Patricia McGruder is a skilled mediator focused on fostering understanding between parties in conflict. With over 20 years experience resolving workplace disputes, she excels at mediating employment cases involving wrongful termination, discrimination, wage issues, and more. Patricia creates a safe space for dialogue and guides parties through evaluating options objectively. As an experienced neutral mediator, she is committed to upholding fairness and helping parties reconcile differences through interest-based solutions.
SERVICES AND FEE POLICIES
A mediator provides a service by navigating the parties through the mediation process. I am humbled that you are selecting me to assist you in your reconciling issues and moving on. The mediation process is an opportunity for parties to work together through an open dialogue to resolve their differences. Critical tenets of the process include confidentiality, full disclosure, good faith efforts, and respect of all parties participating in the process. The mediator, a third-party neutral, will guide the parties through the mediation process by soliciting questions and clarifications, summarizing facts, and leading the discussion of the party-driven solutions.
Based on the nature of your issue(s), you will need to decide on the duration of time needed for the mediation.
Half-Day Service: $750 per party for three hours. The in-person mediation includes drinks and snacks. Starting Time: 9:30 a.m. (CT) or 1:00 p.m. (CT)
Full-Day Service: $1500 per party for eight (8) hours. The in-person mediation includes lunch, drinks and snacks. Starting Time: 9:30 a.m. (CT)
- Please note: At this time, due to COVID, only virtual mediations are being conducted on the Zoom platform.
Overtime Service: If the mediation extends beyond the allotted time for the selected service, each party will be charged an hourly fee of $250.00 per hour or you may select another half or full day service. Payment for overtime service is due before additional services are rendered.
Note: The quoted fees are for each separate side. In addition, I welcome the opportunity to travel to destinations outside of Dallas, Texas to mediate cases. Under such circumstances, my standard fees apply in addition to a per diem per day for any transportation, lodging, and meal expenses. Each party will be billed on a pro-rata basis unless alternative arrangements are made in advance of the mediation.
PAYMENT POLICY
STEP ONE
The parties are encouraged to discuss mutually agreeable dates to conduct the mediation. It is recommended you submit three possible dates/times for the mediation. Parties may schedule a pre-mediation conference to discuss logistics such as the dates/times, electronic platform, payment method, etc.
STEP TWO
Each party will then receive an invoice. If you are represented by an attorney, the attorney will receive the invoice. The invoice may be paid (1) by clicking the E-commerce button on this page (2) via PayPal or (3) by electronic transfer.
All fees must be remitted 14 (fourteen) days prior to the held mediation date. If payment is not received from each side, or special arrangements have not been agreed upon, the mediation will be subject to cancellation.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The mediation process is successful when we all work together. We each have to work diligently to find a date when everyone can convene. Be sure to discuss with each other your availability and alternate dates.
Prior to the 14th day of your originally held mediation, you may reschedule without a penalty. Again, you will have 14 days to pay for the service. If you have to reschedule again, payment of the full mediation is due before a date will be held.