John Delaney
                                        Mediator

Frequently Asked Questions

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WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A MEDIATOR?

I began mediating in January 2001 after retiring from the district court where I had been serving since 1984.

Since 2001 I've mediated or arbitrated something over 375 cases, as of January 1, 2008.

DO YOU STILL SERVE AS A JUDGE?

I frequently serve as a trial judge in Brazos and other counties.

WHAT KINDS OF CASES HAVE YOU MEDIATED?

My cases have included medical and other professional negligence, land titles, land damage, estate settlement, personal injury from auto collisions, premises liability, commercial disputes, oil and gas, collections, divorce, child custody, and custody modifications.

ARE YOUR CASES MOSTLY IN BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION?

Most of them have been in the Brazos County area, but I've mediated cases in Houston, Austin, Beaumont, Lufkin, Conroe, Navasota and Hempstead. I've mediated cases pending in other cities that attorneys have brought to me in Bryan.

I have no objection to traveling to another city even for cases pending in my home county when it's more economical to the parties.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MEDIATION STYLE?

I tend to be an "active" as opposed to a "passive" style of mediator. I describe myself as a "vigorous advocate for settlement."

WHAT IS YOUR SETTLEMENT RATE IN MEDIATIONS?

My mediation settlement rate is 94%.

WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THAT TO?

Partly it's because I am passionate about trying to find a way to get a case settled. Partly it's because of the prior judicial experience I bring to the table. I enjoy explaining the frustrations and uncertainty of civil litigation.

I think I'm good at bringing it alive so that people understand, often for the first time, the risks of NOT settling their case.

I have a great deal of empathy for the difficulties that people experience as they navigate through our judicial system. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to help them put an end to their problems in a short period of time.

WHAT WAS THAT JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE?

I became a district court judge in Brazos County in 1984. I've tried something around 550 jury trials, both civil and criminal. Beyond that I've tried thousands of bench trials of all kinds. That experience has given me a feel for the strengths and weaknesses of cases.

Some lawyers have said it adds to my credibility in evaluating their case.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR CASES ARE ARBITRATIONS?

About 3%, but it's been increasing. Usually, but not always, my arbitrations have included an undisclosed "high/low" agreement that's been negotiated by the attorneys.

WHERE DO YOU DO YOUR MEDIATIONS OR ARBITRATIONS?

Usually they happen in one of the lawyers' offices. When the lawyers are from out of town I use other local attorneys' offices, or one of several locations in Bryan Texas. That's proved very successful.

Maps and directions can be found here - just click here to visit my location page.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

Feel free to call or e-mail me about your case and I will explain my fee arrangements. I'm happy to quote either a "half-day" or "full-day" fee and let the parties chose which they think is most favorable to them. When the parties are unable to afford a full fee I'm open to discussing a reduced fee.

You can see my fee schedule here.

CAN YOU PROVIDE A RESUME I CAN SHARE WITH MY CLIENT OR OPPOSING COUNSEL?

Of course. Click here to see my resume.