have used the mediators at Dispute Resolution Services for over 15 years. All of the mediators are highly trained, professional, and have years of experience in Family Law. One of the unique services DRS offers is the use of computer generated balance sheets and session summaries that keep the parties, and their attorneys, current with the progress of each mediation session. This prevents misunderstandings, keeps everyone on track, and aids attorneys in drafting final settlements."
"Chris Leick and DRS have been valuable resources to me [in] the resolution of many difficult (and some not so difficult) cases. They provide the key components of creativity, patience, the ability to see both parties' real issues, and plain common sense. My clients say that the comprehensive financial work sheets to start the process and the prompt and detailed summaries provided after each session make the process easier to understand and accept."
"Dispute Resolution Services… provide a very professional service and offer a friendly and pleasing environment for [clients I’ve referred]. Chris Leick and Bob Zalk, the 2 mediators that I have used, have exceptional skills. Not only do they know how to deal with people going through a very emotionally trying episode in their lives, they also have experience as family law attorneys well versed in the applicable law. I have been consistently impressed with Dispute Resolution Services [and regard them] as one of the best providers of ADR services in the state."
"I've been pleased to bring my clients to Dispute Resolution Services to mediate their family law disputes. Chris Leick is detailed oriented, organized and creative in her problem solving. Bob Zalk lets everyone feel heard and exudes an air of judicial wisdom."
“Working with DRS brings a polished and business like method of resolving disputes, which are often painful and difficult, to the divorce process for both the parties and the attorneys. Chris and her entire staff set a standard of professionalism and dignity rarely found in this business."
"Overall, of all of the various mediation models, I think Chris Leick's [DRS] model is by far the most thorough, professional, and effective. DRS is the gold standard of mediation…. [Their] methods of resolving dissolution cases are extremely thorough, informed, and effective. I particularly like how Chris uses actual hard numbers and facts, projected onto a large screen in the room, to help move the parties from an emotional argument to a real problem-solving session. I think the most difficult thing about settling divorce cases is the high degree of emotion that litigants bring to the mediation. Issues that have nothing to do with the value of the house, or the amount of child support, can often side track a settlement. Chris has a way of listening to the feelings, acknowledging them so the client feels heard, and then moving on the problem-solving. I find her to be insightful, meticulous in her command of the details, thorough, and operating with a very high level of emotional intelligence. Her hands on knowledge of how dissolutions work is unparalleled.
"As an attorney, I appreciate the detailed written summaries [DRS] prepares of each mediation session. Those summaries are particularly helpful when the parties are mediating alone, without counsel present. I also appreciate [DRS’] willingness to mediate cases with both attorneys present. Chris understands that having the lawyers there can facilitate a settlement, and that we are not the enemy."
"I think Chris Leick is one of the best family law mediators in the Twin Cities. She does an excellent job managing the process and the personalities involved. Bob Zalk's demeanor puts the parties at ease. The parties and lawyers listen to his recommendations because of his extensive experience and knowledge of family law. The staff at DRS is always professional, punctual and courteous."
From Jodi A. Beste, Assistant Director of Neutral Services, National Arbitration Forum:
"Our experience with Frank Abramson as a Neutral has been extremely positive. Mr. Abramson’s extensive experience as a trial attorney and ADR professional prompted the FORUM to extend him an invitation. Since joining our panel, Mr. Abramson has successfully conducted hundreds of proceedings, including both arbitrations and mediations. He has been effective in dealing with all manner of conflicts, from complex, emotionally charged matters with entrenched parties, to straightforward contractual disputes. Mr. Abramson’s high level of competence and thorough professionalism are apparent in all his dealings with parties, attorneys, and FORUM personnel. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Abramson as an ADR professional."
Attribution available upon request.
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