In episode 200, Coffey talks with Gary Fowler live from the North Texas SHRM Conference about alternative dispute resolution especially mediation when a lawsuit may be involved. 

They discuss the distinctions between mediation and arbitration; the confidentiality protections in mediation; the difference between mediation and arbitration; preparation for effective mediation sessions; why decision-makers need to be present during mediation; economic and non-economic factors that can be addressed through mediation; the mediator selection process; who pays for mediation; and how a good mediator helps parties reach agreement.

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com. 

If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com. 

About our Guest:

Gary Fowler is a mediator and arbitrator with JAMS. He has been Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1994 and is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. With over 35 years of experience in all areas of labor and employment law, he has served as a mediator and arbitrator since 2015. He is a frequent speaker on alternative dispute resolution, focusing on mediation of discrimination, harassment, trade secret, executive compensation, and wage/hour disputes. He was co-chair of the Jackon Walker L&E section from 2013 to 2021, when he joined JAMS.

Gary Fowler can be reached at

https://www.jamsadr.com/fowler/

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association. 

Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year. 

Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas’ 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee.

Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week.

Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth. 

Learning Objectives:

1.       Distinguish between the different forms of alternative dispute resolution

2.       Prepare effectively for mediation

3.       Understand the confidentiality provisions in mediation agreements and under Texas law