W. Bruce Wold, Esq.

“I have always hoped all parties leave the mediation process with the strong belief that the right thing happened – and that the process worked. To make that happen the mediator must be prepared, professional, thoughtful, and credible.”  – Bruce Wold

Bruce Wold has built a reputation as a practical, good-humored problem-solver who respects the complex relationships among the parties and uses that knowledge to guide them toward conflict-free resolution.  As an extremely successful attorney handling high stakes litigation with a variety of clients both locally and nationally, Mr. Wold employed a combination of vigorous representation and a clear understanding of what it truly takes to help clients.  He recognized the value of mediation and other forms of ADR early in his career, and has mediated more than 100 cases nationwide.

Before retiring in 2006 from the practice of law, Mr. Wold went through formal mediation training and conducted mediation in many interesting and challenging cases.  Bruce then joined the Resolution Remedies panel, serving as a popular mediator, arbitrator, and discovery referee on both simple and complex cases.

In a recent interview Mr. Wold passed along some interesting thoughts about his role as mediator:

• I have observed, studied, and utilized all sorts of mediation styles and approaches, but, interestingly enough, I’ve participated in mediations where the best thing a mediator did and said was absolutely nothing. For attorneys, you might agree, this is an enormous exercise in personal restraint, but it works when the situation calls for it.
• No single style by the mediator can work every time. Much like a coach must analyze how a game is going and make appropriate adjustments, a mediator must understand what is working and what is not, and then adjust the process as necessary.
• Effective mediators learn to dispel preconceptions about the case at the door. Thorough preparation is essential, of course, but flexibility and disciplined thinking are paramount to the process. You never know when you might have to shift strategy in mid-stream, so it’s vitally important to be open-minded, accommodating and flexible.
• A negotiated final agreement driven by a process in which both counsel and their clients have actively participated in a meaningful and civil way is profoundly satisfying, particularly when you’ve contributed little more than your attentiveness, gentle guidance and presence.”